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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Foot Numbness § tingling?
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Foot Numbness § tingling?
by KimSb, May 24, 2004 12:00AM
For a few months, I've been experiencing transient numbness & tingling in my left foot, specifically in my toes and on the sole of my foot. When I'm lying down it subsides. When I'm sitting or walking it returns.
I saw a neurologist at an "academic" hospital and he did an MRI on my Brain, Lumbar, Thoracic, & cervical spine. Other than "minor" bulging discs at L5-L4, & L5-S1, he didn't see any abnormality. He mentioned that he wanted to do an EMG test, but decided against it. He felt that even if the EMG showed an abnormality, there was little he could do to correct the problem. He stated that he felt the numbness was from an "irritated" nerve and would resolve as the nerve regenerates in 6-12 months.
I've done PT with no appreciable response. I tried chiropractic
treatments and it seemed to exacerbate the numbness. Should I seek a 2nd opinion? Could this be the sign of a progressive condition and thus should I have periodic MRIs? Is there anything else that can be done to try to resolve the numbness?
Thank you for your assistance.
I saw a neurologist at an "academic" hospital and he did an MRI on my Brain, Lumbar, Thoracic, & cervical spine. Other than "minor" bulging discs at L5-L4, & L5-S1, he didn't see any abnormality. He mentioned that he wanted to do an EMG test, but decided against it. He felt that even if the EMG showed an abnormality, there was little he could do to correct the problem. He stated that he felt the numbness was from an "irritated" nerve and would resolve as the nerve regenerates in 6-12 months.
I've done PT with no appreciable response. I tried chiropractic
treatments and it seemed to exacerbate the numbness. Should I seek a 2nd opinion? Could this be the sign of a progressive condition and thus should I have periodic MRIs? Is there anything else that can be done to try to resolve the numbness?
Thank you for your assistance.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, May 29, 2004 12:00AM
Periodic MRI's are not necessary to screen for disc disease. If the problem is completely isolated to the foot, it may be a problem with one of the plantar nerves in the foot. The fact that activities which apply pressure to the foot bring out symptoms, and that rest relieves symptoms, may support this. Perhaps a consult with a podiatrist or orthapedic doctor may be reasonable. Otherwise a second opinion with another neurologist may be reasonable. Good luck.
I have been twitching and have some parathesias for 5 years now. 7 months into it went to Dr Robert Miller who is the Director of the SF ALS/MDA clinic at Univ Cal at SF and he said "normal neuro exam, you are fine". Did not see a need for an emg. Flash forward to today, 5 years later. i saw him again because I still twitch A LOT and it has almost become painful. Conducted an exam, and said that my neuro exam yesetrday "could not have been any better". Completely normal. Told me : "you may need an emg to convince YOURself this is benign, I do not need it to convince me". and looked me firmly in the eye and said "stop it. This is benign" (very nicely!) I declined the emg.
What do you think?
s
I at one time herniated my disc, L4 L5, and the PT and doctors think I again have bulging discs. I am awaiting a cat scan.
Physio Therapy feel as though it is forver, it has been almost three months, I was GETTING NO relief, and now I am getting a few days relief between treatments. MIND YOU I STILL am in discomfort, but it is at least bearable. I wanted to tell you that I am having ACUPUNCTURE done, and this seems to be working for me now. Maybe you could try this.
I know that going to a CHRIOPRACTURE (sorry not sure on spelling) really inflamed me and made me worse. I would not go to one. Just a thought.
I know that walking is helping my back, but seems to be inflaming this nerve thing in my leg/and numbness?? is this the same for you. The physio therapist is a bit confused why I still have numbness.......etc. I think it is nerve related, I want to see a nerologist, by my doc says to wait it out more........!! It has been three months, and I worry that I am doing damage because my leg and foot has been numb for so long.
Anyway, just wanted to add this, I needed to VENT too, I am getting a bit frustrated with my back. I have three young children and it is tough ......!
Thank You !
Sincerely,
Greg Evert
e-mail; ***@****