My mother is 83-years old and constantly complaining of back and foot pain. She says her feet don’t exactly hurt but touching them is very uncomfortable. Her symptoms are much better when she sits or lies down. We’re worried that inactivity will cause even more problems. What should we do?

A medical examination is probably in order. Although her symptoms sound like they are caused by spinal stenosis, there could be many other causes as well. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord goes from the neck down to the lumbar spine.It is a common condition associated with aging.

Examination by a medical doctor along with imaging studies may be needed to find out the cause of the problems. The symptom of dysesthesia in the feet is a disagreeable sensation produced by ordinary stimuli. Patients may describe it as being like numbness, but not exactly. Walking or even just touching the skin can result in this symptom.

Treatment is based on the underlying cause. Sometimes medication can be used. Capsaicin-containing cream helps some patients when applied to the skin. Surgery may be helpful for some patients. You are right to be concerned about the effects of inactivity. Talk with your mother about seeing a physician sooner than later. Early treatment can make a difference in results.