Leg Pain
Many types of leg pain stem from lower back conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis that irritate the nearby nerve root, with symptoms carried from the sciatic nerve down the back of the leg and even into the foot.
The term "sciatica" is used to describe symptoms of leg pain and possible numbness, tingling, and weakness that is referred from the lower back along the sciatic nerve. With sciatica, the patient may feel no back pain but have severe leg pain.
Accurately Diagnosing Leg Pain
There are many conditions which can cause foot drop by affecting the peroneal nerve that controls the foot's ability to flex properly.
Causes of Leg Pain and Foot Pain
Leg pain and foot pain can be directly related to lower back conditions, including degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, spinal stenosis and sciatica.
Causes of Leg Pain Video
There are a number of different ways structures in the spine can cause pain going down into the leg, mostly from referred pain and radiculopathy.
Common Causes of Foot Drop
Diagnosing Causes of Foot Drop
The diagnostic process for foot drop includes conducting a physical exam and reviewing the medical history. Nerve conduction and/or medical imaging tests may be ordered as necessary.
Foot Drop Treatments
Foot drop treatments aim at managing the underlying cause. Both nonsurgical and/or surgical treatments may be used.
Foot Pain Causes and Treatments
Foot pain that is usually associated with leg pain (sciatica) is often the result of lower back conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis.