hi good afternoon. i think i have arthritis and i have ...

Greetings, Customer (name blocked for privacy). The radiation of pain from the right buttock region down to the knee (this is one-sided correct?) sounds like there is nerve root or sciatic pain radiating either from your lower back, perhaps from a pinched nerve or a bulging disc ... or from irritation and impingment on the sciatic nerve from a little muscle in the buttock region called the Piriformis muscle. When the Piriformis muscle spasms over the sciatic nerve, a pain can radiate down the leg, and can also be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and weakness. The same is true of the lower back and disc problems.

IF you have weakness, incontinence of stool or urine that is new for you, or symtoms suddenly worsen, you need to be seen immediately. These can be indicators of a bulging disc or other process pushing on the spinal cord, and is considered an emergency.

At Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, I would recommend that you be seen by a specialist in Internal Medicine who can perform a thorough history and physical examination, including a neurologic examination on your lower back and leg. Based on his/her findings, you will likely be referred for further tests such as x-rays or more delineating imaging like an MRI or CT. The Internal Medicine physician can also act as your single point of referral to any other specialists that may need to see you, and help to coordinate these appointments and all necessary follow-up, as needed. It's always good to have one physician who is your pivot point. I wish you all the best. Please keep us posted if you don't mind. I hope all turns out well.

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thanks a lot, now i have a clear idea what i have. i really appreciate your help. if i ask another question do i have to pay another 15 dollars? i forgot to tell you that aside from having this irritation of sciatic nerve i also have pain in the joints of my fingers in my hands and also in my arms and feet and my knees sometimes. is this arthritis?

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