My Left Foot’s Toes Seem A Little Thinner Than My

Posted on Sat, 15 Aug 2020

Question: My left foot’s toes seem a little thinner than my right foot. When seated with legs straight in front of me, my left toes bow up a little more than right. There is less “meat” at the MCP joint in left than right. Is this something to worry about?

I have 3 lower back herniated discs and sometimes tingling on left leg. I am currently doing physical therapy. I am worried this is muscle atrophy or something bad.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Is it possible to upload a pic of your affected toes?

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.

I have noted your clinical details. Based on that, it is possible that there is mild wasting of muscles (muscle atrophy). If it is mild, then, there is no need to worry. Muscle wasting and tingling can be due to pressure over the nerves in lumbar region due to herniated discs.

if possible, please upload the MRI report, as well as a picture of affected toes (along with normal toes for comparison sake).

I sincerely hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (45 minutes later)

I have updated images and the mri report. The image of two feet from the top look pretty similar but the closeup of the left foot you may see a subtle thinning of the muscle or fat near the MCP and the toes.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Noted the details.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back with images and MRI report.

I have seen the feet and agree with you that there is subtle muscle wasting in left foot muscles. This is most probably a result of L4-L5 disc prolapse, with compression of the nerve at that level.

There is no need to worry. Please continue muscle strengthening exercises. It should get better.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 minutes later)

Thank you. So this is reversible with muscle strengthening? Anything else I can do?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it should recover.

Detailed Answer:
Exercises are the main thing.

If you have leg pain, radiating from back, medications such as pregabalin may be needed.

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM

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