Leg pain (which may include numbness and/or tingling) is most often the result of either nerve pressure or blood flow which is compromised or restricted somewhere between the low back and the feet. A pinched/constricted nerve will generally result in shooting pain traveling down the leg. It may even feel as though the pain wraps over or around the leg. This pain may occur down one leg (most common) but may occur in both.
Nerve pressure can also produce painful ache in part of the leg with or without sensations of numbness and tingling. When blood flow to the leg is constrained the result is usually numbness or tingling that may affect the whole leg or foot. Sometimes these symptoms may be relieved by a change in position.
Three common causes of restricted blood flow or nerve pressure affecting the leg include:
1. Foraminal Encroachment (narrowing of the holes where the nerves exit the spine)
2. Peripheral Entrapment (pressure on the nerve or blood vessels away from the spine)
3. Bulging or Herniated DiscForaminal Encroachment is a condition caused most often by a degeneration in the spinal column which causes an obstruction in the open spaces on either side of the vertebrae through which spinal nerves pass. As these passageways become more narrow, it can put pressure on the nerves. This pressure can cause pain at the site of the impinged nerve, pain in the extremities (very often the legs) or both.
Peripheral Entrapment describes a condition where the nerves or blood vessels are pinched or pressured in an area of the body other than the spine. This can happen in the hips, pelvis, and/or legs. The impingement of the nerves/blood vessels happens in the muscles or the path through the knee or the ankle. It can be caused by inflammation in the muscles or joints and misalignment of the of the bones in the hips, pelvis, knee or ankle.
Bulging or Herniated Discs are described as different conditions by the Mayo Clinic (click HERE). This excellent brief article states that bulging discs are more common and herniated discs are more likely to cause pain. They go on the state that many people with bulging or herniated discs experience no pain whatsoever. The important thing to remember is that if you have this (often undiagnosed) condition without pain, pain can set in at any time. Pain can come as a result of an injury, a fall or very often, something as mundane as rolling over in bed or bending over to pick something up off the floor.
The symptoms of these three conditions overlap and even mirror each other. That is why diagnosis is so much more important than “popping a pill”. Diagnosis is the first step to proper care.
Because leg pain, numbness or tingling can be very serious, diagnosis and prompt treatment are called for. Doing nothing may lead to permanent damage.
The Drs. Gerber have extensive training, knowledge and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of leg pain, numbness and tingling.
The Benefits of proper care are faster pain relief, accelerated reduction of other symptoms and most importantly, reduced risk of having chronic symptoms which could last a lifetime.
Your Health . . . It’s Worth It!
Dr. Kate Gerber & Dr. John Gerber