M22 Neurological Concerns
Approximately a year ago, I experienced a burning sensation on the outer part of my right knee, which began during last spring break. As a 22-year-old male, I previously had a consistent workout routine, but I had just started running again before this discomfort began. Over the summer, the pain in my right leg worsened, extending down to my calf, around my shins, and even towards my ankle. After consulting with a physical therapist who diagnosed me with IT band syndrome, I began a regimen of therapeutic exercises. Upon returning to college, I noticed that my right leg was extremely sensitive, especially when walking to campus in shorts; it couldn't handle the heat and felt overly reactive. Within a few weeks, similar symptoms appeared in my left leg, which led me to wonder if this was linked to an increase in physical activity. To alleviate the pain in my outer knee, I began a routine of strength training and stretching for both legs, ensuring to exercise both sides equally. While my right leg remained worse, the left began to mimic some of the symptoms. It became apparent to me that I still had IT band syndrome, highlighted by the cracking and clicking in my outer knee during calf raises. I decided to give my legs some rest. In winter, the discomfort returned solely in my right leg for a few weeks. However, in January, I significantly upped my workout intensity, exercising three to four times a week, something I had not done before. Unfortunately, this increased activity led to the original issue resurfacing on my right leg, and soon after, my left leg also began to show similar pains. About three weeks ago, I started experiencing a burning sensation on the tops of both feet. The discomfort isn't extreme, roughly a three or four on the pain scale, but becomes unbearable when I wear tight socks or shoes. This situation is unusual for me, and I've never dealt with anything like it before. In an effort to understand my symptoms better, I underwent multiple blood tests. The neurological assessment revealed normal results, but I felt it was lacking since my reflexes weren’t properly checked. A majority of the blood tests returned normal results as well; I considered the possibility of diabetes, but my A1C was at 4.9, and my fasting blood level was under 100. Additionally, my thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and HIV tests were normal. A week ago, I had an EMG, which also indicated normal nerve conduction and needle study results. Given that it's been three weeks without improvement, I suspect I may have small fiber neuropathy. My sleep is frequently disturbed; I tend to wake up about six times a night. Interestingly, I’ve also developed some tender spots on my hips, coinciding with the IT band exercises I began, which appeared around the same time as my foot pain began. As I consider my situation, I'm seeking advice on potential ways to address it since I realize it might be a long-term issue and, at my young age, this is particularly concerning for me.
Answers (1)
3/3/2026, 10:50:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience. Your symptoms, including the burning sensations, sensitivity in your legs and feet, and the ongoing discomfort associated with IT band syndrome, suggest you’re dealing with a complex interplay of factors that may involve overuse injury, sensitivity, and possibly nerve-related issues. It's understandable to feel concerned about these persistent symptoms, especially at your age.
Main Points:
- You may be dealing with a combination of IT band syndrome and other lower limb sensitivities.
- Your symptoms warrant a differentiated approach to both management and potential exploration of nerve involvement.
- Adjusting your physical activity level and managing symptoms may lead to improvement.
Explanation:
IT band syndrome typically manifests as pain on the outer knee and can be exacerbated by increased physical activity without proper conditioning. The burning sensation in your feet and the tenderness could indicate nerve sensitivity or possible small fiber neuropathy, especially as you noted some changes upon increased exertion and while wearing certain footwear. A normal EMG suggests that larger nerves are functioning correctly, but small fiber neuropathy can sometimes require different evaluations, possibly focusing on sensory symptoms or specific tests for small fiber function.
Next Steps:
-
Modify Activity Levels: Continue to reduce the intensity of your workout while allowing your body time to recover. Consider cross-training with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness without aggravating your symptoms.
-
Footwear and Comfort: Wear supportive, well-fitted shoes that don't constrict your feet. This can help reduce the burning sensation. You might also consider using soft, unrestrictive socks.
-
Physical Therapy: If you haven’t done so already, a physical therapist with experience in chronic pain management may help. They can guide you in exercises that strengthen your legs while avoiding further irritation and can address sensitivities.
-
Self-Care Techniques: Incorporate gentle stretches and strengthening exercises focused both on the IT band and your foot muscles. Consider using ice therapy on painful areas to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptoms diary noting activities, pain levels, and any other changes. This will help in recognizing patterns or triggers that could be worsening your condition.
-
Explore Further Evaluation: If symptoms persist or worsen, you may want to discuss additional evaluations for small fiber neuropathy with your healthcare provider. They can explore blood tests specifically for neuropathic conditions or refer you to a specialist if necessary.
If your sleep disturbances continue to be a problem, interventions aimed at improving sleep hygiene may also be beneficial. Focus on relaxation techniques and creating a restful sleeping environment.
Please remember to adjust your self-care strategies based on how your body responds, and it’s essential to listen to your body to prevent further injury. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Assessing the ER Treatment for a Child with Mastoiditis
Recently, I had to take my son to the emergency room due to his discomfort from left ear pain, accompanied by a fever of 101°F, notable yellow discharge, and pronounced swelling and redness around the mastoid bone situated behind his ear. A pediatrician friend of mine, who practices out of state, advised me to visit the ER for a scan of the mastoid area for a thorough assessment. Upon arrival at the ER, after about an hour of monitoring, his vital signs and overall condition appeared to stabilize; his fever had subsided, and the redness on his mastoid had diminished slightly, with only a minor forward tilt of his ear remaining evident. The medical team conducted various tests, including blood work—showing a SED rate of 54, a CRP of 21.3, and a WBC count of 15.85—as well as a CT scan with contrast. This imaging revealed moderate to severe opacification of the mastoid cavity but thankfully indicated no skeletal damage. An ENT consultation was arranged, during which I interacted with the ENT team, albeit not directly with the physician. Eventually, my son was diagnosed with acute mastoiditis and otitis externa. The treatment approach recommended involved standard oral medication, specifically Augmentin, dosed at 40 mg per kg (totaling 800 mg daily), along with Cipro/Dex ear drops. They administered an initial dose of the oral Augmentin before we were discharged from the ER that evening. My pediatrician friend expressed surprise at the conservative nature of this treatment strategy, which was echoed by three others—Dr. Grok, Dr. Gemini, and Dr. ChatGPT. Fortunately, my son appears to be recovering well. During today’s follow-up visit with his pediatrician, she remarked that he should have received a dose of Rocephin in the emergency room. She then proceeded to administer it to him in her office and increased his Augmentin dosage to Augmentin ES. This leads me to question whether the treatment my son received in the ER was appropriate based on standard medical guidelines for mastoiditis, or did it fall short of what is typically expected for such a condition?
Desperately Seeking Answers After Six Years
I kindly implore anyone who can shed light on my situation or provide assistance. For the past six years, my journey for a correct diagnosis has left me with nothing but a series of misdiagnoses. This ordeal took root after an extended stay in the United States, followed by my return to Sydney, Australia, where I found myself confined in a room plagued by black mould during the lockdown. While in the U.S., I endured episodes of food poisoning, lived with mould, and had to contend with a smoking environment, despite my repeated pleas for it to stop due to my struggles with breathing. Moreover, the food quality there contributed to my gastrointestinal issues. Upon my return, I began facing respiratory troubles and developed multiple food intolerances, resulting in unusual reactions to certain foods. I experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath, shakiness, heart palpitations, hot flashes, and persistent nausea. Eventually, I discovered that black mould had exacerbated some of my issues, but I continued to struggle with foods that I had previously consumed without trouble. Through extensive self-exploration and experimentation, I concluded that sulphur-rich foods, particularly garlic and onions, along with acidic, oily, and carbonated items, were primarily responsible for my symptoms. An upper endoscopy was performed, which the doctors deemed normal, although there is a disagreement on whether biopsies were conducted. I had specifically requested one, but my gastroenterologist claims he cannot access the results. The procedure left me feeling extremely ill and weak for a week, making me hesitant to undergo it again. During my hospitalization post-endoscopy, I was briefly evaluated by an endocrinologist, but the encounter was unprofessional as he made advances towards my mother and left abruptly after her rejection. He subsequently misdiagnosed me with anorexia nervosa, declaring my mother as an enabler. It took me a year and a stool test ordered by my hormone specialist to refute that diagnosis, which severely damaged my trust in healthcare. Standing at 164 cm and weighing 47 kg, at age 26 and as a non-drinker and non-smoker, I often find myself scrutinized by doctors regarding my food intake. However, after showing them my food diaries, they generally fall silent, as I consume more than most healthcare professionals I've encountered, including substantial meals. The best responses I receive are suggestions to address my anxiety, perhaps consider returning to contraceptives (which I had hoped might help with weight gain but did not), or dismissing my symptoms based on the results of the endoscopy. Even though they claim no reflux was observed during the procedure, I hold strong reservations about whether they performed it correctly, given their inclination to prescribe SSRIs under the pretense of my anxiety and presumed anorexia, while I have no documented results verifying anything from the endoscopy. Additionally, they asserted I was not gluten intolerant, despite having been diagnosed with it at 12 years old. My dietary restrictions are a direct consequence of my health issues, and I assure you this isn’t just about anxiety. I am coping with Complex PTSD and Panic Disorder, but I am well aware of the distinct nature of my physical symptoms. Recently, I was diagnosed with Dysautonomia and possibly hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), which are known to be associated with gastrointestinal conditions, though the specifics remain unclear. Furthermore, I experienced silent reflux during infancy, which was misdiagnosed until it caused severe damage to my oesophagus and led to extensive bleeding. As for my symptoms: *I suffer from chest spasms and the sensation of trapped gas. About two hours after ingesting garlic, I experience shivering, nausea, gas discomfort, tremors, heart palpitations, weakness, and shortness of breath, although I have yet to faint.* I had an appointment scheduled with an allergy specialist, but when I inquired about being tested for potential allergies to garlic and coconut, I was met with refusal, being told that those allergies won’t be tested since both are ubiquitous in foods, thus implying they are unavoidable. This response left me feeling bewildered, leading me to question if the issue lays with me. I earnestly seek assistance in understanding what is transpiring with my body and how I may compel medical professionals to take my concerns seriously, rather than dismissing them with the usual narratives that many women encounter: "it's anxiety, it's your weight, or it's your hormones." My hope is fading.
Experiencing Varicose Veins: A Personal Account
Inherited from my mother, varicose veins have become increasingly noticeable for me in recent years. After consulting with my physician about the issue, I learned that the main options available include using compression stockings and adopting lifestyle choices that minimize blood pooling in my lower extremities. The discomfort I experience is predominantly located behind my knees and in the calf region. However, I've recently begun to notice a nagging pain beneath my left heel. This sensation isn’t new to me, as I've felt it on multiple occasions, leading me to believe it’s not the result of any impact. Instead, it manifests as an ongoing pressure in my heel, as if I am perpetually stepping on something sizable—similar to stepping on a larger Lego piece. Notably, this area also feels warm, which is peculiar since I typically have cold feet.
Worries Regarding My Left Big Toe
This is my inaugural post here, and I find myself quite uneasy about the condition of my left big toe, which appears to have developed what looks like a double nail. It has presented this way for several months, and I am uncertain about its progression. I can't tell if this is a new nail forming or if there is something more concerning at play. To give some context, I am a 5'4" female, weigh approximately 176 lbs, and maintain a regular exercise regimen. Although I do not have any known chronic illnesses apart from dealing with obesity—which I am actively addressing—I do strive to uphold a healthy eating pattern. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions regarding the situation with my toe. I have an appointment scheduled with my doctor next month, and I’m pondering whether this matter warrants mentioning during my visit.
Navigating the Mystery of My Neurological Condition: Seeking Clarity
Understanding my current health situation has become an overwhelming challenge, particularly considering the complexity and uncertainty surrounding my condition. I'm on the verge of feeling like a hypochondriac, but I genuinely want to explore this further. This discussion isn't about any psychological issues I might have—rather, it revolves around the unexplained neurological symptoms I'm experiencing. During my last hospital discharge, I received a note stating, "At this moment, the reason for the symptoms has not been determined." Allow me to provide some background: I'm a 20-year-old male, approximately 175 cm tall and weighing 62 kg, originally from Poland. My alcohol consumption is minimal, and I don't smoke. My primary health challenges currently include psychiatric conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), panic disorder, and social anxiety. My prescribed medications include Lamotrigine (50mg), Methylphenidate (54mg), and Venlafaxine (225mg). I want to emphasize that I feel no one has gathered the complete picture of my situation, and I am eager for diverse perspectives and suggestions before committing to a specialist, as I may be overlooking crucial details to unravel this mystery. No one has probed deeply enough with specific questions to clarify many areas, and it's not easy to remember everything when dealing with sudden paralysis. Now, let's outline the events in chronological order: **July 31, 2025** For about a month, I had been experiencing persistent pain in my lumbar region. Working in medical transport allowed me to get a CT scan of my lumbar spine through the ER. The findings revealed a fracture of the upper articular plate of L4 and concerns regarding the L5 vertebra. Thankfully, the pain diminished after a few weeks. **November 5, 2025** Curiosity about my previous CT results led me to see a doctor, and I was referred for an MRI of my lumbar spine. The MRI indicated similar results as the CT, alongside some slight swelling in the soft tissue and a notable protrusion. I reported episodes of sharp pain radiating from my thoracic spine down to my feet whenever I bent over or laid down, and I was advised to undergo rehabilitation. **December 12, 2025** While resting with my girlfriend that evening, I suddenly felt an unusual "tingling" sensation spreading from my waist down through both legs, escalating in intensity. I stood up to find my legs felt weak and unsteady. Alarmed, we headed to the ER, where my condition worsened to the point of being in a wheelchair. After an hour, the sensation began to fade, and I received a diagnosis of left-sided sciatica. Post-ER, I noticed my left leg felt weaker and heavier compared to my right. I occasionally experienced the tingling again, albeit less intensely. This continued until my next episode: **December 25, 2025** After a regular gym session, I felt the same sensations return that night. My mother and I drove to the ER again, where I endured extreme pain and discomfort. A CT revealed multiple fractures and spondylolisthesis at L5/S1. Although the neurologist suggested a neurosurgeon should evaluate me, I was ultimately discharged with the belief that it was merely an exacerbation of sciatica. **December 27, 2025** The situation deteriorated further; I struggled with bladder sensation and experienced strange sensations when urinating. I resolved to visit the ER again. This time, a neurosurgeon conducted a thorough examination, including a CT scan and bladder ultrasound, concluding that while nothing surgical appeared wrong, I needed a neurology evaluation. During a five-day hospital stay, my pain was managed but still became unbearable at times. They ruled out Lyme disease through testing and completed additional imaging. The lumbar MRI results indicated swelling of the right L3 nerve and post-contrast enhancement of both L5 nerves. By the end of my stay, I was released with instructions to be cautious with my back, and I returned home relieved. However, the night after my discharge, I began to feel intense pain radiating throughout my body, exacerbated by movement. After a difficult night, paramedics provided relief through IV medication, allowing me to sleep. The following week, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results indicated the presence of oligoclonal bands, leading the doctor to suggest a potential chronic inflammatory condition, warranting further follow-up. **February 9-13, 2026** During a subsequent neurology check-up, I encountered a different doctor who did not seem familiar with my case and reiterated the previous findings of no issues nor cause for my symptoms. I left once again without definitive answers. Additionally, I noticed lingering sensations in my legs that had been dismissed during the evaluation. I sought a second opinion from another neurologist who ordered further tests, including EMG, which returned normal. However, while I was generally stable, I noticed recurring symptoms at odd moments, prompting me to investigate autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis, particularly since I had found abnormalities in prior lab tests that had gone unaddressed. **February 23, 2026** A sudden episode during class brought back the tingling and weakness in my legs, echoing previous experiences. Remarkably, this episode resolved itself within three hours. The lack of clarity across my medical history has led me to question the relations between my psychiatric conditions and these neurological symptoms. Additionally, I've observed some peculiar physical reactions since returning from the hospital, including new sensitivity to heat and temporary visual disturbances. I have since undergone screening for antibodies related to potential autoimmune conditions, both tests yielding negative results, leaving me even more perplexed. Awaiting my head MRI results and further lab tests, I'm reaching out for advice on what I should discuss with doctors moving forward. I'm aware that not all details have been comprehensively communicated yet, but I hope to shed light on this troubling situation soon. Thank you for your attention.