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What Causes Lower Back Pain Radiating Towards Leg And Foot?
I have pain in my lower back that extends down my leg and to my foot. I have had pain for over a year. i have had tests for arthritis and came back negative. no injuries. I cant hardly walk when i wake up and can barely get through a days work. I have a phycical job and i walk all day. By the end of the day i have so much back and foot pain i can hardly walk to my car. Anti-inflammatory medicine does not help. ibprofin does not help. I am a 35 year old female.
posted on
Wed, 22 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 23 May 2015
Answered on
Mon, 25 May 2015
Last reviewed on
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your concern for the radiating back pain to your feet.
The features described in your query are suggestive of suspected pinched nerve in your lower vertebrae and referred to as sciatica.
Sciatica is a symptom of another medical condition, the underlying cause should be identified and treated.
The most common causes include slipped disk due to degeneration, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the exit points of the nerves for the legs),
Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks) or Pelvic injury or fracture.
Lifestyle modifications (home remedies):
1. Reduce your activity for the first couple of days. Then, slowly start your usual activities.
2. Do not do heavy lifting or twisting of your back for the first 6 weeks after the pain begins.
3. Start exercising again after 2 to 3 weeks. Include exercises to strengthen your abdomen and improve flexibility of your spine.
4. Avoid using soft mattrres while sleeping
4. Physical therapy may also be recommended.
If the above measures fail to elicit a good response, then you have to consult an orthopedic doctor for further evaluation, to find out the underlying cause and its treatment accordingly. May be you need to have X rays of the lower back, MRI, etc.
Treatment depends upon its cause, for pain Antidepressant drugs are found be effective.
Hope this answers your query.
Kindly rate this answer if you are convinced.
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your concern for the radiating back pain to your feet.
The features described in your query are suggestive of suspected pinched nerve in your lower vertebrae and referred to as sciatica.
Sciatica is a symptom of another medical condition, the underlying cause should be identified and treated.
The most common causes include slipped disk due to degeneration, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the exit points of the nerves for the legs),
Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks) or Pelvic injury or fracture.
Lifestyle modifications (home remedies):
1. Reduce your activity for the first couple of days. Then, slowly start your usual activities.
2. Do not do heavy lifting or twisting of your back for the first 6 weeks after the pain begins.
3. Start exercising again after 2 to 3 weeks. Include exercises to strengthen your abdomen and improve flexibility of your spine.
4. Avoid using soft mattrres while sleeping
4. Physical therapy may also be recommended.
If the above measures fail to elicit a good response, then you have to consult an orthopedic doctor for further evaluation, to find out the underlying cause and its treatment accordingly. May be you need to have X rays of the lower back, MRI, etc.
Treatment depends upon its cause, for pain Antidepressant drugs are found be effective.
Hope this answers your query.
Kindly rate this answer if you are convinced.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
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