Left Foot and Spine Issues: Neurological Insights

Left foot and spine issues?

Hello Doctor, last November, I felt a bit of soreness and weakness in my left foot's ring and little toes, so I sought medical attention.
The doctor said that the nerve conduction study showed no abnormalities.
However, in the past couple of days, it feels like there are bubbles inside the sole of my left foot, and sometimes I feel a sudden twitch in the nerves when I stand up or walk.
It's hard to describe this strange sensation, almost like my left foot is sticking to something (but it isn't).
I'm not sure what's happening.
I would like to ask you about this situation.
Over the past two months, I've started taking B vitamins and doing aerobic exercise.
I also notice that my hip joint makes a sound during exercise, and I find it difficult to lift my legs high.
Previously, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, and I wonder if that is the main cause of the strange feeling in my left foot.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, and I wish you well.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/05

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery

1.
If the angle of scoliosis is too large, it may lead to pelvic misalignment, hip joint dysfunction, and an unbalanced gait, which can subsequently cause abnormal movement in one leg.
2.
Regarding the sensation of your left foot's ring and little toes feeling slightly sore and soft as if they are pressing on the ground, after seeing a doctor, the nerve conduction study showed no abnormalities.
This may be due to uneven weight distribution between your feet, resulting in inflammation of the soft tissues such as fascia, tendons, and ligaments in your left foot.
Wishing you well.
// Neurosurgeon Dr.
Lai Chao-Kang

Reply Date: 2021/01/05

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your left foot and spine issues. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of sensations in your left foot, including a feeling of discomfort in your fourth and fifth toes, a bubbling sensation in your foot, and occasional twitching or jumping sensations. Additionally, you mentioned a history of scoliosis, which could be contributing to your current symptoms.

Firstly, the sensations you are experiencing in your left foot could be attributed to several factors. Since your nerve conduction studies were normal, it suggests that there may not be significant peripheral nerve damage. However, the symptoms you describe, such as the feeling of "bubbles" or twitching, could indicate a form of neuropathy or irritation of the nerves that supply sensation to your foot. This could be due to various reasons, including compression of the nerves at the spine or within the leg itself.

Given your history of scoliosis, it is possible that the curvature of your spine could be affecting the alignment and function of your lower extremities. Scoliosis can lead to uneven weight distribution and altered biomechanics, which may result in nerve irritation or muscle imbalances. This could explain why you are experiencing difficulty lifting your leg and the popping sounds in your hip joint during aerobic exercises. The hip joint may be experiencing increased stress due to compensatory movements stemming from your spinal alignment.

In addition to scoliosis, other factors to consider include muscle tightness, joint instability, or even issues related to the foot's structure itself, such as flat feet or high arches. These conditions can lead to abnormal pressure on the nerves and soft tissues of the foot, resulting in the sensations you are experiencing.

To address your symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Specialist: Since you have a history of scoliosis and are experiencing these symptoms, it would be beneficial to consult with a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist, who can perform a thorough examination and possibly recommend imaging studies like an MRI to assess the spine and any potential nerve compression.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help improve your strength, flexibility, and overall biomechanics. A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program that addresses your specific needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles around your hips and lower back, which may alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing.

3. Footwear and Orthotics: Proper footwear is crucial for foot health. Consider consulting a podiatrist who can assess your foot structure and recommend orthotics if necessary. Custom orthotics can help correct any alignment issues and provide additional support.

4. Continue with B Vitamins: It’s great to hear that you have started taking B vitamins, as they play a vital role in nerve health. Ensure you are taking them as recommended, and consider discussing with your healthcare provider if you need any adjustments.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including when they occur and any activities that seem to exacerbate them. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action.

6. Gradual Exercise: While aerobic exercise is beneficial, ensure you are not overexerting yourself. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts, and incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises for your hips and lower back.

In summary, your symptoms may be multifactorial, potentially involving nerve irritation related to your scoliosis and other biomechanical factors. A comprehensive evaluation by a specialist, combined with physical therapy and appropriate footwear, may help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall function. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional clarification. Wishing you the best on your journey to recovery!

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