heel

I had surgery on lower my back in 2007 (Nov.) for a herniated disc impinging on a nerve root. I re-herniated the same disc (L4-L5) after a car accident almost one year ago. After the car accident, my doctor ordered an MRI of my back which confirmed his diagnosis of a second herniated disc. The MRI also showed a great deal of inflamation and scar tissue. Recently, I've noticed a circular red "splotch" on the back of my left heel...the pain in my back always occurs on the left side as well. Along with the red "splotch," the heel of my foot is completely numb. Somebody could stick a needle into the heel of my foot and I would honestly feel nothing! Do you have any idea what this coul be, and further more, could it be associated with my back injuries?

Thank you!

Lauren

Hi Lauren,
Injuries to the lower back can cause numbness in certain areas of the foot as that is where the nerves originate from.
I would not be surprised if the "red blotch" is an inflamed bursitis on the back of the heel as a result of you shoe rubbing on the area and you not noticing it because of the numbness.
You would be wise to consult with a podiatrist in your area to check to see if there is a connection between your back issues and your foot.
Marc Mitnick DPM