paresthesias in feet

[molly98]

6 weeks ago I experienced bilateral muscle fatigue in my thighs, shortly after that I began having paresthesias in my feet, and occasionally a "buzzing" feeling in the left ankle. I had blood tests ruling out vitamin deficiencies , auto immune diseases and myopathies. A lumbar MRI showed mild degeneration and dessication with minimal bulge at L1 and L2. I am not sure what my next step should be as none of the doctors seemed too concerned. I am female, 53 years old and had late stage breast cancer 4 years ago, completed treatment and am now cancer free. Am I too old to have MS? Could this be some manifestation of cancer? What should my next step be. The symptoms are very annoying and quite concerning to me. The main area of tingling is under the second toe and between the great toe and second toe.

[3yrtingles]

Hi Molly.  Well, you sound very similar to me.  Tingling started in my hands 8/03.  In 6/04, started in my left foot with the sensation of a ring around one of my toes.  Eventually spread to most of the bottom of my foot.  A few weeks later, started in the right foot, mostly big toe area.  I have buzzing that comes and goes through different parts of my body (head, arm, back, calf).  Oh, tingling also in my buttocks (feels like the size of a dime or quarter.

Have had all kinds of testing done:  MRIs (a year apart, with and without contrast); nerve conduction tests (three over two years), all kinds of blood work for diabetes, B 12 levels, iron levels, allergies, lyme, mercury (24 hour urine collection, however, no chelating agent was used so am not sure how that would have showed anything), the list goes on.  Major things like tumors and MS have been ruled out.  Only have sensory disturbances.  Currently under the care of a chiro who perform active muscle release and matrix repatterning (in case symptoms are being caused by tense muscles pinching down on nerves).  However, chiro. is beginning to this this is not it.

Have finally booked an appt. at the Cleveland Clinic on Dec. 8.  Hoping for answers!

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

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.    
   There is no age cutoff for MS (multiple sclerosis) it can occur at any age.  Your symptoms are non-specific but could represent MS, tumor recurrence in your brain or spinal fluid, or a peripheral neuropathy.  I would recommend and MRI of your brain a C-spine with GAD contrast.  I would also recommend a lumbar puncture to assess for inflammation (tourtelotte, IgG index, oligoclonal bands) and cancer cells.  If the above is negative than I would suggest an EMG of your Left leg to assess for peripheral neuropathy.
I hope this has been helpful.

[molly98]

Also, I have developed mild paresthesias in the tips of my fingers now too. I have been told that I am really past the age limit for MS (53), but am now wondering about a paraneoplastic syndrome?

[molly98]

By the way, I had a normal brain MRI 5 months ago when I was experiencing headaches

[minihorseowner]

Maybe you should go to see a podiatrist? A friend of mine had similar symptoms and it turned out to be Morton's neuroma which effects the nerves in your foot. It can't hurt to try and maybe you will get some answers and relief.  Good Luck!