Nerve Compression: Persistent Foot Numbness After Meditation

Nerve compression injury?

Dear Dr.
Lai,
I participated in a meditation retreat from February 15, 2004, for a duration of twelve days.
However, on the first night, I experienced significant pain in my left knee after sitting for less than an hour (this was the first meditation session of the retreat), while my right leg was unaffected.
I initially thought the pain was due to my lack of experience with meditation and assumed that it would improve with more practice.
Therefore, I continued to meditate for an average of six hours each day over the next eleven days, enduring the pain.
After the retreat concluded, I noticed that my left foot was numb 24 hours a day.
For nearly half a month, my left leg felt weaker, and eventually, I was left with persistent numbness in my foot (still 24 hours a day), although it did not affect my daily activities.
I underwent X-rays, which showed no issues with my spine or knee, and I did not experience any lower back pain.
I have tried physical therapy, which was ineffective, as well as acupuncture and tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), which also did not yield results.
I have undergone nerve examinations at Hsinchu Dongyuan and Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, both of which were self-funded.
As of now (February 18, 2005), it has been over a year, and the numbness in my foot has not improved.
What further examinations can I undergo? How can I address the issue of foot numbness?
Sincerely,
ANNA

ANNA, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/18

Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology

Hello! Please describe the areas innervated by the nerves clearly, as different nerve roots supply different regions.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2005/02/18

More Info

Dear Anna,
Thank you for sharing your experience regarding the persistent numbness in your left foot following your meditation retreat. It sounds like you've been through a lot in terms of trying to find relief, and I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with ongoing symptoms without a clear resolution.

From your description, it appears that the numbness in your left foot began after a significant amount of time spent in a seated position during meditation. This prolonged positioning could potentially lead to nerve compression, particularly if there was pressure on the nerves in the leg or lower back. The fact that you experienced pain in your left knee during the first session may indicate that your body was not adequately prepared for the extended periods of sitting, which could have led to altered biomechanics and nerve irritation.

Given that you have undergone various imaging studies, including X-rays of your spine and knee, and have had multiple evaluations without significant findings, it may be beneficial to consider a few additional avenues:
1. MRI of the Lumbar Spine: While X-rays can rule out fractures or significant structural issues, an MRI can provide a more detailed view of soft tissues, including intervertebral discs and nerve roots. This could help identify any subtle issues such as herniated discs or nerve root compression that might not be visible on X-rays.

2. Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): If you haven't already undergone these tests, they can be very informative. They assess the electrical activity of muscles and the speed of nerve conduction, which can help determine if there is any nerve damage or dysfunction contributing to your symptoms.

3. Physical Therapy: Although you mentioned that rehabilitation efforts have been ineffective, it might be worth revisiting physical therapy with a focus on specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve your overall posture and alignment during sitting. A physical therapist with experience in treating nerve-related issues may provide a tailored approach that could yield better results.

4. Pain Management Consultation: If the numbness persists and is accompanied by discomfort, consulting a pain management specialist could be beneficial. They may offer treatments such as nerve blocks or other interventions that could alleviate symptoms.

5. Alternative Therapies: While you have tried acupuncture and other traditional methods, exploring other complementary therapies such as chiropractic care or osteopathic manipulation may provide additional relief. These approaches can sometimes help realign the body and relieve nerve compression.

6. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Since your symptoms began during a meditation retreat, incorporating mindfulness practices that focus on body awareness and relaxation may help. Sometimes, stress and tension can exacerbate physical symptoms, and finding ways to relax the body could be beneficial.

It’s important to continue advocating for your health and seeking answers. If you feel that your current healthcare providers are not addressing your concerns adequately, consider seeking a second opinion from a neurologist or a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

In summary, while the numbness in your left foot is concerning, there are several potential avenues to explore for diagnosis and treatment. It may take time to find the right approach, but with persistence and the right support, there is hope for improvement.

Wishing you the best in your journey toward recovery.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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