Leg Pain and Numbness After a Motorcycle Accident

Numbness and pain in the left foot due to a car accident?

Hello Doctor, on the evening of December 18th at 6:20 PM, I was hit by a pedestrian while riding my motorcycle, resulting in a contusion to my left hand and foot (the more severe areas are below the knee and the front of the ankle on my left foot).
My left foot feels numb, and walking causes pain at the injury site.
When I stand up, there is significant pain inside the wound.
I'm not sure if this pain was aggravated when I moved my vehicle during my follow-up appointment on December 20th.
That day, while moving the vehicle, I suddenly felt a pull or cramp in the area below my knee, which made it impossible to walk.
After resting for a while, I could barely manage to walk.
Since I was in a hurry to see the doctor, I walked slowly from the alley across from the hospital to the main entrance, then down the stairs to the outpatient department.
The doctor reviewed the X-rays taken on the day of the emergency visit and said there were no issues.
He also examined the wound and said it was healing well.
However, the next day at work, walking caused significant pain in my foot.
Every time I stand up to walk, I have to pause and take it slowly.
Now, while sitting, I experience pain at the front of my ankle, and bending my foot down causes pain, similar to the "mom's hand" I had when my hand was injured.
Bending my foot upwards towards my body is less painful, and I can manage a little bit.
Is this due to a foot strain? Last night, I noticed that lifting my leg caused no pain, so I rested my foot on a stool while sitting.
However, when I had to put my foot down to shower, it was extremely painful, and after a long time, I realized I couldn't manage it, so I quickly took the first painkiller (prescribed by the emergency doctor).
I asked the doctor if it had anti-inflammatory effects, and he said it did not, which is why I took it for the pain.
After taking the painkiller and massaging my foot, I slowly walked to take a shower, but it still hurt.
I thought that sleeping longer might help, so I slept for nearly ten hours, but when I woke up, the pain was the same, making it difficult to move.
Eventually, I managed to walk slowly to brush my teeth and wash my face.
After sitting down, I only felt pain at the front of my ankle with some discomfort when bending my foot downwards.
My mother said this is normal, so I wanted to consult with you, Doctor, about what symptoms are typical in the days following a car accident and which symptoms are not consistent with a contusion.
I would appreciate any advice you can provide.
Thank you.

A-Ming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/22

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Thank you for your detailed description.
However, no matter how well you describe it, nothing compares to an in-person examination by an orthopedic physician.
If it is just a bruise, the symptoms can vary significantly from mild to severe, and sometimes fractures may not be visible on the initial X-ray.
If possible, please visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2018/12/22

More Info

After a motorcycle accident, experiencing leg pain and numbness can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential causes and appropriate management strategies. Based on the details you've provided, it seems that you have sustained injuries primarily to your left leg, particularly around the knee and ankle areas. The symptoms of pain, numbness, and difficulty walking are common after such trauma, especially if there was a significant impact.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Pain and Numbness: The pain you are experiencing, especially when standing or walking, could be due to soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, or contusions. The numbness may indicate nerve involvement, which can occur if there is swelling or inflammation pressing on nearby nerves. This is not uncommon after an injury, especially if there was a sudden force applied to the area.

2. Localized Pain: The specific pain in the front of your ankle and the knee area could suggest a strain of the muscles or ligaments around those joints. If you felt a sudden pull or cramp when moving your leg, it could indicate a muscle strain or even a minor tear.

3. Swelling and Bruising: If there is visible swelling or bruising, it further supports the idea of a soft tissue injury. These injuries can take time to heal, and the pain can fluctuate based on activity levels and the position of your leg.

Recommended Management
1. Rest: It is crucial to allow your leg to rest, especially after an injury. Avoid putting weight on the injured leg as much as possible to prevent further damage.

2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the injured area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed, especially in the first 48 hours post-injury.

3. Compression and Elevation: Using a compression bandage can help manage swelling. Elevating your leg above heart level can also assist in reducing swelling.

4. Pain Management: Since you have been prescribed pain medication, continue to use it as directed. If the pain persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

5. Gradual Mobilization: Once the acute pain decreases, gentle range-of-motion exercises can help maintain mobility in your ankle and knee. However, avoid any movements that cause significant pain.

6. Follow-Up Care: Since your X-rays did not show any fractures, it is still advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within a week or if they worsen. They may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your knee and ankle and improve flexibility.

When to Seek Immediate Care
- If you experience severe pain that does not improve with rest and medication.

- If you notice significant swelling or deformity in your leg.

- If you have difficulty moving your toes or foot, which could indicate nerve or vascular injury.

- If you develop new symptoms such as fever, increased redness, or warmth around the injury site, which could suggest an infection.

Conclusion
Injuries from motorcycle accidents can lead to a variety of symptoms, and while some discomfort is normal, it is essential to monitor your condition closely. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key components of initial care. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further medical evaluation. Your recovery is important, and taking the right steps now can help ensure a better outcome in the long run.

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