Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?

Q: Foot Pain and Numbness: Could a Herniated Disc Be the Cause?

Hello： Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur. <br>It is recommended that if you 1. <br>experience severe and intolerable symptoms, or 2. <br>have significant neural compression evident on MRI that can explain your condition

Only experiencing numbness in the soles of the feet and a tingling sensation in the lower limbs?

Hello, doctor.
Since November 2021, I have experienced sudden pain and numbness in the left sole of my foot while playing basketball.
After a month, the right foot also started to feel slightly numb, with burning sensations and occasional prickling feelings.
I have consulted many orthopedic and neurosurgeons and undergone various tests, including X-rays, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and MRI scans, all of which did not reveal any significant issues.
There were no abnormalities in my thoracic or lumbar spine.
Some doctors suggested sciatica, while others indicated foot-related problems.
I have undergone numerous physical therapies and medication treatments for my feet and lower back, but there has been no improvement.
It wasn't until early August 2022 that a full spine MRI at a spinal orthopedic clinic revealed a herniated disc in my cervical spine.
At that point, I realized that I occasionally felt numbness in my left back, although my arms showed no symptoms.
My question is, could the herniated disc in my cervical spine be causing my current symptoms of foot pain, numbness, and burning sensations? Is there a chance for recovery through rehabilitation, or would I need minimally invasive surgery? What is the success rate of such surgeries?

Wang Guangguo, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/13

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery

Hello: Cervical spinal cord lesions presenting solely with foot symptoms are rare, but they can occur.
It is recommended that if you 1.
experience severe and intolerable symptoms, or 2.
have significant neural compression evident on MRI that can explain your condition, you may consider minimally invasive cervical spine surgery.
If performed by an experienced neurosurgeon, the general risks are quite low.
Best wishes, Dr.
Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Neurosurgery, Changhua Hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/08/13

More Info

Understanding foot pain and numbness can be quite complex, especially when multiple factors may contribute to the symptoms. Based on your description, it appears that you have been experiencing pain and numbness in your feet since November 2021, which has persisted despite various medical evaluations and treatments. You mentioned that you have undergone multiple diagnostic tests, including X-rays, nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and MRI scans, which have not revealed any significant issues in your lumbar spine or lower extremities. However, a cervical disc herniation was identified in August 2022, which raises important considerations regarding the potential relationship between your neck condition and the symptoms in your feet.

Cervical disc herniation can indeed lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that may radiate down the arms and potentially affect the lower extremities. This occurs because the cervical spine houses the nerve roots that can influence the entire body, including the lower limbs. While it is more common for cervical issues to manifest as symptoms in the arms, it is not impossible for them to affect the legs, especially if there is significant nerve root involvement or if the spinal cord is affected.

The symptoms you describe—burning sensations, tingling, and pain—could be indicative of neuropathy or nerve compression. In your case, the absence of lumbar spine issues on imaging does suggest that the source of your symptoms may not be localized to the lower back. However, it is essential to consider that the body’s nervous system is interconnected, and issues in one area can sometimes lead to referred pain or altered sensations in another.

Regarding treatment options, physical therapy and rehabilitation can be beneficial for managing symptoms associated with cervical disc herniation. A tailored rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening the neck and upper back muscles, improving posture, and enhancing flexibility may help alleviate some of the discomfort. Additionally, modalities such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy can provide symptomatic relief.

If conservative treatment options do not yield satisfactory results, or if your symptoms worsen, surgical intervention may be considered. Microdiscectomy, which is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the herniated portion of the disc, has a high success rate in relieving nerve compression and improving symptoms. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made collaboratively with your healthcare provider, taking into account the severity of your symptoms, the impact on your daily life, and your overall health.

In summary, while your cervical disc herniation could potentially contribute to your foot pain and numbness, it is crucial to continue working closely with your healthcare team to explore all possible avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining open communication with your doctors, seeking second opinions if necessary, and adhering to a comprehensive rehabilitation plan will be key to managing your symptoms effectively.

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