Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Numbness In Leg And Stiffness In Ankle After Back Stabilisation Operation?
Question: I had a back stablisation done 9 months ago Operation went fine and MRI shows all clear but I have been left with numbness to the left leg between knee and ankle and stiffness in the ankle . The sensation feels like a heavy weight I am dragging around and occasionally I get stabbing pains just above the ankle
Brief Answer:
EMG-NCV study will help to diagnose level and severity of nerve compression
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case.
You may need to do MRI spine with contrast again to see for nerve compression post surgery.
EMG-NCV study will help to diagnose level and severity of nerve compression.
If your new MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it.
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication like pregabalin and methylcobalamin can be started consulting your doctor.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
EMG-NCV study will help to diagnose level and severity of nerve compression
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case.
You may need to do MRI spine with contrast again to see for nerve compression post surgery.
EMG-NCV study will help to diagnose level and severity of nerve compression.
If your new MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it.
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication like pregabalin and methylcobalamin can be started consulting your doctor.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had lower back surgery 10 months ago to fix bulging discs
I have CT scan and MRI 4 weeks ago to compare to before surgery and the one done 6 weeks after surgery and all is clear there is no compression and every thing is fine.
There is a tightness between below the knee and ankle which feels like if I am dragging something along when I walk. It has been suggested that I have a slight dropped foot
No one has suggested any B12 and D3 level testing.
I am type 2 diabetic which is under control with medication which was diagonised 3 years ago Can this have some effect on the condition
regards
XXXXXXX
I have CT scan and MRI 4 weeks ago to compare to before surgery and the one done 6 weeks after surgery and all is clear there is no compression and every thing is fine.
There is a tightness between below the knee and ankle which feels like if I am dragging something along when I walk. It has been suggested that I have a slight dropped foot
No one has suggested any B12 and D3 level testing.
I am type 2 diabetic which is under control with medication which was diagonised 3 years ago Can this have some effect on the condition
regards
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Diabetes will lead to sensory weakness but not motor weakness
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It's good to know that MRI is normal. Send me your EMG-NCV report once it is done. I suggest vitamin b12 testing for all cases of numbness.
Diabetes lead to sensory disturbance more than motor weakness. So symptoms due to diabetes can be only be partially.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
Diabetes will lead to sensory weakness but not motor weakness
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It's good to know that MRI is normal. Send me your EMG-NCV report once it is done. I suggest vitamin b12 testing for all cases of numbness.
Diabetes lead to sensory disturbance more than motor weakness. So symptoms due to diabetes can be only be partially.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
