Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Numbness, Swelling And Pain In Legs, Hands And Feet?
Question: My husband started to have issues with his shoulders and back about 15 years ago. He saw a chiropractor and seemed to get some relief, then he started to have problems with his hands and dropping things. He also noticed that with time he now has issues with getting and keeping an erection, unable to ejaculate, numbness, swelling and pain to the legs and genital region. He has numbness and pain to the hands and feet and gets discoloration to both as well. He has problems still with his arms and has difficulty holding things. He finds that his hands seem to be locked and fingers are difficult to move. He always feels cold even when the temperatures were over 100 degrees. He has problems with walking and has severe pain to his feet. He describes the pain to his feet as feeling like they are in a vise. He has seen multiple doctors had surgery for carpal tunnel to one hand and keeps getting told he is fine and to take multivitamins. He has a history of smoking a pack per day and was a severe alcoholic until about 4 years ago.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your question.
I have to say, I completely disagree with the neurologist who told you there was nothing wrong. Your husband is clearly having several very concerning and very distressing symptoms. Clumsiness in the hands, inability to have an erection, numbness/swelling in the groin and legs, discoloration, and pain in the feet are all very concerning. Some of this is very likely alcohol-caused -- the pain in the feet for example. But these other symptoms are very concerning for a serious problem with the spinal cord. If he was my patient, I would get an MRI of the entire spine urgently to assess for swelling, nerve impingement, cauda equina syndrome, among other things. This MRI is the next most important step, and my advice for you.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your question.
I have to say, I completely disagree with the neurologist who told you there was nothing wrong. Your husband is clearly having several very concerning and very distressing symptoms. Clumsiness in the hands, inability to have an erection, numbness/swelling in the groin and legs, discoloration, and pain in the feet are all very concerning. Some of this is very likely alcohol-caused -- the pain in the feet for example. But these other symptoms are very concerning for a serious problem with the spinal cord. If he was my patient, I would get an MRI of the entire spine urgently to assess for swelling, nerve impingement, cauda equina syndrome, among other things. This MRI is the next most important step, and my advice for you.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
He had an MRI of the upper neck and shoulders and was told that the degenerative issues with the spinal column were not severe and consistent with his age, not anything else. Where else could there be further issues causing these problems. The erection issues started about 5-6 years ago. He has had issues with ejaculation for years where it was harder for it to happen. Is there anything else I need to ask his primary physician to order in testing for him? One doctor told him the problem only stemmed from his liver levels being elevated.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Given that he has already had an MRI of the C-spine, I would advise an additional MRI of the T- and L-spine. There could be swelling, nerve impingement, or lesions causing his symptoms.
People who are alcoholics commonly experience difficulty obtaining erections, because alcohol directly kills nerves, particularly in the legs and pubic area.
I would ask his doctor to test vitamin levels and to order a T- and L-spine MRI. Could also consider Viagra/Cialis for erectile difficulty.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Given that he has already had an MRI of the C-spine, I would advise an additional MRI of the T- and L-spine. There could be swelling, nerve impingement, or lesions causing his symptoms.
People who are alcoholics commonly experience difficulty obtaining erections, because alcohol directly kills nerves, particularly in the legs and pubic area.
I would ask his doctor to test vitamin levels and to order a T- and L-spine MRI. Could also consider Viagra/Cialis for erectile difficulty.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Have already done the Cialis route. It helped for a short time, then stopped seeming to work. He also tried the non prescription kinds that you can find at liquor stores and such, but some helped and others did nothing. I will ask his doctor for the mri to be ordered. We are finding that no one seems to want to help him. He will see the doctor and get told they will help, then they usher him out the door and tell him he will be fine.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I'm sorry doctors have not been helpful to you so far. I hope my suggestion is of help, and good luck at your upcoming doctor appointment!
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I'm sorry doctors have not been helpful to you so far. I hope my suggestion is of help, and good luck at your upcoming doctor appointment!
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
