Could Spinal Problems Be Causing Foot Pain?
Spinal nerves travel throughout the body. One series travels down your legs to your feet. This nerve root is the portion that exits the spinal cord. This can become compressed or irritated. If this occurs, you may be experiencing spinal problems causing foot pain. This also happens if other nerves are compressed, specifically, those near the hip, knee, or foot.
Spinal Problems Causing Foot Pain
Nerve root irritation in your lower back can cause radiating pain. Sciatica is common when lumbar and sacral nerves are affected. This pain radiates down the leg to the foot. And specifically, compression of the S1 nerve root. This causes classic sciatica. Pain can occur to the outer side of your foot as a result.
Several things can cause nerve root compression. The most common examples include:
Lumbar herniated disc: contents of the intervertebral disc leak
Lumbar degenerative disc disease: Age-related changes disc to shrink and narrow
Spondylolisthesis: Vertebra slips over the one below
Lumbar spinal stenosis: The bony openings for nerves to pass through narrows. The spinal cord itself can also narrow.
Foot drop is a specific condition caused by spinal nerve compression. This occurs when the L5 nerve root gets compressed. The result is an inability to lift the front of your foot. You will have trouble walking and will trip frequently. Additionally, L4 and S1 nerve root compression can cause this, although rarer.
Foot Pain Caused by Compression of Other Nerves
Spinal nerves are not the only possible cause for foot pain. Damage to nerves in the hip, knee, or leg can also cause foot pain.
Peroneal neuropathy: When the peroneal nerve is compressed or damaged. This typically occurs near the knee. It will cause foot pain when you try to walk.
Sciatic neuropathy: This condition is described as damage to the sciatic nerve in your pelvic region. This may cause pain at the top of the foot and some weakness.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Dysfunction of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. This is located in the inner ankle. Pain can be sharp through the ankle and sole of the foot.
Sural nerve entrapment: This occurs in the leg or near the ankle. It typically causes pain on the outer side of the ankle and foot.
Corns can also develop on the skin of your toes. Over time these can cause friction. This can compress nearby nerves in which will cause pain. Morton’s neuroma is another possible problem. This thickening of nerve tissue in the foot can cause pain.
Identifying the Source of Foot Pain
There are several possible causes of foot pain, and it is important to correctly identify the cause. This will allow for effective treatment. There are a few signs to help you identify the source.
Foot pain following knee, hip, back, or ankle trauma. This can identify the site of nerve damage.
Foot pain from a compressed nerve root or sciatica. This can be associated with other symptoms. Numbness or weakness to the hip, thigh, or buttocks is common. Typically, only one leg will be affected.
Foot pain after wearing tight shoes. This can indicate peroneal or sural nerve compression.
Foot pain after hip surgery or injection. This can signify sciatic neuropathy.
Nerve pain can also occur from nerve damage. This is common with systemic conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
A direct hit, bending, or twisting the ankle can also cause pain. Bones in the ankle or foot can get damaged. Additionally, tendons, muscles, and blood vessels can be affected. Any of these can irritate nerves and cause pain.
Visit Your Doctor for Spinal Problems Causing Foot Pain
To get an accurate diagnosis for foot pain, see your doctor. Treatment options will vary. But, you need to identify the underlying cause for this to be effective. Herniated discs may need heat therapy and exercise. Corns will need special shoes. You want treatment and not just to mask the symptoms.
Visit your doctor for any foot pain. And if you are looking for a back pain specialist or foot pain specialist, we have you covered! Call us at 888-409-8006.