A 60-year-old male with a history of Type 2 Diabetes presents with numbness and a tingling sensation in his right leg, from the buttock to the foot. He also reports low back pain. What could be the cause and what would be the treatment plan?
The patient's symptoms suggest sciatica, possibly exacerbated by his diabetes, which can cause peripheral neuropathy. Initial management should focus on glycemic control to manage his diabetes and analgesics to manage his pain. Physical therapy exercises might also be beneficial. If his symptoms persist despite conservative management, further investigation with imaging studies and potentially surgical intervention may be necessary.