Hello dear and welcome to the medhelp forum. You need a physician for detailed assessment since these could be foot cramps due to dehydration, electrolytes disturbances including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, vitamin B12 and D deficiencies can also cause foot cramps, lack of rest and fatigue, over vigorous exercise are some common causes for cramps in the calves. These excluded, an MRI spine is warranted to check for any nerve root compression due to pinched nerve from degenerated intervertebral disc (in the neck or back), herniated disc, slipped vertebrae etc that could cause pain in the legs and other neurological symptoms. An organized approach is required for diagnosis and management. Wishing you all the best.
You asked how I've been managing my situation, and medication helps me. I take one kind for RLS and one kind for my back, and since they both kill pain, they also make my swollen burning feet feel better. Lately I've been having more problems with all three issues, so I'm seeing my neuro next week to get one of my medicines changed to a stronger one, and one of my medicines increased in dose. Seems like a bandaid for my issues, but gosh, when I think about surgery or if it would even help, I just am happy I am comfortable most of the time.
Greg thanks so much you cant even begin to understand how much comfort this is i will see a neurologist. how did you conclude your situation? or rather how have you been managing it x
Your title question, if back problems can cause foot problems, yes, it can, peripheral neuropathy is the name, I've got it. And while could be that's what you have, you could in the alternative have Restless Legs Syndrome RLS, which I ALSO have! And my lower back is a wreck. A neurologist is the person to diagnose either one of those and treat it.
Couple minor things that could be doing this, so you can check this on your own, is next time you get shoes, get your foot size measured again, it can change even in your 20s. Also, if your electrolytes are off, you can get these really intense foot cramps, so make sure you're getting enough foods with potassium and magnesium in them (bananas) and I think there's one more.
I wish I could tell you my symptoms so it would match up with yours, but they dont' quite do that. So, that's why I mentioned shoes and electrolytes! But a neuro will know for sure. I hope this situation improves for you, VERY frustrating not to be able to go from point A to point B with ease.