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Limping walk or can't walk
1. “I have lower back pain on both sides (left side sharper).
2. I have pain in my right hip and leg.
3. I am not able to walk properly and I limp.
4. I cannot stand up quickly, especially after sitting.
5.I need support to get up from sitting on the floor.
6.My legs shake when I try to run or go downstairs.
7.I cannot stand on my right leg properly.
8. I cannot walk fast or match normal walking speed.
”Could this be Sciatica or a Herniated disc?”
“Do I need an MRI of my lower back?”
“Is there any nerve weakness in my right leg?”
“Can physiotherapy fix this, or do I need medication?”
“Which activities should I completely avoid right now?”
Answers (16)
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Greetings from PRTHAM CENTRE,
This can be a case of compression of L5-S1 disks , but as per my previous cases of certain neurological conditions we need tools of assessment for proper diagnosis.
Next Steps
1) Consult a good neurologist or orthopedic surgeon.
2) if there is any history of fever pls tell to your consultant.
3) also give details of history of diet , addiction and occupation
4) If any kind of help is needed in rehabilitation feel free to contact
Health Tips
Don't delay the consultation with the Neurologist or orthopedic surgeon.
regards
Dr. Shashank Shubham PT
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Your symptoms strongly suggest lumbar disc involvement with nerve compression (sciatica)
Signs pointing to this:
• Pain from back → hip → leg
• Limping & difficulty walking
• Weakness (leg shaking, can’t stand on one leg)
• Difficulty getting up from sitting
⚠️ This is not a mild issue — needs proper assessment
What to do immediately:
• Avoid bending, lifting, sitting on floor
• Take rest (no long walking / stairs)
• Use lumbar support while sitting
• Start only gentle, guided exercises
❌ Avoid:
• Forward bending
• Painful stretching
• Self-treatment / gym
Yes, it can be sciatica or disc issue, confirmation needed by clinical exam (± MRI if required)
Since weakness is present → early physiotherapy is important
I can guide you with a safe step-by-step recovery plan
📍 PAL Physiotherapy Clinic
Plot No. 5P, Basement, Near Shaktipeeth Mandir, Sector 41, Gurgaon
Dr Rajesh Pal, PT, PhD
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Based on your symptoms, this does look like possible lumbar nerve involvement (sciatica or disc-related issue) rather than a simple muscle strain. Radiating pain to hip/leg, limping, difficulty standing on one leg, and right leg weakness suggest nerve irritation or compression.
Yes, an MRI of the lumbar spine is advisable, especially because you already have weakness and walking difficulty. It will help confirm whether it is a disc bulge or nerve compression.
The “shaking” and inability to fully support weight on the right leg can indicate possible nerve-related weakness, but it needs a proper neurological and physical examination to confirm.
Next Steps
Physiotherapy can definitely help in most such cases, but treatment should start after proper assessment. Early rehab focuses on pain reduction, nerve mobility, and gradual core strengthening. Medication may be needed initially for pain control as advised by a doctor.
Right now avoid bending forward, lifting heavy objects, twisting movements, running, jumping, and long continuous sitting. Also avoid forcing stretches on your own.
Health Tips
Early evaluation + guided physiotherapy will give the best recovery outcom
If you can connect.we will discuss proper management plans for batter recovery,thnq
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Hi as your your Given complains it can be sciatica caused by a disc herniation
Answers to your Questions:
1. Could this be Sciatica or Herniated Disc?
✔️ Yes — very likely both are linked (disc → nerve compression → sciatica symptoms)
2. Do I need an MRI?
✔️ YES (Important)
* Because of weakness + functional limitation
* MRI Lumbar Spine will confirm:
* Disc level
* Nerve compression severity
3. Is there nerve weakness?
✔️ Very likely present
* Signs: limp, single-leg instability, shaking, slow walking
4. Can physiotherapy fix this?
✔️ Yes, but depends on severity
* If mild–moderate compression → Physio works very well
* If severe weakness progressing → may need medical/surgical consult
Next Steps
Share me a latest MRI Report of Lumbo sacral spine
Health Tips
Consult me online/ proactive Physiotherapy Safdarjung Enclave ND/ Dr. Ankit Aggarwal
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â ï¸ Disclaimer
This advice is based on the information provided and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace a physical examination or medical diagnosis.
Your symptomsâlower back pain with leg pain, limping, difficulty standing, and weaknessâsuggest possible nerve involvement, commonly seen in conditions like Sciatica or a Herniated Disc.
This usually happens when a disc irritates a nerve, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty in daily activities.
ð The exact cause can only be confirmed through a detailed physiotherapy assessment, where we check movement, strength, and nerve involvement.
ð The good news is that most cases improve well with physiotherapy unless there are serious warning signs.
Next Steps
âï¸ Get a detailed physiotherapy evaluation at the earliest âï¸ An MRI of the lower back may be required if symptoms are severe or not improving âï¸ Early treatment can help avoid progression and speed up recovery ð Your treatment (physiotherapy vs medication) will depend on: Assessment findings Severity of nerve involvement MRI (if needed)
Health Tips
ð« Avoid: Forward bending, twisting, or lifting weight Prolonged sitting without support Running, jumping, or painful stair use â
Do: Maintain good sitting posture with back support Take frequent breaks from sitting Walk slowly within pain limits Use a firm mattress for sleep ð¡ Avoid pushing through moderate to severe painâit can worsen the condition.
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The combination of bilateral back pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica symptoms), and significant motor weakness (shaking legs and inability to stand on one side) strongly suggests nerve root compression, likely from a herniated disc.
Because there is functional weakness (limping and difficulty getting up), a consultation with an Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurologist is necessary to prevent further nerve damage.
Next Steps
Avoid bending forward at the waist, sitting on floor and high impact movements
Health Tips
Consult an Ortho surgeon, MRI of low back , Medication will help to reduce inflammation and Physiotherapy to gain strength so both is necessary , You can consult me for Online physiotherapy rehab to gain strength for basic activities from the comfort of your home.
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First visit nearby orthopedic clinic and get proper assessment. Your symptoms are of sciatica.
To rule out, need an MRI of the lumbar region.
First get proper assessment to get proper treatment.
Avoid prolonged sitting, sitting of too soft cushion/mattress, do apply hot pack twice a day.
Consult back with reports.
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Dr. Shilpa Grover (PT)
Physiotherapist
15 yrs exp
Delhi
Your symptoms suggest it could be sciatica or a herniated disc , however to confirm this you need to get MRI done. You must get yourself checked by an orthopaedic surgeon for a thorough and detailed assessment for accurate diagnosis . You would be then referred for physiotherapy management.
Physiotherapy can offer you pain relief and suggest few exercises for the same
Next Steps
Avoid bending, lifting activities
Take a side turn before getting up from bed
Health Tips
Once your pain subsides , you can do some core strengthening exercises to improve quality of your life and gain strength . You would be guided by a physiotherapist for this
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Dr. Avijit Das (PT)
Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Kolkata
Hi please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment.
Next Steps
MRI is the right choice .
Health Tips
Physiotherapy treatment can fix this issues.
Postural care
Rest
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Dr. Afsa Rafiq (PT)
Physiotherapist
5 yrs exp
Srinagar
It looks like it’s nerve related symptoms such as sciatica and lumbar disc problem since the pain is affecting walking and causing weakness in the right leg.
An MRI is needed if symptoms worsen particularly because of sign of weakness
Next Steps
For better treatment and diagnosis consult online
Health Tips
Avoid prolong standing bending Foward lifting objects
Apply hot packs on lower back 2-3 time
Sleep in better posture
Don’t try running jumping or climbing the stairs
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Dr. Pooja Gupta (PT)
Physiotherapist
3 yrs exp
Delhi
Based on your symptoms, this is most likely a case of lumbar nerve root involvement, commonly seen in sciatica or a lumbar disc herniation. The presence of radiating pain to the right leg, limping, difficulty in standing, and especially inability to stand on one leg with shaking indicates possible nerve compression with early motor weakness, not just simple back pain.
Next Steps
MRI of the lumbar spine is advisable
Health Tips
For now, you should avoid forward bending, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, running, stair overuse, and sudden twisting movements. Use proper back support, take frequent breaks, and follow guided exercises.
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Dr. Steephan John (PT)
Physiotherapist
7 yrs exp
Bangalore
Kindly consult with an online or nearby ortho or physiotherapist
Without an MRI and physical assessment its very difficult to tell the cause, so don't delay. First, you go physically and get a consultation done
Next Steps
for more details kindly contact The Radiant Clinic, CMH road Indiranagar , Bangalore
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Ms. Shefali Gandotra (PT)
Physiotherapist
20 yrs exp
Jammu
Please consult online. Physiotherapy can cure you. Opinion of neurologist has to be considered.
Health Tips
Stay calm
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Dr. Saswati Nanda (PT)
Physiotherapist
11 yrs exp
Delhi
Hey there!
You need treatment from orthopedic doctor as well as physiotherapist. I would suggest go for MRI. Consult me online with all reports.
Regards
Your physio
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Dr. Neetu Rathi (PT)
Physiotherapist
17 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Greetings from Rid of Pain Physiotherapy
Better u consult the manual therapist nearby. Don't decide on an MRI or xray on your own.
Let the therapist decide that.what exactly the problem is , can be diagnosed after complete assessment.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.