What Causes Pain From Tailbone To Foot?

Posted on Wed, 22 Oct 2014

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

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 Answered on

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : When I bend down not even halfway, there is a shooting pain extending from the tailbone, buttock, down the hip and all the way to my foot. This is on the left side. It is so bad it almost causes me to lose my balance. I am sitting now and feel it in my buttock and lower calf. What can I do about this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be sciatica pain.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well looking into your query I would like to tell you that it seems that the shooting pain is due to nerve compression . Since there is no neurological deficit there is nothing to worry about .

Gabapentin , muscle relaxants etc. you have already tried which for mainstay for therapy . Still you can try tramadol for pain relief . Most of the sciatica settle down on their own in about 6 weeks . If after this also you dont get any relief you can go for the nerve block which involves injecting local anesthetic in the nerve , it brings immediate relief and its a very safe procedure . Any concerns just let me know.

Try to avoid physiotherapy till acute pain settles down.

Take care.

DR. Shruti

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (15 hours later)

Can you prescribe tramadol for me. I have no health insurance so going to the doctor is not an option.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for reverting back.

We can not prescribe medicine to you as it is not allowed at this site . You should try to get it as over the counter medicine if you are not able to consult a doctor.

Dr. Shruti

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