Leg Pain

Diagnostic evaluation and tests can help identify the cause of leg and/or foot pain and rule out serious medical conditions, such as tumors or infections.

There are many conditions which can cause foot drop by affecting the peroneal nerve that controls the foot's ability to flex properly.

Leg pain and foot pain can be directly related to lower back conditions, including degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, spinal stenosis and sciatica.

There are a number of different ways structures in the spine can cause pain going down into the leg, mostly from referred pain and radiculopathy.

A foot drop may occur when there is weakness in the leg muscles. This type of weakness may be caused by neurological or muscular disorders.

The diagnostic process for foot drop includes conducting a physical exam and reviewing the medical history. Nerve conduction and/or medical imaging tests may be ordered as necessary.

The symptoms of foot drop vary depending on the type and severity of the underlying condition. People with foot drop may experience falls, tripping, gait problems, and weakness in their affected leg.

Foot drop treatments aim at managing the underlying cause. Both nonsurgical and/or surgical treatments may be used.

Foot pain that is usually associated with leg pain (sciatica) is often the result of lower back conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis.