Numbness In Foot

[fred110]

I just noticed that my right foot, right side, has some numbness, slight tingling. What could cause that? No injuries. I have had some discomfort in the right buttocks, not up in the back. It feels better on a hard chair and comes and goes. It runs in a straight line about 5 inches. No back problems ever. Can that be related to teh foot problem? Thanks.

[Totster]

I just noticed that my right foot, right side, has some numbness, slight tingling. What could cause that?  No injuries. I have had some discomfort in the right buttocks, not up in the back. It feels better on a hard chair and comes and goes. It runs in a straight line about 5 inches. No back problems ever. Can that be related to teh foot problem? Thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would take your foot out of the fridge/freezer.... that should sort it...

Couldn't help myself...

On a serious note, it could be a trapped nerve..

totster

[Nickerelastic]

You could be suffering from sciatica........do a web search for more info.

[waldwolf]

Would second Nickerelastic's recommendation.

The symptoms you describe are classic, probably caused by some impairment to the Sciatic Nerve.

As you can see from the above drawing, the Sciatic Nerve runs from your spine to your toes, and pain or numbness can occur anywhere along its length, even its total length.

Most Sciatic pain is due to inflammation and treatment using over-the-counter anti-inflamitory drugs, such as Aspirin, or NSAID's should ease your pain. However, IMHO it's best to have a professional check you out, as x-rays or a scan may be needed to determine exactly what may be causing the problem.

Good luck

[haha]

some interesting reading...

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/foot_pain.htm

http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/footp

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/musclesjoints/201796.html

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/neuro/messages/30517.html

http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/Mul...omesymptomsofMS

if I had a numb foot, I would ask myself if I have been doing something differently that might be the cause of the numb foot.

for examples,

1) did I buy new shoes?

2) are my shoes getting worn out?

3) did I gain weight big time?

4) did I just start a new exercise regiment?

for all we know, maybe all you need is a new pair of shoes with arch support.

hope this info helps. take care.

[lopburi3]

Agree with Waldwolf that you should seek professional opinion as damage may be mitigated if cause can be found. From my wife experience I would not count on x-ray results, if negative, (may have been readers but three hospitals did not catch). MRI did pinpoint trouble immediately and at that point was very serious indeed.

It may be nothing but best not to fool around with those nerves.

[waldwolf]

^^ fred110 also mentioned discomfort (pain?) in the "right buttocks" as well as the "right foot". This is classic sciatic. Pain can appear anywhere between spine and toes. May also be accompanied by brief periods of numbness in foot or toes and/or a burning sensation on side of calf.

Many people who suffer herniated disk(s) never have lower back pain, but do have severe sciatic pain and/or "referred" pain in many parts of the lower body, such as hips or even the rectum.

If it persists more than a few days, best to have it checked by your doctor.

cheers

[chuchok]

Agree with Waldwolf that you should seek professional opinion as damage may be mitigated if cause can be found.  From my wife experience I would not count on x-ray results, if negative,  (may have been readers but three hospitals did not catch).  MRI did pinpoint trouble immediately and at that point was very serious indeed.

It may be nothing but best not to fool around with those nerves.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Best advise so far.

I have a similar problem that has been caused by a lower spine injury, however it could be a number of problems that you have and good medical advise should be number one priority. Go for a MRI. It's bloody cheap here compared to the west.

[camerata]

I have a couple of friends who had similar symptoms from a slipped disk (herniated disk) in the lower back. You can get a slipped disk without any sudden movement or pain. It just happens gradually as the disk deteriorates and a bit of it pushes against the nerve. I'd suggest having it checked out by a doc who specializes in physical medicine.

[camerata]

Go for a MRI. It's bloody cheap here compared to the west.

Normally, if a slipped disk is suspected, the doc will suggest physiotherapy for a week or two to see if that results in any improvement. If it doesn't, then he'll order an MRI scan.

[chuchok]

Go for a MRI. It's bloody cheap here compared to the west.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Normally, if a slipped disk is suspected, the doc will suggest physiotherapy for a week or two to see if that results in any improvement. If it doesn't, then he'll order an MRI scan.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

my personal opinion Cam is I would go for the MRI first.I have been mis-diagnosed and injured from Doctors here and will no way in the future let any physio near my back...just my personal experience.

[camerata]

my personal opinion Cam is I would go for the MRI first.I have been mis-diagnosed and injured from Doctors here and will no way in the future let any physio near my back...just my personal experience.

Fair enough. In any case, the OP should definitely see a specialist. I've had generally good results with physiotherapists at Samitivej and Bumrungrad, although a couple of them tried to get me to do stuff I wasn't strong enough for. With a sprained ankle, you don't want to be standing on a wobble board on one leg with your eyes closed until you're really ready.

[lopburi3]

my personal opinion Cam is I would go for the MRI first.I have been mis-diagnosed and injured from Doctors here and will no way in the future let any physio near my back...just my personal experience.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fair enough. In any case, the OP should definitely see a specialist. I've had generally good results with physiotherapists at Samitivej and Bumrungrad, although a couple of them tried to get me to do stuff I wasn't strong enough for. With a sprained ankle, you don't want to be standing on a wobble board on one leg with your eyes closed until you're really ready.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My wife wasted several months because of these physicotherapists not making sure and only depending on an x-ray rather than an MRI. It also happens to be a money spinner for private hospitals. If there is any doubt get an MRI. At the local cost of about 10,000 baht it may be an expensive procedure but it can see the fine points much more clearly and able the physician to be sure. Once the damage has been done there is no turning back time.

Edited June 14, 2005 by lopburi3