Pins and needles sensation

[Toogoofy317]

After my accident about three weeks ago I started getting a pins and needles sensation on my left foot. Just on the top third toe to the left. At first it started off about the size of a quarter but know it goes all the way up to my ankle! I have no clue what is causing this! It is getting worse as the days wear on. The past couple of nights when the sheets touch my foot it feels like they are rubbing my foot raw like a blister is forming.

I have no idea what this is if it is dangerous or a result of my accident. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Mary S.

[Sarah]

does it feel like this? http://www.neurologychannel.com/neur...symptoms.shtml

[Pam Alexson]

Could also be from the accident . Sciatica,( SP) you might have irritated it over the last weekend when you did all that work. Lower back nerve compression from a disk, several different issues could be at work here.

I fell down a flight of wet stairs, slid all the way down thumpidity thump on my derriere , and held onto one hand rail( 2002). Had the hugest , purplest hematoma on the left side of my but, hard as a rock, could not sit for weeks and weeks. Finally as it healed , same pain you describe in my right foot, toes. Finally over time , just 2 toes. Sometimes when it flares up, I have to tape them together and truss them up to relieve the pain and numbness. Although I never got checked, I am sure I have damage to my lower back. Don't be like me ... GO GET CHECKED.

Pam

[cynthiaG]

Mary,

I would go see a neurologist...I wouldn't worry about it too much...my husband had something similar but it wasn't serious...it could be a number of things going on and seems like it is nerve related..just my thoughts.

[Toogoofy317]

I see my chiro on Monday. I think at that time he is going to decide whether or not I need a CT of my lower back.

Sarah, its not quite like the article because I have full use of the foot it is just the abnormal sensations.

I've got so many things going on I don't know which problem to address first!

Thanks,

Mary S.

[Toogoofy317]

Well,

we finally got the CT report back today. I have three herniated discs in my back! My L5 and L6 and the fifth Sacral. My chiro is going to refer me to a pain management doc.

Anyone know how they usually treat herniated disc?

Mary S.

[Laoshur]

Dear Mary,

It just keeps on raining on your parade, doesn't it? I will pray that you get relief quickly.

As far as how they treat herniated disks is concerned, there are lots of theories and techniques ranging from doing nothing to major back surgery. The variation in choices should depend on your degree of symptoms, but unfortunately, often depends on the specialist you see.

The only treatment I have had is epidural shots. These did not seem to help me a lot, but maybe helped some for awhile. I have been curious about these as to whether they are not recommended for HCM patients the same as the ones during childbirth. I suspect they are not the same, however.

I also suggest you read the abundant literature online on disks and disk pain. You will see that there are many opinions, a fairly high level of false positives and false negatives, and lots of confusing stuff. We have been reading around because our son-in-law was rearended by a semi last week and is having a lot of neck and back pain.

Get well!
Rhoda

[Midge Rollins]

Mary, try to hook up with a good physical therapist. Herniated discs can be treated without surgery. A good exercise program to strengthen the back. (not exerting yourself) This will help the muscles strengten. Keep us posted.

[Toogoofy317]

Well,

My Chiro has already had me doing exercises right after it happened. Also, does ultrasound and massage therapy. I see him again tomorrow and see what else we can do.

Mary S.

[Ronnie]

Mary, Mary, Mary-enough already! I have 3 herniated discs, in my neck & some buldging in L5 & L6. I've been to alot of Drs & I finally found relief! I had PT & shots. I bought (out of desperation) ThermaCare. I don't even use them every day-it's been the best yet. I also have a torn rotator cuff, so I place it there also. I'm currently seeing a neurologist who tells me I have carpal tunnel, in both arms & these pads really relieve a lot of the pain. They do get hot-you need to remove them after 8 hours. Hey, it's worth a try!

[Toogoofy317]

Yeah I've been practically bathing in Tiger Balm! Today was actually my first real day of walking and such. Went to the mall for about three hours and by the time we hit Target my back and leg was killing me! I really hadn't had much back pain up until this point it was mainly the pins and needles bit.

Should I still be riding my bike or do I need to take a break?

Mary S.

[Pam Alexson]

Ronnie,

I too have bi-lateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Over the last 18 years I was able to manage with braces , but the pain got unbearable. The neurologist says :SURGERY! As I have several more urgent surgeries in the near future , it has to wait . But what I did do was see a rheumatologist and about every 3-4 months , he injects a little cortizone in my wrists( underside) , can't watch him do it but, in 2 days post injection and wearing the braces 24/7 I can go without them and am fantastic for the next 3-4 months. If you are suffering , it might be worth looking into it. Just a thought.

Pam