Foot Problems

[ejg3952]

I have had fasciculations in my left foot for right at a year now.  I have also had pain along the inside part of the foot and heel.  I worry about ALS because of things I have read on the internet.  I have have had two neuro visits over the last six months and both physical exams were fine along with a clean emg and ncv which involved the left foot in question.  One other thing I want to mention is that I have lower back back on the same side but wasn't sure they could be related.  

The pain in my foot feels like a throbbing ache along with a little stiffness.



My questions to you is since I have had two clean exams and a clean emg and over 12 months of symptoms would this make ALS less likely?

If this was ALS would I most likely have weakness in this foot after a year?

Thanks

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

Fascuculations in the absence of weakness and muscle wasting is unlikely to be ALS. Especially in the light of a normal examination and EMG, you do not fulfil any diagnostic criteria for even possible ALS

Fasciculations can also be caused by pinched nerves, in response to trauma, exercie, cold or certain medications also

The back pain may be incidental to the foot pain but pain in that area of the foot could be due to an S1 nerve root cpmpression or sciatic nerve compression also. The EMG or an MRI of the back could pick this up. Otherwise the pain could be more local and related to the muscles and ligaments in the area

Good luck

[JoAnnaRF]

I just wanted to suggest that you see a podiatrist. Even if the pain is coming from another source such as your spine, a foot specialist may be more diligent in helpping you find the answers you need. Don't take I dunno for an answer. There is ALWAYS a reason. The problem always seems to be finding out what it is! Good luck to you.

[Joblob1]

Have you looked up Plantar Fasciitis? Heel pain might be this? does it hurt more when you first get up/out of bed? And then the stiffness seems to disappear as you use it more? If so then it could be PF and if you think it is an osteopath helped me! I also had back pain from my PF.
Good luck