Brief Answer:
Other causes to be considered as well

Detailed Answer:
Good morning. My name's Dr. Saghafi and I'm an adult neurologist I understand that you have numbness in the bottoms of the feet and toes. You've been told you have a condition of sciatica.

Since the SCIATIC NERVE is actually composed of nerve root components from the L3, L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 nerve roots of the spinal cord (mainly L4-S1) then, the nerve root distributions of each of these elements can be compromised which then, gives rise to numerous symptoms which when taken together are referred to as SCIATICA. Specifically, numbness on the bottom of the foot and toes is mediated by elements mainly of L5 and S1. Therefore, in theory you could have these sensations from sciatica but usually symptoms also involve the top of the foot, the webbing between the 1st and 2 toes, and other parts of the leg. Since you only mentioned the bottom of the foot I'm assuming you don't have these symptoms anywhere else.

That is a little unusual but not impossible for it to be linked strictly to sciatica. In order to make this a more solid diagnosis a study known as an EMG/NCV is conducted. This electrical test is usually performed by either a neurologist or physiatrist and gives a lot of information regarding the symptoms you're describing in conjunction with the nerve roots that I've mentioned.

If you've had such a test and it definitely shows that these nerve roots are affected and clinically it coincides with your symptoms then, the diagnosis is likely accurate.

However, as a neurologist I would also look for other causes of your symptoms especially in light of the fact that I undersand you recently stopped drinking alcohol. Alcohol itself is known to be toxic to nerves and one of the most frequent complaints that people who use alcohol in larger quantities involves pain, numbness, and tingling (even burning sensations) in the feet and nowhere else BUT the feet. Therefore, I would consider that in your case as well if it is pertinent and ask if the doctor also looked at other things linked to alcohol use such as Vit. B12, folate/folic acid, Vit. D, Magnesium, and Thyroid hormone levels? If not, then, it may behoove you to have those checked out and if there are any abnormalities have them corrected before entirely calling the symptoms you have as being part of sciatica.

I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?

Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?

Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively.

Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.
All the best.

The query has required a total of 58 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.

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Brief Answer:
You have a sensory neuropathy- Cause?

Detailed Answer:
You are very welcome and thank you for the question. Your symptoms of numbness/tingling in the bottoms of the feet and toes is referred to as a NEUROPATHY. If it does not involve any weakness of the foot muscles, toes, ankles, or leg then, it would be considered a purely SENSORY neuropathy which as I said previously could be due to sciatica but it is somewhat unusual for those to be the only symptoms. Have your doctor look into other causes of neuropathy and especially SENSORY neuropathies which could involve fallen arches of the feet, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and then, metabolic problems I mentioned involving alcohol as well as other nutritional or electrolyte, or hormonal deficiencies.

Cheers! And best of luck in your new found (and more advantageous LIFESTYLE!).

I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?

Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?

Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively.

Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.
All the best.

The query has required a total of 64 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.

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