Numbness and Swelling in the Left Foot and Leg

There is swelling and numbness from the left big toe to the left leg?

There is a slight numbness and swelling sensation in the left big toe, but it is not completely devoid of feeling.
The nerve sensation extends all the way to the left groin.
Although it is uncertain if there is any impact, there are symptoms of headache and nerve pain, with migraines being an occasional old symptom.
However, this left leg numbness is the first occurrence that is not related to crossing the legs or pressure.
It is unclear whether this level of discomfort requires medical attention, and it is also uncertain which specialty would be most appropriate to consult.

Qiu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/24

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Chiu,
You mentioned that "there is some numbness and swelling in the left big toe...
the sensation of nerve twitching extends all the way to the left leg." This may indicate the possibility of lumbar nerve root compression.
Typical discomfort symptoms associated with lumbar nerve root pathology include pain radiating from the buttocks down to the lower limbs, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the toes.
Peripheral neuropathy may present with the following characteristics:
1.
Pain that is burning or electric in nature.
2.
Symptoms that have a specific dermatomal distribution, which can be provoked by touch or pressure.
3.
Accompanied by muscle soreness and weakness.
Examinations for peripheral nerve issues typically involve electrophysiological studies to assist in diagnosis.
Nerve conduction studies assess the conduction velocity and waveform of large fiber nerves.
Electromyography (EMG) evaluates muscle responses in the areas supplied by the nerves.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist for further examination and follow-up, preferably one with expertise in peripheral nerve issues, as they would have more experience with EMG testing.
Regarding your mention of chronic migraines, you may also want to discuss this with a neurologist.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have any further questions, feel free to discuss them.
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi

Reply Date: 2024/01/24

More Info

Numbness and swelling in the left foot and leg can be concerning symptoms, especially when they are accompanied by sensations such as tingling or "nerve twitching" that extend up to the root of the leg. Given your description, it is essential to consider several potential underlying causes, as well as the appropriate steps to take in seeking medical attention.

Firstly, the symptoms you are experiencing could be indicative of nerve compression or irritation. Conditions such as a herniated disc in the lumbar spine (particularly at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 levels) can lead to radiculopathy, where nerve roots are compressed, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This could explain the numbness in your left foot and the sensations traveling up your leg. Additionally, conditions like sciatica, which is often caused by similar issues, could also be responsible for your symptoms.

Another possibility is peripheral neuropathy, which can result from various factors including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or other systemic conditions. This condition typically presents with numbness, tingling, and sometimes swelling in the extremities. Given that you mentioned a history of migraines, it is also worth noting that migraines can sometimes be associated with neurological symptoms, although this is less common.

The presence of swelling in your left foot could suggest other issues, such as venous insufficiency or even lymphatic obstruction. If the swelling is significant or accompanied by pain, it may warrant further investigation to rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Considering the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. The best initial step would be to consult a primary care physician or a neurologist. A neurologist specializes in conditions affecting the nervous system and can conduct a thorough examination, including neurological assessments and possibly imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to evaluate for any structural issues in the spine or other areas that may be contributing to your symptoms.

If your primary care physician suspects a vascular issue, they may refer you to a vascular specialist. Additionally, if there are concerns about musculoskeletal issues, an orthopedic specialist may be appropriate.
In the meantime, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any worsening of numbness, weakness, or if you develop new symptoms such as severe pain, changes in bowel or bladder function, or significant swelling, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while your symptoms could stem from various causes, including nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy, or vascular issues, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek help.

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