Pain in my Ankle and Hip that started in my Back

Five months ago I woke up one morning with a pain in my lower back, right side. It kept getting worse so that 2 days later is was so severe I couldn't sit or stand. The only relief was when I layed down.  After seeing a chiropractor it was getting better and I could again walk, sit and stand with only mild pain, some of which was in my right ankle on the side just above the bone.  When I rest the pain in my ankle subsides and I can resume walking.   Now I am having a burning pain in my lower back; pain in my buttocks; pain in my right hip; and pain in my right ankle on the side just above the bone. The pain in my ankle is the most severe and long lasting.

I didn't do anything to cause this problem, no fall, or slip.

I only have major medical so I can't just go to the doctor and have every test done, willy, nilly. I have to pay the first $3,500.

I've been to 2 different chiropractors who say it's not sciatica, probably just a pinched nerve.  I just started seeing a family physician who is waiting for the chirpractors to send her the xrays so she can look at them.

I just can't figure out why so much pain in my ankle.  I do not have any shooting pain in my leg or pain in my thigh or calf.  Sometimes my middle toes on my right leg feel kinda strange like a little bit numb. Big toe is normal.

Why the ankle pain??  

Carol

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Possibilities causes of ankle pain include infections, inflammations, tendonitis, bursitis, degenerations, mal-alignment, contractures, vascular insufficiency, nerve trauma/ impingement/ pressure, growths, fractures etc. Other Than spinal issues, backache could also be related to referred pain from other regions such as the kidneys, pancreas etc.
                      Likewise other than nerve pressure, hip pain can also be caused by a number of other issues like  infections, inflammations, arthritis, bursitis, capsulitis, ligament/ tendon/ muscle injuries, tendonitis, fractures, dislocations, nerve impingement/ injury, muscle strain, avascular necrosis, growths/ osteophyte formation etc. Also, the hip/ ankle pain could or could not be related to the backache.
         Without a clinical evaluation and probably a few tests it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. It is best advised to consult an orthopedician for an evaluation at this time for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this was useful.

Take care!