Suggest Remedies For Radiating Pain From Left Leg To Foot Post An Injury

Posted on Fri, 12 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 Answered on

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I twisted my back a few weeks ago. Had sudden pain in left sacral area which shoots down left leg to foot. I am on muscle relaxers, prednisone and ibuprophen, and restricted work yet the pain is not getting better, at times worse so I can barely walk. I have an ortho appt next week butt am suffering so. I use ice/hat alternatively. What else can I do. I am a nurse and have mostly still been working.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need bed rest.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain radiating down to the foot is suggestive of a nerve compression. You are already taking muscle relaxants and steroids to help it. In addition to it you need a complete bed rest for proper relief. The back muscles need rest to heal. You can use a L-S contour belt and see if it provides support to the back muscles to maintain a proper posture. Traction at your physiotherapist's office can also help but it is best to consult an orthopedician first and get an MRI scan done for proper diagnosis.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar