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What Causes Numbness In Feet And Discomfort In Left Arm?
Question:
I have suffered from numb feet for approximately 11 years - soles of feet spreading up to ankles. A tarsal tunnel operation on both feet about 3 years ago hasn't helped. Recently I have experieced persistant lameness in my left arm. Although I still have use of the arm, raising it above shoulder level or moving it in certain positions can be uncomfortable or painful , e.g., when driving my car or exercising. I am nearly 70 years old. What could be wrong with me and what should I do about it?
I have suffered from numb feet for approximately 11 years - soles of feet spreading up to ankles. A tarsal tunnel operation on both feet about 3 years ago hasn't helped. Recently I have experieced persistant lameness in my left arm. Although I still have use of the arm, raising it above shoulder level or moving it in certain positions can be uncomfortable or painful , e.g., when driving my car or exercising. I am nearly 70 years old. What could be wrong with me and what should I do about it?
Brief Answer:
Workup suggestion and some practical advises
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting your question to HCM,
I'm sorry to read all that you had to be though with this problem.
While I read it my thoughts are that the feet problem might not be connected with the arm problem since the time difference in between is not small.
Mostly the tunnel nerve problems are connected with overusing the arm or the feet, which leads to thickening the muscles around the tunnel that compress the nerve and cause the symptoms. Although, the fact that surgery have not helped, means that it should investigated further, to find out if there is any other cause for it.
My recommandations would be:
-- a complete blood testing panel to find our if there are causes of a peripheral neuropathy (chemical, hormonal or metabolical reasons- thyroid hormones, glucose in blood, vitamin B12 or vit D, ect.)
-- further neurological testing like an EMG, who would access the function and conduction of the nerve from the beginning until it reaches the hemispherical sites. An MRI may also diagnose better what is happening with the arm nerve- is it because of compression or permanent degenerative damage.
A local neurologist should be able to perform all this, and the test would diagnose the cause of the problem. From there the cause could be treated depending on it.
-Take something for a pain- any pain killer may help.
-Try keep the arm in a neutral position with a splint during night, so it won't be compressed because of bad position and if its getting better, this may be a sign of being the cause of it...
Hope this is helpful.
Come back to me if you need any further clarification.
Take care,
Dr. Papaqako
Workup suggestion and some practical advises
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting your question to HCM,
I'm sorry to read all that you had to be though with this problem.
While I read it my thoughts are that the feet problem might not be connected with the arm problem since the time difference in between is not small.
Mostly the tunnel nerve problems are connected with overusing the arm or the feet, which leads to thickening the muscles around the tunnel that compress the nerve and cause the symptoms. Although, the fact that surgery have not helped, means that it should investigated further, to find out if there is any other cause for it.
My recommandations would be:
-- a complete blood testing panel to find our if there are causes of a peripheral neuropathy (chemical, hormonal or metabolical reasons- thyroid hormones, glucose in blood, vitamin B12 or vit D, ect.)
-- further neurological testing like an EMG, who would access the function and conduction of the nerve from the beginning until it reaches the hemispherical sites. An MRI may also diagnose better what is happening with the arm nerve- is it because of compression or permanent degenerative damage.
A local neurologist should be able to perform all this, and the test would diagnose the cause of the problem. From there the cause could be treated depending on it.
-Take something for a pain- any pain killer may help.
-Try keep the arm in a neutral position with a splint during night, so it won't be compressed because of bad position and if its getting better, this may be a sign of being the cause of it...
Hope this is helpful.
Come back to me if you need any further clarification.
Take care,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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