OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance: Unexplained Leg and Foot Symptoms for Over a Month

I am experiencing distressing symptoms in my left leg and foot that have persisted for nearly five weeks. Despite numerous attempts to find relief, the situation remains unchanged. **Personal Information:** - Age: 36 - Height: 5'9" - Weight: 175 lbs - Job: I work as a scrub nurse and have done so for the last eight months. - Medications: I take albuterol alongside several supplements including B12, multivitamins, magnesium, turmeric, biotin, vitamin D, melatonin with L-theanine, Tylenol, and Advil for muscle and joint relief. - Lifestyle: I do not smoke or consume alcohol but use THC for sleep, solely through vaping dry flowers at night. **Symptoms I'm Facing:** - Continuous muscle twitches in my left calf and foot (and occasionally my left glute). These sensations resemble "wiggling worms" and occur in several areas at once. Initially, I felt a buzzing in my leg and foot similar to a phone on silent mode. - Occasionally, I experience mild pins and needles in my left foot, but thankfully, there is no numbness or weakness. - Although I don't have any pain, I often feel buzzing or vibrating sensations, which can sometimes feel like bubbling or small muscle contractions that don't let go. - My hands have a sensation as if I've been clenching them into fists, although I have not actually been doing so. **Tests Conducted:** - I've had blood tests (CBC, electrolyte levels, B12, thyroid function, ESR, CRP) which all returned normal aside from slightly low iron levels due to my vegan diet. - Both my family doctor and chiropractor performed a neuro assessment, finding it normal but noting the spasms. - An X-ray and MRI of my lumbosacral region came back normal. **Measures I've Taken:** - I’ve been taking 500mg of magnesium daily. - I've focused on keeping hydrated and maintaining my electrolyte levels. - For several months, I have been wearing compression socks at work. - Stretching and foam rolling have become part of my routine. - I’ve eliminated caffeine and alcohol from my diet. - Epsom salt baths have been soothing. - Medications I’ve tried include 10mg Baclofen and Lyrica. **Questions for the Community:** 1. Given the presence of mild pins and needles, could this still be Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS)? 2. Should I consider a referral to a neurologist or request an EMG at this stage, or would it be prudent to wait? 3. Are there any other tests or treatment options you would recommend? 4. What could be the underlying cause of these symptoms, and how might I achieve some relief? **Concerns:** As a scrub nurse who spends the majority of my time on my feet, I cannot shake the anxiety surrounding conditions like ALS or MS. I am striving to maintain a rational outlook despite these worries. My doctor suggested that my B12 levels could be an issue due to my veganism; however, my bloodwork appears normal, and I have maintained my vegan lifestyle for 15 years without prior complications, supported by supplements.

Answers (1)

8/3/2025, 6:11:29 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your persistent symptoms of muscle twitches and buzzing sensations in your left leg and foot over the past month understandably cause distress. Given that you've already undergone testing and adopted several self-care measures, let's focus on practical steps you can take now.

Summary of the Situation:

1. Symptoms: Muscle twitches, buzzing sensations, and mild pins and needles in your left leg and foot. Normal neurological assessments, blood tests, and imaging studies.
2. Measures Taken: Magnesium supplementation, hydration, compression socks, stretching, and a few medications with limited relief.

Explanation:

The sensations you describe could potentially be linked to several conditions, including Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS), nerve irritation, or even muscle fatigue from your job as a scrub nurse. While BFS is generally considered benign and can be exacerbated by stress and fatigue, your symptoms warrant further investigation due to their persistence.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any activities or factors that seem to influence them. This can help identify triggers and will be valuable information for your healthcare provider.

2. Neurologist Referral: It may be prudent to seek a referral to a neurologist at this stage. A specialist can assess your symptoms more thoroughly and determine if an Electromyography (EMG) is appropriate to evaluate the nerve function in your legs. Given your anxiety about conditions like ALS or MS, understanding what's happening with your nervous system can provide clarity.

3. Stress Management: Since your job is physically demanding and potentially stressful, consider implementing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or breathing exercises, which may help reduce muscle spasms and twitching.

4. Dietary Consideration: Since your blood tests showed normal B12 levels, continue with your supplements but also consider consulting a dietitian familiar with vegan nutrition to ensure you're meeting all your nutrient needs. Your low iron levels might be impacting your symptoms, so addressing this could be beneficial.

5. Physical Therapy: If you haven't yet, discussing the possibility of a referral to a physical therapist may be helpful. A therapist can provide targeted exercises and stretches to alleviate muscle tension and improve overall function.

Addressing Anxiety:

Feeling anxious about your symptoms is normal, especially in your profession where physical health is critical. Reassurance about your current assessment (normal findings from multiple tests) is essential. Continuing to engage with your healthcare team about your concerns can help ease your worries.

Remain focused on monitoring your symptoms and engaging with specialists who can assist you. Let me know if you have any further questions or need clarification on any points.