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Can A Shin Injury Lead To Nerve Damage In Lower Legs?
Question: I fell off my porch 7 years ago.Really damaged both my shins,on down,but let them heal on there own,without seeing a doctor.My lower nerves have now seemed to take a vacation..Its starting to be a problem at work.Ive worked as a nite stocker for walmart for the past ten years,and I have to walk a lot..But now Im starting to limp from my left leg..I don't have any strength,when I go to take a step.I saw a neurologist a couple years ago and he took tests,but found nothing wrong,so I dropped it,thinking the nerves might renew themselves,and get better,but seems to be getting worse.Is it worth going to a doctor again,or if theres really nothing I can do,Can I get disability?
Brief Answer:
Neuropathy should be worked up
Detailed Answer:
Good evening Ms. Denison. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I am a neurologist. I'd like to address your concern of the shin injuries you've suffered and the apparent consequence of nerve damage you are reporting.
I don't know exactly what you mean when you say "my lower nerves have now seemed to take a vacation."
It would be more helpful if you could describe the symptoms in your legs that suggest to you that your "lower nerves" are not functioning. For example, is there numbing, burning, stabbing, radiating, aching, or tingling pains or sensations? Is it in both legs or just one (or is it more in one than another?).
When you saw the neurologist can you tell me what tests were done to investigate your complaints? Have you had an EMG/NCV study of the legs? If the neurologist in fact, performed appropriate testing plus an examination to ascertain that the nerves in the legs functioning then, the limp you have developed and trouble walking (especially as it may relate to your job) may actually be due to mechanical problems having to do more with the ankle, knee joint, or hip. Has your primary doctor suggested a visit with any other type of specialist.
Have you had either x-rays, CT scans, or MRI's of the back to look more specifically at the lumbar spine and/or the discs and nerves to see if something else could be going on now that the neurologist may not have been able to appreciate back then, when he saw you?
I'm also assuming that you are not diabetic as often times this can affect nerves in the legs over time and bring problems not only of sensation by also of walking and ambulation. Is there a family history of similar problems with gait disturbance in anybody?
I'd like to ask that if any of this information I've written or questions I've asked have helped you understand your problem a bit more if you could do me the great big favor of leaving a little written feedback as well as a STAR RATING so I can know just how well I hit the mark with the initial information you've provided.
Also, if you have no further questions or comments on this question could you also CLOSE THE QUERY on your friend which will allow the network to process, archive, and credit this effort for future reference.
This query required 60 min. physician specific time to review, research, and document for envoy
Neuropathy should be worked up
Detailed Answer:
Good evening Ms. Denison. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I am a neurologist. I'd like to address your concern of the shin injuries you've suffered and the apparent consequence of nerve damage you are reporting.
I don't know exactly what you mean when you say "my lower nerves have now seemed to take a vacation."
It would be more helpful if you could describe the symptoms in your legs that suggest to you that your "lower nerves" are not functioning. For example, is there numbing, burning, stabbing, radiating, aching, or tingling pains or sensations? Is it in both legs or just one (or is it more in one than another?).
When you saw the neurologist can you tell me what tests were done to investigate your complaints? Have you had an EMG/NCV study of the legs? If the neurologist in fact, performed appropriate testing plus an examination to ascertain that the nerves in the legs functioning then, the limp you have developed and trouble walking (especially as it may relate to your job) may actually be due to mechanical problems having to do more with the ankle, knee joint, or hip. Has your primary doctor suggested a visit with any other type of specialist.
Have you had either x-rays, CT scans, or MRI's of the back to look more specifically at the lumbar spine and/or the discs and nerves to see if something else could be going on now that the neurologist may not have been able to appreciate back then, when he saw you?
I'm also assuming that you are not diabetic as often times this can affect nerves in the legs over time and bring problems not only of sensation by also of walking and ambulation. Is there a family history of similar problems with gait disturbance in anybody?
I'd like to ask that if any of this information I've written or questions I've asked have helped you understand your problem a bit more if you could do me the great big favor of leaving a little written feedback as well as a STAR RATING so I can know just how well I hit the mark with the initial information you've provided.
Also, if you have no further questions or comments on this question could you also CLOSE THE QUERY on your friend which will allow the network to process, archive, and credit this effort for future reference.
This query required 60 min. physician specific time to review, research, and document for envoy
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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