Say's that "Leg pain and Foot pain quite often is not caused by a problem in the leg or foot, but rather by a condition in the lower back.

Diagnosis of leg pain and other lower extremity symptoms should focus not only on the legs and hips, but should also include examination of the low back. In fact, with many low back problems, there is actually little or no low back pain. Instead, there may be leg pain, foot pain, and/or lower extremity numbness or weakness.

On a practical point many low back disorders can cause pain to radiate, or be referred to, the leg and/or foot, so an accurate diagnosis of leg pain or foot pain should include a low back examination.

Not all leg pain derived from low back problems presents the same way. Leg pain caused by a low back problem is often accompanied by additional symptoms, such as leg numbness or weakness, or foot pain, and the type of leg pain experienced may vary widely from patient to patient.

These leg symptoms can be evidence of a problem in the low back, and it is usually advisable to seek medical attention to determine the cause of the pain and to find a course of treatment. Leg pain along with certain other symptoms may be a sign of a potentially serious condition and warrant urgent medical attention,
such as:

Progressive weakness in the legs, which can be a sign of nerve damage

Bowel or bladder dysfunction

Fever and/or chills

Recent unintended weight loss

Significant trauma preceding symptoms

Several specific low back conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and more, are common causes of leg pain and foot pain.

So remember that Pain is a communicator, a warning, if you are experiencing any type of persistent pain do seek professional advice as soon as possible".

Terry O'Brien
www.backtrouble.co.uk