Weakness and Numbness in the Left Leg and Foot

Weakness from the left calf to the dorsum of the foot?

Hello doctor, this morning when I got up, I sometimes felt a strange sensation in my foot as if I were about to trip.
When walking, it also feels like my left foot is making a heavy impact with the ground.
At first, I didn't pay much attention to it, but by noon, I noticed that I couldn't lift my left ankle as easily as usual (though I can do it with my hand), and it felt a bit strenuous.
When I try to lift my left ankle or exert pressure with my left foot, toes, I feel some numbness and tingling in the middle part of my calf to the dorsum of my foot.
When I touch my foot, the dorsum feels tingly, but the calf area does not.
Since this is the first time I've experienced this, I'm quite anxious.
Could you please tell me what symptoms this might be or if it's just simple foot numbness? If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult? Could this be related to how I slept last night?

A Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/25

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Mr.
Ahong,
You mentioned that "my left ankle cannot be lifted as easily as usual (I can do it with my hands), it feels a bit strenuous.
When I lift my left ankle or the top of my left foot, I feel a tingling sensation in the dorsum of my foot, but not in my calf.
Since this is the first time this has happened, I am quite anxious and would like to know if this is a symptom of something or just simple foot numbness?"
Your symptoms may suggest compression of the peroneal nerve.
"Peroneal nerve compression" can lead to numbness, pain, and even weakness in the lower limb, which may be mistaken for stroke symptoms.
This could be due to muscle tightness from improper exercise or prolonged sitting, which may cause nerve compression.

The symptoms of peripheral nerve compression may include:
1.
Pain characterized by burning or tingling sensations.
2.
Symptoms that have a specific band-like distribution, which can be triggered by touch or pressure.
3.
Accompanied by muscle soreness and weakness.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist for evaluation and follow-up.
You may also seek a physician with expertise in peripheral nerves, as they have more experience with electromyography testing.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Neurology, Taoyuan Medical Center / Hualien Medical Center

Reply Date: 2024/04/25

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms in your left leg and foot, including weakness, difficulty lifting your ankle, and sensations of numbness and tingling. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying issues, and it's important to approach them with a comprehensive understanding.

Firstly, the sensations you're describing—weakness in the ankle, difficulty in lifting it, and the tingling or "pins and needles" feeling—could be related to nerve compression or irritation. This is often seen in conditions such as lumbar radiculopathy, where a nerve root in the lower back is compressed, leading to symptoms in the leg. Given your history of spinal issues, it's possible that there may be some ongoing nerve involvement.

The fact that you feel a heaviness when stepping with your left foot and that you have difficulty with ankle mobility could suggest that the muscles controlling the ankle and foot are not receiving adequate signals from the nervous system. This could be due to nerve compression at the level of the spine or even localized issues in the leg itself, such as muscle strain or tendonitis.

Additionally, the tingling sensation in your foot may indicate that the nerves in that area are being affected. This could be due to several factors, including poor circulation, nerve entrapment, or even positional issues from sleeping. If you slept in a position that put pressure on your nerves or blood vessels, it could lead to temporary numbness or weakness.

Given these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. The best course of action would be to see a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to assess for any structural issues in your spine or leg. Additionally, nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) may be warranted to evaluate the function of the nerves and muscles in your leg.

In the meantime, it's important to monitor your symptoms. If you experience any worsening of your condition, such as increased weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or severe pain, you should seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires urgent care.

In terms of management, if your symptoms are indeed related to nerve compression, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly corticosteroid injections may be recommended. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve mobility, while also addressing any postural issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, proper ergonomics, and good sleep hygiene can also play a significant role in managing and preventing further issues. Stretching and strengthening exercises, particularly for the core and lower extremities, can help improve stability and reduce the risk of future injuries.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to nerve compression or irritation, it is essential to seek a professional evaluation to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. Don't hesitate to reach out to a specialist who can guide you through this process.

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