Left Foot Numbness: Neurological Insights and Concerns

Q: Left Foot Numbness: Neurological Insights and Concerns

Hello： 1. <br>There may be an issue with the lumbar nerve; please consult with your physician for clarification. <br>2. <br>Difficulty in movement of the left shoulder? It could be frozen shoulder; rehabilitation exercises are necessary, so please schedule an appointment with the

Numbness in the left foot?

Hello, in January of this year, I was unable to walk after lifting heavy objects.
After receiving therapy from a physical therapist, my symptoms improved significantly.
However, I later developed intermittent numbness in my left foot, which occurs only when I am at rest (both standing and sitting).
I have also consulted a neurologist at the hospital, who conducted nerve conduction studies and mentioned that the nerve response on the left side is slightly slower, but there are no issues with my spine.
I have been on medication for two months, but it doesn't seem to be improving.
Additionally, I have limited range of motion in my left hand; I can only reach my earlobe and cannot even put my hand into the pocket of my left jacket.
The doctor only prescribed pain medication.
I have been questioning whether I consulted the right specialty.
When I asked the doctor, he replied that he only sees patients in neurology and that referring me to another specialty is outside his scope of practice.
This is a major hospital in central Taiwan.
I regret to say it seems to align with what was mentioned in the 1123 issue of Business Weekly about "civil servants in white coats."

Hui Ge, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/05/31

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

Hello: 1.
There may be an issue with the lumbar nerve; please consult with your physician for clarification.
2.
Difficulty in movement of the left shoulder? It could be frozen shoulder; rehabilitation exercises are necessary, so please schedule an appointment with the rehabilitation department, and apply warm compresses while increasing mobility.

Reply Date: 2009/05/31

More Info

Understanding left foot numbness and associated neurological symptoms can be quite complex, especially when multiple factors are at play. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of numbness in your left foot and limited mobility in your left hand, which may suggest a neurological issue that requires further investigation.

Firstly, the numbness in your left foot, particularly when at rest, could be indicative of several potential causes. One common reason for numbness is peripheral neuropathy, which can result from various conditions, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), and nerve compression. Since you mentioned that your nerve conduction study showed slightly slower responses on the left side but no spinal issues, this could suggest that there is some form of nerve irritation or compression affecting the left lower limb.

The fact that your symptoms improved after physical therapy but then returned as numbness could indicate that the initial injury from lifting heavy objects may have caused some underlying nerve irritation or muscle strain that has not fully resolved. This could lead to a condition known as "meralgia paresthetica," where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed, causing numbness and tingling in the thigh and potentially radiating down to the foot.

Additionally, the limited range of motion in your left hand raises further concerns. If you are unable to extend your arm fully or reach into your pocket, this could suggest a more systemic issue, possibly involving the cervical spine or brachial plexus. Given that both your left foot and hand are affected, it may be worthwhile to consider whether there is a common underlying condition, such as cervical radiculopathy, where nerve roots in the neck are compressed, leading to symptoms in both the upper and lower extremities.

It is also important to consider the possibility of a more serious condition, such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), especially given your concerns about the potential for progressive neurological disease. However, these conditions typically present with a broader range of symptoms and would likely have shown more significant findings on your previous tests.

Given your ongoing symptoms and the lack of improvement with current treatment, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as MRI scans of the cervical spine and brain, to rule out any structural issues or lesions that could be affecting your neurological function.

In summary, while your current symptoms may not indicate a severe condition at this moment, the combination of foot numbness and limited hand mobility warrants further investigation. It is crucial to advocate for your health and ensure that you receive a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Seeking a specialist's opinion could provide you with more clarity and a tailored treatment plan to address your concerns effectively.

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