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Patients with spinal stenosis and foot pain have therapeutic options

Spinal stenosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, or no symptoms at all, but many patients note a correlation between spinal stenosis and foot pain. In many cases, the foot pain is accompanied by leg pain, hip pain and lower back pain. Some patients may even lose sensation in their foot, or feel as though it slaps the ground when they walk — a problem known as “foot drop.” In other cases tingling, numbness or shooting sensations in the feet are the patient’s primary symptoms.

Because the pain can be caused by a condition removed from the foot — such as a compressed spinal nerve — it may be difficult for doctors and patients alike to make the connection between the foot pain and spinal stenosis. However, when diagnosed correctly, patients can begin developing a pain management plan with the assistance of their primary care physician. Spinal stenosis-related foot pain often worsens over time. This is why it’s important to find effective methods for managing any discomfort you are experiencing.

Conservative therapies are the first choice for managing spinal stenosis-related foot pain

Upon diagnosis of spinal stenosis as the source of foot pain, conservative therapies are typically the first course of action. These options include:

  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Hot and cold compression therapy
  • Physical therapy sessions and regular exercise
  • Epidural spinal injections to relieve pain and inflammation

Some patients also choose to explore alternative options, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care, but it is important to keep your doctor informed of any new treatments you pursue.

When to consider spinal stenosis surgery

For some spinal stenosis patients, surgery may be necessary to achieve meaningful pain relief if conservative treatments have been fully exhausted. Traditional open spine surgery can involve a large incision, significant disruption of surrounding tissues, hospitalization and a long, often difficult, recovery period. As a safer and effective alternative, USA Spine Care performs minimally invasive outpatient spine surgery that offers a lower complication rate and no lengthy recovery^ compared to traditional procedures.

USA Spine Care is here to help you evaluate your spinal stenosis-related foot pain treatment options. To request a no-cost MRI review* and find out if you are a candidate for our procedures, contact us today.

Learn more today

If you're living with spinal stenosis in the upper spine and searching for relief, reach out to USA Spine Care for help. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to helping people develop the right care plan to  reach treatment goals and achieve lasting relief.

Contact us today to learn more. Call toll free 1-866-249-1627.

Spinal Stenosis "Quick Answers"

Depending on the region and severity Spinal stenosis feels like tingling, burning and/or weakness in the hands, arms, neck, lower back or legs. It may also feel like a radiating pain or shooting shock-like pain. Read more in the links below: Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Overview Defining Spinal Stenosis Researching Spinal Stenosis Learning About Back Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Pathophysiology
The types of spinal stenosis are region based and consist of cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back) and lumbar or lower back. In addition, foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the foramen. Read more in the links below: Spinal Stenosis of the Neck Cervical Stenosis - Basic Facts Neck Stenosis Causes Neck Stenosis Treatment Central Canal Stenosis Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis in the Back
Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition, most often located in the Lumbar spine, may be caused by degeneration of the spine, wear and tear, sports injury, & collapsing discs. Read more in the links below. What Causes Spinal Stenosis? Obesity May Lead to a Stenosis Diagnosis Age and its Role in the Development of Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis Causes Identifying Common Causes From Birth Defects to Getting Older Degenerative Conditions Car Accident Injuries
The symptoms of spinal stenosis include tingling or numbness in the extremities, pain and weakness in the neck, back and/or legs. In severe cases bladder, bowel dysfunction/continence. Learn more in the links below: What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis? Spinal Stenosis Symptoms Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis What Should I Do If I Think I Have Spinal Stenosis? Spinal Stenosis and Hand Pain Recognizing Spinal Stenosis Have You Been Diagnosed? About Your Diagnosis Diagnostic Process Helping Your Physician How a Diagnosis Is Made Arriving at a Diagnosis
Physician specialties that treat spinal stenosis include: Pain management & rehabilitation physicians, spine surgeons, orthopedic specialists & neurosurgeons. Read more about these specialties in the links below: Doctors Who Treat Spinal Stenosis Spinal Decompression Doctors
Patients can expect recovery to last 4-6 weeks in most cases (depending on the complexity of your condition). People who choose minimally invasive spine surgery recover faster and get back to work sooner than those who choose open back surgery. Read more in the links below: Recovery After a Procedure What to Expect Recovery Times

  • Problems from anesthesia.
  • A deep infection in the surgical wound.
  • A skin infection.
  • Blood clots.
  • Nerve injury, including weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
  • Tears in the fibrous tissue that covers the spinal cord and the nerve near the spinal cord. These tears may require more surgery.
  • Trouble passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Long-term (chronic) pain, which happens after surgery in some cases.
  • The chance that the surgery won't relieve your symptoms. And even if you get better with surgery, there is a chance that you may get new symptoms in the future.
  • Death from problems caused by surgery, but this is rare.

Read more in the links below: Overview of Risk Factors Most Common Risk Factors Obesity & Spinal Stenosis Spinal Stenosis & Arthritis Treating Elderly Patients

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