Pain from Hips to Feet: Possible Causes and Solutions

Pain from the buttocks to the soles of the feet?

Hello Doctor, initially I felt discomfort in my buttocks, and pressing on a specific symmetrical point on both sides caused discomfort.
Later, my thighs and calves also became uncomfortable.
I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for acupuncture and medication, but it hasn't completely resolved.
The doctor did not provide a clear answer regarding whether it is sciatica.
Now, I also feel pain in the soles of my feet, but the pain occurs only when standing or sitting, especially when standing still, making it feel like I can't stand.
Since last night, I've felt like my foot is shaking and I have difficulty walking, particularly with my left foot.
In the past, when I experienced pain in the soles of my feet, it was painful when I pressed on the soft area near my ankle, but this time only my left foot has some pain, while both heels hurt, but only when the heel touches the ground at an angle or when I step down hard.
I also feel uncomfortable sitting; it feels like something is pressing on my thighs, and if I press or massage the outer sides of my thighs even slightly, it causes significant pain, almost like a continuous ache.
Additionally, the area where the back of my thigh connects to my calf feels particularly uncomfortable.
My calves also hurt, and sometimes I feel twitching sensations.
I can't sleep on my side because it feels like my thighs are pressing on something, and even when lying flat, my legs can't bend comfortably.
Moreover, sometimes I feel numbness in my lower back on the right side, and I'm not sure if it's related to this.
About a month ago, I had similar issues, but it wasn't as severe as it is now; this situation has persisted for two weeks.
Doctor, could you please tell me what might be the problem?

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/11

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

It is likely sciatica, which is characterized by pain in the buttocks that radiates down the back of the thigh to the knee, and further down to the calf and the sole of the foot.
Sometimes, there may also be a tingling sensation.
In more severe cases, there can be weakness in the foot.
You may need to consult an orthopedic physician or a rehabilitation specialist, and if necessary, undergo physical therapy and medication treatment.

Reply Date: 2016/03/11

More Info

Understanding pain that radiates from the hips down to the feet can be quite complex, as there are numerous potential causes and underlying conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of discomfort in the hips, thighs, calves, and feet, along with sensations of pain, discomfort, and even some neurological symptoms like tingling or shaking in your left foot.

Possible Causes
1. Sciatica: Given your mention of discomfort that may relate to the sciatic nerve, sciatica could be a potential cause. This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips and buttocks and down each leg, becomes compressed or irritated. This can lead to pain that radiates down the leg, often accompanied by numbness or tingling.

2. Piriformis Syndrome: This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes pain in the buttocks. This can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms similar to sciatica.

3. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This chronic pain disorder can cause muscle pain and discomfort in various areas of the body, including the hips and legs. Trigger points in the muscles can lead to referred pain, which might explain the discomfort you feel when pressing on certain areas.

4. Nerve Entrapment or Neuropathy: Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or nerve entrapment syndromes can lead to pain, tingling, and weakness in the legs and feet. This could explain the sensations you are experiencing in your left foot and the discomfort in your lower back.

5. Musculoskeletal Issues: Conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, or arthritis in the hip or knee joints can lead to referred pain down the leg. Additionally, muscle strains or tears in the hip, thigh, or calf muscles could also be contributing to your symptoms.

6. Spinal Issues: Given your mention of lower back discomfort, it’s possible that issues such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis could be contributing to your symptoms. These conditions can lead to nerve compression, resulting in pain that radiates down the legs.

Recommended Solutions
1. Medical Evaluation: It is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional, preferably a specialist in orthopedics or neurology. They may recommend imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to assess for any structural issues in the spine or hips.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program that focuses on strengthening the muscles around the hips and lower back, improving flexibility, and addressing any postural issues.

3. Pain Management: Depending on the severity of your pain, your doctor may recommend medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or muscle relaxants. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation.

4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip, thigh, and calf muscles can help alleviate tension and improve mobility. However, it is essential to perform these exercises under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid exacerbating your symptoms.

5. Alternative Therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care may provide relief for some individuals. These therapies can help alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider making adjustments to your daily activities. For instance, if standing for long periods exacerbates your pain, try to incorporate more sitting breaks or use supportive footwear.

7. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning and warrant further investigation, many potential causes can be effectively managed with appropriate medical care and lifestyle modifications. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to identify the underlying cause of your pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding and Managing Hip Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Doctor: Hello. I've been experiencing severe pain in my left hip that has become unbearable. The difference in my ability to bend forward has changed significantly, and every time I do stretching exercises, the pain is intolerable. My flexibility has decreased a lot. I feel ...

Dr. Zheng Shunping reply Rehabilitation
The first issue you described may be due to a herniated disc in the lumbar region, which can lead to nerve compression, resulting in discomfort in the left buttock, particularly painful when bending or sitting. It is recommended that you apply heat therapy regularly, avoid excess...

Understanding Lower Back, Hip, and Leg Pain: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Zhou! Here is my condition: In October 2009, I fell from a height due to a car accident, impacting my left hip. Symptoms included soreness, numbness, swelling, and limping. I had difficulty walking, going up and down stairs, and mounting a motorcycle, requiring assistan...

Dr. Zhou Jianwen reply Rehabilitation
Hello Ms. Li: Your issue is quite complex and requires a personal consultation and physical examination for further assessment. It is recommended that you visit the Rehabilitation Medicine or Orthopedic outpatient clinic.

Understanding Muscle Discomfort from Hip to Toes: A Rehabilitation Perspective

Hello, doctor. Since September 2019, the toes on my left foot (except for the big toe) have been moving erratically and sometimes cramping severely. When I sit or lie down and put pressure on my left hip, I feel a deep pain point in my left hip, which radiates along the outer thi...

Dr. Yin Xinbei reply Rehabilitation
Since the electromyography and lumbar spine MRI did not reveal a clear cause, and based on the assessment of symptoms, piriformis syndrome is considered the most likely diagnosis. Only after ruling out all other possibilities should we consider autonomic nervous system issues. It...

Understanding Hip Joint Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hello, I started noticing something unusual with my right foot when I was around 10 to 11 years old. I could feel the bones rubbing against each other when walking (I can feel it if I place my hand on my right hip joint). I mentioned this to my parents, but they thought it was ju...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The conditions you mentioned could all be potential issues, so it's best to go to a major hospital for an examination. An X-ray can reveal whether there is hip dysplasia. Additionally, if there is a snapping hip phenomenon, you may hear a sound when bending the joint, which ...