Foot and leg numbness
 

Hi all,

I am hoping to find someone that has gone through what I am and has some advice.
So five weeks ago I noticed that it was hard to lift my foot up, and as that day and the next went by it slowly got worse to the point that if I am flat footed I cannot lift my foot upwards at all. The top of my foot is numb going up and to the side of my calf.
The first doctor I went to thought it was a pinched nerve, so they sent me for an MRI. I did have multiple herniated disks, but none that were severe enough to cause the numbness according to the doctor. The first spine and neurosurgeon I went to basically acted like I was faking it, so my primary referred me to another. This doctor believes it is not a pinched nerve, but peripheral neuropathy. I am having the leg nerve test done in two weeks (emc?Emg? something like that)

I am beyond frustrated at this point. I am 27 years old, no health problems aside from some stomach issues, and very active. I have been out of work and unable to drive, or walk on uneven ground without falling all over the place for 5 weeks now.

Now the muscles have been out of use for so long, when I get up in the morning my foot is so tight and does not want to bend up even with me putting pressure on it. The doctor said there is a danger of it getting stuck down like that.

I would love to hear anyone else's experience, and if I can do anything to help this issue. Thanks!

Hi! If the problem is not in your spine it could be peroneal nerve palsy. Don't know why they would blow that off! Nerve conduction, EMG will hopefully tell you something about this. Bump up your testing if you can. Once they know more see about starting PT. In the meantime do passive range of motion several times a day to keep everything limber and moving.

I hope you find answers and relief soon, Littlepaw :hug:

Welcome hailiesmom515. :Wave-Hello:

Thank you! The last doctor already referred me to PT, unfortunately my insurance requires me to pay a whole lot, and with me being out of work it is not going to be possible. Hopefully I can do some exercises around the house that help :)

There are quite a few PT videos on YouTube once you hopefully know what you are treating. Also the "cash" price on any health services can be many times less than what they bill insurance. If you have a high deductible the initial high cost gets passed on to you. Call around. You might be able to pull off just a PT eval out of pocket to get a treatment plan and home exercises.

Hello hailiesmom515

I can attest that physical therapy will help. I woke up one day from a nap and my right arm and hand were completely limp and numb from the shoulder down. I was freaked out because the first thing that came to mind was a stroke. I'm 60 years old with high blood pressure. Went to the emergency room and they did not know what was wrong but was sure it was not a stroke. After spending 3 days in the hospital and having an EMG, they diagnosed radial neuropathy (right arm) and peripheral neuropathy. (I have been having tingling and burning in my left foot for about a year) After I was discharged, I had PT for 6 weeks and have regained total use of my right arm and hand. I have tingling/pins and needles pain nightly in my arm and hand but at least I have full use of it.

Long story short....PT helped me. Maybe you can find some instructional videos or exercises on the net?

Ken

Search foot-drop
 

I slipped on a wet floor and hyper extended my knee. The foot-drop followed. They give a L-shaped device to scoop up your foot when you walk. Good Luck Ken in Texas.