I Have Pain In My Left Leg From Lower Back

Posted on Tue, 27 Aug 2019

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

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : i have pain in my left leg from lower back to the ankle. i sometimes feel numbness in my lower back. i feel pain in the ankle as i wake up in the morning and sometimes in the evening. During the day, i do not notice it as much. for last couple of days the back seems to be stiff.

please could you let me know the problem and cure for this.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be disc problem or rheumatologic condition

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

From your description the problem seems to be related to disc herniation or maybe rheumatologic condition. The nerve seems to be getting picked at lumbar region or hip region and its radiating pain to the leg. That is also the cause for numbness.

You definitely need further testing to confirm the cause. The tests recommended are vitamin B12 levels, calcium and vitamin D levels, anti-RA factor. Also X ray and MRI maybe needed. Get yourself examined by an orthopedic surgeon and get tests prescribed. Meanwhile you can take pain killers like ibuprofen or aceclofenac.

Regular stretching of muscles is needed. Back strengthening exercises are needed. Avoid lifting heavy weights. Avoid prolonged sitting, keep moving around.

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng