Overview

Many spinal nerves that originate in the thoracic or lumbar region of the spine descend down to the leg and terminate in the foot.
When nerve roots of the spinal nerves are pinched or compressed due to a spinal condition such as sciatica nerve compression, herniated disc, bulging disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, etc. foot pain may occur. Sciatica nerve compression is the most common reason for pain in the foot.

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    Diagnosis

    Symptoms

    Following are some of the most commonly observed symptoms of spine injury causing foot pain:

    • Foot drop
    • Difficulty walking
    • Numbness and tingling
    • Heel Walk (in case of sciatica nerve pain)
    • Weakness in foot muscles
    • Pain radiating from lower back
    Is Spinal Disc Replacement Surgery

    Diagnosis

    Foot pain can be due to an injury, foot disease, wearing ill-fitted shows, arthritis, or a spinal problem. A diagnosis will help you find the real cause of your foot pain. Your doctor will check your reflexes, or may ask you to walk on your toes or lift your leg. Foot pain due to spine problems will become worse while doing these moves. To ensure the foot pain is caused due to a problem in your back, it is advisable to see a spine surgeon. Other diagnostic tests may include:

    • X-ray
    • MRI
    • CT Scan
    • EMG (Electromyography)
    What is it and how is it performed

    Treatment

    Treatments for foot pain differ widely, depending on the underlying cause. Mild to moderate foot pain due to a muscle pull or strain can be treated with conservative treatment methods. However, if the underlying cause is diagnosed to be a spinal injury, surgery is the best treatment.

    • Physical therapy and messages
    • Exercises (as recommended by the doctor)
    • Medications
    • Surgery (if spine is damaged)

    Why Choose Us?

    If you suspect the pain in your foot is originating from a problem in your spine, a spine specialist should be contacted. At Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery, Dr. Moksha Ranasinghe board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon has years of experience and expertise in treating foot pain due to spinal injuries.

    1.

    Advanced diagnostic methods

    2.

    State-of-the-art technology

    3.

    Minimally Invasive Surgery

    4.

    Patient-centered approach

    5.

    Recovery with less downtime

    6.

    Outstanding patient care

    For more information call us at (213) 369-4583 or visit our office in Los Angeles today!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    faq
    Which part of the spine causes foot pain?
    A:

    The compression of the sciatica nerve is the major cause of foot pain. This nerve branches from the lower back down to your leg and ends in the foot. If this nerve is pinched in the lower part of the body, it may cause foot pain.

    How can L4 and L5 cause pain in the foot?
    A:

    The bulging, ruptured, or torn disc may compress the L4 or L5 nerve root. The L5 nerve compression may produce pain that travels down to the leg and foot.

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