Got Foot Pain? You May Have Sciatica.

We have all likely had foot pain at some point in our lives—albeit from causes such as arthritis, sports injury and/or flat feet.  However, we often times overlook the low back as the culprit for foot pain.  For instance, if you have pain in one or both of your feet as well as any of the following symptoms, your lower back may be the one to blame.  Many indicators may include:

• Back pain, which may be a mild ache, or a debilitating-sharp, burning sensation
• Weakness, pain, numbness and/or tingling in the lower extremities
• Discomfort when sneezing, coughing or laughing
• Pain that may worsen at night, interrupting your sleep
• Heel walk, which is the decreased ability to bring your foot upward
• Drop foot (difficulty when flexing your ankle and bring up the front of your foot)
• Restricted ability to walk on your tiptoes, walk, drive and/or lift your heel off the ground

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, you may have sciatica.

What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a when one or more nerve roots along the lumbar spine are pressured, irritated or damaged and cause pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the lower back and extremities.  Sciatica is a symptom of other medical conditions with the lower (lumbar) spinal column such as a herniated disc (can also be referred to as a slipped or bulging disc), degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, injury and/or piriformis syndrome.  
 
Sciatica is fairly common and studies suggest that as many as 40 percent of people will get sciatica at some point in their life.  You may watch this video to learn more about the causes of sciatica.  

What are the treatment options for sciatica?  
Treatment options may include:

• Activity modification
• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Heat and ice therapy
• Injections
• Surgery in some cases  

Typically, a combination of treatments works best to treat sciatica.  You can schedule an appointment with SpineOne and have one of our board-certified physicians diagnose your condition and help you get started on the road to recovery.
 
When can I expect to resume my normal activities without pain? 
Many people with sciatica are able to resume their normal activities after treatment.  The goal of treatment for most patients is to have a healthy, active lifestyle free of sciatic pain.  You’ll want to speak with a board-certified physician to plan your particular treatment and get back in the swing of things.
 
Does sciatica require surgery?  
In some cases, surgery may be needed.  That being said, SpineOne is dedicated to minimally invasive options whenever possible and will do everything we can to help you have a more pain-free life.
 
Where can I get treatment for sciatica?  
You will need to have a spine specialist like those at SpineOne assess, diagnose and recommend treatment for your condition. 

SpineOne spine specialists provide information about your condition and optional treatment plans in a straight and direct manner.  You use that knowledge to make a well-informed decision about how to best manage your pain, and a treatment plan is tailored to address your specific needs.

The physicians at SpineOne practice minimally invasive procedures combined with other practices such as physical therapy to get you back on your feet and enjoying life to the fullest again.

SpineOne provides doctor consultations, MRIs and treatments all from the same facility for your convenience.  Same-day appointments are also available upon request.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms or chronic back pain, be sure to Contact us today!