Experiencing Numbness in Feet and Right Leg After Workout Mishap
Hi there, and apologies if this isn't the ideal forum for my query; I’ve tried searching online but haven’t stumbled upon anything quite similar to my situation. So, I’m a 28-year-old male who underwent a surgical procedure on my left toe around three and a half weeks ago to address an ingrown toenail. Post-surgery, I remained relatively inactive for about two weeks, leading to a rather sedentary lifestyle. On the 16th day post-op, I was able to jog without issues. However, on the 17th day—last Friday—I made what now seems like an unwise decision to try farmer’s walks while holding weights. I carried 20 kg (approximately 45 lbs) in each hand for around 40 minutes, interspersed with breaks, and everything felt normal. Yet, late that night, just before heading to bed, I experienced significant numbness in my legs. This numbness manifests primarily as a dull sensation rather than a tingling feeling—tingling occurs only very rarely. As of now, it is consistently present in both of my toes and my right knee. Until two days ago, the numbness also affected the soles of my feet and my right shin, but that area has become intermittent. There are no visible changes in the skin where I feel numbness, nor is there any swelling present. I’m wondering if it’s worth seeking medical advice in person regarding this issue, or if I should simply wait and see. I suspect it’s not related to blood flow, which is my main concern, and I am aware that the medical system in my area is already quite overwhelmed.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 3:10:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your experience of numbness in the feet and right leg after a workout is certainly concerning, but I want to reassure you that there are steps you can take to address this. The numbness you’re describing can have several possible causes, such as nerve compression or irritation, especially after an increase in physical activity, but it’s important to explore your symptoms further.
Explanation:
Numbness can occur after activities that strain muscles or compress nerves. Since you've recently had surgery and then engaged in an intense workout, it is possible that the combination of these factors led to some nerve irritation or compression in your legs. The fact that you've been inactive for a while after surgery could contribute to muscle stiffness or a decrease in circulation, which might also lead to these sensations.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Monitor: Allow your body time to recover by reducing physical activity temporarily. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms. If the numbness diminishes, it may indicate that the issue is related to temporary strain.
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Gentle Stretching: Incorporate light stretching and mobility exercises focused on your lower body to promote circulation and relieve any tension. Be careful and go slowly to avoid further aggravating your legs.
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Avoid Heavy Lifting: For the time being, steer clear of any heavy lifting or intense workouts until you can assess your symptoms more clearly.
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Keep Track of Symptoms: Note any changes in the numbness over the next few days. Pay attention to factors such as activity level, duration of numbness, and any new sensations (like pain or tingling) that may appear.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure that you’re staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins that support nerve health (like B vitamins).
When to Seek Medical Attention:
While it’s understandable to be cautious given the strain on healthcare resources, consider seeking medical advice if:
- The numbness worsens or spreads significantly.
- You experience weakness in the affected leg.
- There's any loss of bowel or bladder control.
- You develop severe pain or swelling.
If your symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, it would also be a good idea to seek professional evaluation to rule out any serious issues. Remember, prioritizing your health is essential, and seeking guidance when needed is important. Let me know how you feel about these suggestions or if you have any further questions!
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