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What Causes Severe Pain In Lower Left Back, Lower Leg And Foot?
Question: I have severe back pain on my left lower back, my lower leg and foot are numb and the outer side of my upper left leg is slightly numb. I am taking painkillers but they only help for a short while and the pain is not completely controlled. The pain is eased slightly when I bend down, like a touching my toes shape. I am not sleeping well and find that I am struggling to reach the bathroom in time. I have rheumatoid arthritis but it is controlled, this came on suddenly after I lifted shopping bags. I am at my wits end, been suffering since Monday last. Please can you suggest something I can do to relieve the pain.
Brief Answer:
Could be pain of sciatica
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. Your symptoms are suggesting that you are suffering from sciatica. It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. There is compression of sciatic nerve due to vertebrae compression as a result pain occurs in the area supplied by sciatic nerve.
I would suggest you to get an appointment for an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist. Either one of them will perform complete neurological examination and will advise some investigations like X-Ray lumbosacral spine. Results will decide the course of treatment. Meanwhile following steps could help to improve symptoms:
- Physiotherapy
- naproxen thrice a day
- oil massage over lower back and at the site of pain.
- avoid lifting heavy weight.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Could be pain of sciatica
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. Your symptoms are suggesting that you are suffering from sciatica. It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. There is compression of sciatic nerve due to vertebrae compression as a result pain occurs in the area supplied by sciatic nerve.
I would suggest you to get an appointment for an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist. Either one of them will perform complete neurological examination and will advise some investigations like X-Ray lumbosacral spine. Results will decide the course of treatment. Meanwhile following steps could help to improve symptoms:
- Physiotherapy
- naproxen thrice a day
- oil massage over lower back and at the site of pain.
- avoid lifting heavy weight.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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