When we suffer from foot pain, we often don’t think that the root of the problem could lie in our back. However, when it comes to sciatica, this is often the case. To help find the source of your foot pain, it may help to dig deeper into your sciatic nerve and see if it has played a role.
If a nerve root in your lower back is damaged or compressed, this causes pain to radiate down the sciatic nerve to your foot. If your foot pain follows trauma to your lower back, this can help you pinpoint the exact site of nerve damage.
Symptoms of Sciatica Pain
At times, aging and deterioration of the lumbar spine can contribute to symptoms of sciatic pain. Symptoms of sciatica may include:
- Pain
- Weakness in the buttocks, thighs, and legs
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle spasms
- Symptoms that only affect one leg at a time
Causes of Sciatic Pain
Compressed nerves often cause sciatic pain. Sciatica pain in the foot is usually accompanied by pain in your lower back. This pain seems to radiate from your lower back through your leg, ending in your foot. A slipped disc can press on the sciatic nerve root, causing pain and discomfort.
The following lower back conditions can contribute to sciatic pain:
- Herniated Lumbar Disc: A herniated disc results from a disc’s inner core being pushed out or leaking through its outer core. The pushing or leaking puts pressure on the nerve root, which may radiate down to the sciatic nerve. Depending on the herniated disc location, pain from the sciatic nerve will radiate down the leg into the foot.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition that refers to the spinal nerve roots becoming compressed, resulting in inflammation of the area. This compression contributes to feelings of weakness, tingling, or numbness in the foot.
- Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra slips over another vertebra, altering the spine segment. This slip often results in pinched nerves that cause pain to radiate down the leg into the foot.
It would be best if you found out the specific cause of your foot pain. It can be done through an examination by a trained physician for a complete diagnosis.
Contact Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle for Sciatic Pain Relief
If you can’t figure out why your sciatica is not going away, perhaps it’s time to visit your local podiatrist to find a solution. Our podiatrists at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle are here to help you get to the root of your pain. We’ll create a plan of action to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.
To schedule an appointment with us, give us a call or fill out our online contact form. A staff member will be in touch soon to get you on your way to happier, healthier feet.
