HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Leg Weakness And Foot Drop While Having Herniated Disc

Posted on Wed, 20 Jan 2016

Question: Hi I have a herniated disc in my L5. It is causing leg weakness and foot drop. I have consulted with a number of doctors and the advice is confusing. I did enjoy running but stopped. I am active and practice yoga several times a week. I am concerned about permanent damage to the nerve? Should I have the surgery?

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload your MRI scan.Please tell some additional details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist, here to answer your query.

I understand your concerns and I shall try to guide you at my best. Broadly, if disc herniation is significant enough to cause foot drop,surgery is likely indicated.However, I shall be better able to opine in this regard after having a look at your MRI.So,I suggest you to please upload your MRI CD on google drive and share the google drive link here,in the follow-up question.I shall view it with my dicom viewer and opine accordingly.

Further,please tell about the degree of weakness you are having.What all activities you are not able to do or need help for?In other words,what is your functional limitation?Is there any other symptom except weakness and footdrop?

I shall be glad to have you in follow up with your clinical details and MRI.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (45 hours later)

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bzqjy0pQ54ZvbUhJSlJMMWpqZlk&usp=sharing

Hi Panwar. Thank you for quick response to my question. Here is the link to the scan. Please let me know if you are unable to view the link.

As for my weakness and other symptoms. When I walk on my heels, my right foot drops. In my yoga classes, I am unable to do lunge poses and one legged poses on my right side. For the lunge poses, I must lower the back leg/knee to the floor. I do have pain in my back and sciatica, especially after sitting or riding in the car. I did enjoy running 5k and 10k races but stopped to try to let this heal. I would like to be able to run again but am concerned about permanent damage to the nerve. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Significant disc compression/Can go for surgery.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

I have gone through your detailed MRI study.

Disc herniation is significant.In view of clinical history,that it has resulted in foot drop,surgery should be the option of treatment over here.So,I suggest that you can go for it.

Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up else please close the thread,rate it and write a review.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (9 hours later)

Hi Dr. Panwar

Thank you for quick response. I agree that surgery seems to be the best option since my symptoms are only getting worse even with treatment.

You have been very helpful.

Thank you and have a great day!

Hi Dr. Panwar

I see the link for writing a review disappeared. Just send me a quick note and I will be more than happy to write a review.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pleasure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up and appreciating.

It has been a pleasure being in touch with you.Please get back to me if you ever have any query in future.

Please rate the thread and write the review.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar