Our bodies are like a chain with one link. Think about what would happen if the first link in the chain was out of position. The point at which it meets the next link would eventually overstress that link and adversely affect the entire chain. That old song, “The leg bones connected to the thigh bone. The thigh bones connected to the hip bone…,” tells the whole story. If you have been suffering from foot pain and discomfort for a long time, it could affect the rest of your body. If you are changing the way you walk to avoid foot discomfort, this could lead to back pain- and vice versa. 

The Connection Between the Lower Back and Foot

The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that begins near the base of the spine, extending downward through the lower extremities, traveling through the hips, buttocks, and legs, before ending in the feet near the toes. If a nerve root in the lower back is irritated or compressed, it can cause pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve to the patient’s foot. The sciatic nerve is what sends the commands which allow for basic movements, such as walking and sitting. When this nerve becomes constricted, inflamed, or compressed in the lumbar spine, often due to degenerative spine conditions that develop in the lower back, the set of symptoms is known as “sciatica.”

Common Symptoms

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Slower reflexes
• Muscle spasms

Common Causes

• Heel spurs
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendonitis
• Sprains or strains
• Fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Sciatica
• Biomechanical issues
• Not wearing proper footwear

Common Treatment Options

• Activity modification
• Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Low-impact exercise
• Stretching techniques
• Physical therapy

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, schedule an appointment at Feet First Foot Care Specialists. Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas is board-certified and treats a wide range of conditions. To schedule an appointment, call our Cromwell, Connecticut office at (860)-632-5499 or visit our website.