Sciatica. Sciatica, which is a general term that refers to pain or numbness that radiates down the leg from the lower back, can affect not just your legs, but your hips, butt, and yes, even your feet. But that doesnt mean bed rest. You may also be asked to perform a straight leg raise test, also called a Lasegue test, which can be performed at your doctors office. Cellulitis: all you need to know. There are many conditions that can cause aching or numbness in your feet, including lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) and plantar fasciitis. These messages travel as impulses along the nerve roots of the spinal cord, which sits inside the hollow part of the spinal column. Drop foot: A paralysis of the muscles that lift the front part of the foot. Conditions like arthritis, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis, piriformis syndrome, arachnoiditis, and infection can cause lower back pain and swelling in the legs and feet from inflammation. Varicose veins are also more likely to develop after prolonged standing and with other conditions such as obesity, pregnancy, chronic constipation, or tumors. Youve tried and tried to pinpoint a cause for your foot pain, but it remains a mystery. Recurring plantar fasciitis can also be related to bone spurs in your heel. Sciatica can also be caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or other condition that puts pressure on the nerve. These microtears are caused by repetitive movements, like walking and running, and weight-bearing. Pinched Nerve (Compressed Nerve): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - WebMD However, many people find that their sciatica pain improves over time and eventually goes away. This complication in flood flow can cause restlessness and throbbing leg pain at night. (2022). The source of your lower back pain will help guide your treatment options. Swelling in the legs and feet is caused by edema (swelling) and/or inflammation. A herniated disc in the lower back is the root cause of the vast majority of cases of sciatica. One of the most common causes of chronic sciatica is a ruptured disc. Nonetheless, if this is the case, at-home remedies or behavioral modification may be required. This article will explain conditions that can cause both lower back pain and swelling in the legs and feet, and how to diagnose and treat them. It then runs down the back of your thigh, into your lower leg and foot.