Hey, I had l5s1 full herniated disc and disectomy on 03/2017. The disc part of the surgery was successful, but the surgeon said there was a lot of scar tissue on the sciatic nerve and he scraped it off. I came out of surgery with the same burning excruciating pain in my leg and foot just like you described. A light breeze was severe pain. It got better over 3 weeks, but far from healed. I experience all the nerve symptoms every day and the numbness fat feeling is constant from mid thigh down to toes. The calf muscle is some of the worst with burning and cramping. I could go on and on describing it all . As for what helps, lidocaine cream, norco and gabapentin. Ice packs are great alternative to drugs, and focused breathing and meditation. About a year ago my PT got me strengthening and stretching. A lengthening exercise that targets the front of my hip by laying down and pressing through the heel into a small soft ball or anything, even a band or strap, opened up that area and I get a flush of blood flow and less nerve pain temporarily. Also standing hip hike strengthens the whole system. I stretch every way possible around my hips and do a lot of core exercises, with the bridge pose and front lunge for hip flexors, we are all built different with weakness and nerve or joint damage in places. But I am getting some minimal relief, and hopefully it leads to a better functioning environment for the nerves to heal more. Good luck.