Experiencing Weakness and Tingling in Left Foot Alongside Severe Lower Back Pain
Hello, I’m reaching out for assistance because I’m feeling quite lost and finding it difficult to obtain guidance or solutions. I’m a 23-year-old female dealing with intense lower back discomfort that feels like a burning sensation, radiating into my buttocks and hips. Additionally, I experience a tingling sensation in the soles of my feet as well as my toes. After being diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it took significant time before anyone agreed to request imaging for me. A recent CT scan of my lumbar spine revealed the following findings: **Findings from the Noncontrast CT scan:** - The alignment appears normal, and the heights of the vertebral bodies are intact, showing no acute or aggressive abnormalities in the bone. - There are initial degenerative changes in the disc space, including small Schmorl's nodes at the T12/L1 and L1/L2 levels. No defects at the pars or significant degenerative facet joint disease. - A CT scan does not indicate any definitive soft tissue masses in the spinal or paraspinal areas. - The identified sacrum and iliac bones show no urgent abnormalities, and the SI joints don’t exhibit significant degenerative changes. - A partially calcified protuberance is noticed at T12/L1, which does not seem to cause considerable spinal stenosis. - The L1/L2 level is unremarkable, while L2/L3 shows a generalized bulge without significant narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina. - At L3/L4, a generalized bulge is evident, causing slight narrowing of the lateral recess but no notable spinal stenosis or foraminal narrowing. - For L4/L5, a broad-based protrusion contributes to mild lateral recess narrowing with no marked neural foraminal narrowing. - The L5/S1 area shows a focal protrusion that may affect the traversing left L5 nerve root without significant narrowing of the subarticular recess or neural foramina. **Impression:** Multilevel disc space spondylosis is indicated, with potential nerve root compression, particularly at L5/S1. A follow-up MRI is recommended for clearer evaluation. Following the CT, an MRI was conducted and the results stated: **Impression:** - At T12-L1, a mild annular disc bulge is observed, but there are no signs of herniation, central or foraminal narrowing, or nerve root compression in the lumbar spine. My general practitioner reassured me that the MRI results were normal and suggested physical therapy without any need for concern. However, my symptoms persist—tingling has intensified, sciatica is spreading from my calf to my foot, and I’ve been experiencing more incidents of tripping. I'm uncertain about the next steps and would appreciate any advice you might have.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 4:31:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation with your back pain and the associated symptoms, including tingling and weakness in your left foot. It’s understandable to feel lost after receiving complex medical information, especially with the additional challenge of dealing with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Let's break this down and focus on actionable steps to help you manage these symptoms.
Key Points:
- Nerve Root Compression: The CT scan and MRI imply potential nerve root compression at the L5/S1 level. This could explain the tingling, weakness, and sciatica symptoms you're experiencing.
- Physical Therapy: Your doctor suggested physical therapy, which can be very useful for strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and alleviating nerve compression.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Given the persistence and worsening of your symptoms, it’s crucial to keep track of any changes and reactions to therapy or self-care measures.
Explanation:
- Degenerative Changes: The findings indicate mild disc degeneration and bulging, which can happen as we age or due to conditions like hEDS. These changes can affect nearby nerves, leading to pain, tingling, and muscle weakness.
- Role of Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a program tailored to your needs and limitations, especially considering hEDS, which can affect joint stability and flexibility.
Next Steps:
-
Initiate Physical Therapy: If you haven’t already done so, start physical therapy as soon as possible. Discuss your specific symptoms, such as the tingling and tripping, to develop a targeted rehabilitation plan.
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Document your symptoms daily, noting factors such as:
- Levels of pain or discomfort
- When tingling occurs or worsens
- Activities that trigger or relieve your symptoms This record can help identify patterns and inform your healthcare team about your condition.
-
Practice Self-Care Techniques:
- Posture & Ergonomics: Make adjustments in your workspace and daily activities to maintain good posture and reduce strain on your back.
- Gentle Stretching: Engage in mild stretching exercises or yoga, focusing on the lower back, hips, and legs to alleviate tension.
- Heat/Ice Therapy: Use heat (like a heating pad) to relax tight muscles, or ice packs to reduce inflammation, especially after physical activity.
-
Consider a Follow-Up with a Specialist: If your symptoms continue to worsen or don’t improve with physical therapy, it might be beneficial to consult with a spine specialist or neurologist who has experience in treating nerve-related pain and conditions like hEDS.
Final Note:
It's essential to listen to your body and advocate for your health. Continue communicating with your healthcare providers about your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation if things don’t improve. Remember that you're not alone in this, and there are steps you can take to find relief. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Understanding Stye Development
Individual Details: - Age: 25 - Gender: Male - Duration of Symptoms: Noticed since Sunday evening - Current Medications: Bibrocathol, heat therapy - No significant medical history noted After experiencing some discomfort since Sunday night, I've found myself dealing with a bothersome growth on my eyelid. While the sensation is somewhat irritating, the pain level remains low. However, it has been causing some distortion in my eyesight. I've observed that this issue seems to have ruptured multiple times but has not fully resolved. Additionally, I'm feeling concerned about the increased redness appearing beneath my eye. Fortunately, I have not noticed any other symptoms, such as a fever.
Concerns Regarding Blood in Urine
Male, 32 years old, 6 feet tall, weighing 11 stone. I find myself in a challenging situation and would appreciate some insights, particularly from anyone who has experienced serious dehydration or kidney-related problems. For the past month, I've been struggling with what appears to be gastritis, which has been quite intense, making it very hard to consume food or fluids. I regret not drinking enough water lately, and I'm currently making an effort to correct this. Just yesterday afternoon, I used the restroom and was taken aback to see that my urine had taken on a red-brown hue. Naturally, this was alarming, prompting me to start hydrating more diligently for the rest of the afternoon. Thankfully, all the subsequent trips to the bathroom resulted in clear urine, which was a relief. However, later I encountered another issue: I noticed small red blood clots in my urine. While not excessive, they were certainly visible and quite concerning. Overnight, my urine remained clear, and luckily, I haven’t observed any more blood clots since yesterday. I underwent a urine analysis this morning, which showed no blood present. The doctor seems unconcerned, and I am trying to come to terms with that. On one side, the immediate scare with the red urine and clots appears to have resolved, and the latest test results are normal. On the flip side, the intensity of the initial symptoms still lingers in my mind and has left me anxious. So, I turn to you all: Should I pursue a referral to a urologist, or could this situation merely stem from significant dehydration exacerbated by my ongoing gastritis? I find myself conflicted between accepting the doctor’s evaluation and feeling the need to advocate for further investigation based on my experiences. Any reflections, shared stories, or recommendations on how to discuss this with my physician would be incredibly helpful. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Should I Be Concerned About Neck Pain and Numbness in My Arm and Leg?
Subject: 34-Year-Old Male, Weight: 73 kg (Background Information: I had been undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) while my testosterone levels were normal, but I discontinued the treatment approximately three months ago due to experiencing vision problems and sharp headaches.) Three days ago, while taking a walk, I suddenly experienced intense pain in my neck. This discomfort was quickly followed by numbness exclusively in my left leg, which also felt weak for a brief moment, making it difficult for me to control its movement. Now, after three days, the neck pain persists but has slightly improved. However, this morning I noticed similar symptoms in my left arm; it became numb and also exhibited a short-lived weakness that hindered my ability to move it normally. Even after several hours, there remains a slight feeling of weakness, although I can now move my arm correctly. Should I consider this an emergency situation, or is it something I can approach without immediate concern?
Seeking Diagnosis for Unexplained Symptoms
I am a 33-year-old man, standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 200 pounds. From childhood, I have experienced what I believe might be a neurological or muscular issue. While it’s not particularly severe, it does hinder my ability to remain stationary for extended periods. Describing the sensation is challenging, but I will try. I often find that I need to move my limbs—most frequently my right arm—in certain ways to alleviate intense discomfort, which primarily manifests in my upper back. It's somewhat akin to the sensation of having an itch that requires constant scratching. The discomfort occasionally extends to my legs, though it has predominantly affected my upper body lately. My sleep quality has deteriorated significantly as a result, which is primarily why I am reaching out. I consulted a physician several years back, but they were unable to provide clarity on the issue. I am eager for a diagnosis so I can conduct further research on possible treatments. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Post-Epididymitis Concerns
I am a 21-year-old male from India. Approximately two months back, I experienced discomfort in my right testicle accompanied by a low-grade fever. Upon examination, my doctor suspected it was epididymitis and prescribed a week-long course of Ofloxacin, Doxycycline, and Diclofenac, which alleviated the pain. However, I've since observed that my testicles hang notably lower than before, especially on the left side. I underwent an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, which returned normal findings. Additionally, the scrotal Doppler test, conducted while I lay down and performed the Valsalva maneuver, revealed no signs of varicocele, hydrocele, or blood circulation problems. The doctor mentioned only the presence of a small amount of physiological fluid, which was deemed typical. Now, two months later, I no longer experience sharp pain, swelling, or urinary complications. Nevertheless, I still have a slight dull ache in my left testicle that can extend to my lower back, particularly noticeable in the evenings. My scrotum appears more relaxed, with the left side hanging considerably lower. Occasionally, I notice fine greenish veins on the surface of the scrotum. Some individuals I’ve encountered online suggest that this may be indicative of a mild subclinical varicocele, which might not always be apparent on Doppler imaging, or residual inflammation from the previous epididymitis, which could take several months to completely resolve. There are also opinions that at my age, it may be normal for the scrotum to hang lower as a means of regulating testicular temperature. I am curious to know: - Has anyone experienced similar effects post-epididymitis? - Did your testicles eventually return to their typical position? - How long did it take for you to feel fully normal again?