nerve damage from acupuncture?

[jmw01]

I recently had acupuncture treatment for tight hamstrings/knee pain while training for a marathon.   After one particular session where a needles were put into my leg down to my foot, I expereineced increasing pain from my glut down to my foot.  I have went to physical therapy for the last 2-3 weeks, but no improvement and had to pull out of the marathon after completing all my long runs (totally bummed).  Not sure if the acupuncture triggered this or not, but would appreciate any help.  Thanks.

[symbios2]

I had acupuncture on my arm for tennis elbow.  I think the needle was left in too long or something, because I began to feel pulsing in the arm and pain at the point of one needle and if I moved even slightly, there was pain.  Now my arm is sore where the needle went in ... and my shoulder is sore.  The tennis elbow seems worse somehow and the other arm is now sore.  Could I have developed some generalized nerve damage or something.  I don't want to have more acupuncture now...

[Dr Vinod]

I have complete respect for acupuncture & my wife is a trained acupuncture specialist. I meant here is the problem of jmw01 origin is something else and you just cannot go into treatment without proper diagnosis, (with complete respect to your profession). Take care!

[Dalubaba]

I am 78.I am hypothyroid.controlled by 100 mg thyroxin.I an non-diabetic,neurological reflexes are normal.No B12, and iron deficiency.since last 3 and half years, i am havint tight feet and mild swelling on leg and very sligh numbness like feeling. As the pathology is not known some alternative treatment,yoga, accupressure treatment         was done.I am taking sarrito peptidase an enzyme which is anti-inflmatory and reduces swelling since last 3 months. can you advise some treatment plan to reduce the tifhtness of my feet(soles of my fee)
Sincerely yours
Dalsukh sanghvi

[rogelio63]

It is very, very, unlikely that acupuncture caused nerve damage.  I was trained in acupuncture and conventional medicine(and have the doctorate to show for it although I'm now retired) and practiced it for several years.  Is it possible to cause pain if the needle goes into a nerve, yes,  but because of the shape of the needle, nerve fibers are moved out of the way not severed and not producing permanent deficits or pain.  

[Dr Vinod]

Yes take some steroid shots initially and you can take some periodically and with good care and follow up you will recover.
Consult a good Physiotherapist and learn some good exercises and strengthen your back muscles. Follow good ergonomics while sitting, sleeping and at work. Take care!

[jmw01]

just want to thank you Dr Vinod.  I had the MRI and have some moderate disc herniation in the L4 / L5.  My doctor is suggesting a cortizone shot as a next step.  Hoping for the best.  Thanks again.