Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • karinkaufm
    Participant
    Post count: 1

    My 18 yr old daughter has had significant pain and numbness on the outside of her lower left leg. She is a competitive equestrian, who can no longer ride without first pain, then a “stiffness/cramping with her foot turning in”, followed by numbness. Pain and numbness can also occur when walking on an elliptical or running a short distance. Symptoms began subtly and “creeped up” on her over time…she can now remember some numbing or irritation about 1 year ago, when riding for a long time (at shows), hiking uphill, skiing, and participating in an uphill run. But she is pretty “gritty” and just pushed though it. As of November, any riding became impossible and any activity which requires dorsiflexion of the foot causes pain and discomfort. She has always been very active and strong. We live in Rochester NY and have been seen by Sports Medicine and Neurology at UR Medical Center. Clinical symptoms are very consistent with a perennial nerve entrapment, but EMG and MRI’s are negative. No CNS or other disease process. Neurologist didn’t find any weakness in her left side, but sports medicine MD and back surgeon did find a mild/moderate weakness. Compartment syndrome has also been mentioned. Treatment at this point is PT 3 times per week to strengthen left side and back (She has had some minor back and knee problems in the past that have all responded to PT. Current back MD has ruled out back or sciatic problem). Kristina reports that she feels somewhat better and stronger overall, but the isolated, specific symptoms have not changed with rest from riding. She has been cleared to ride or participate in any sports at this point but the symptoms continue.

    We are heading to Vail for a ski vacation the week of March 20. We are looking for a consult/2nd opinion so she can get back to the activities she loves.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    Peroneal neuropathy is generally a clinical diagnosis but EMG/NCV can be helpful as there is commonly “slowing” of the signal at the fibular head. A positive “Tinels’ test (zapping electrical sensation radiating down to the foot with percussion of the upper fibular head) should be positive.

    The symptoms of exertional compartment syndrome can mimic the symptoms of peroneal neuropathy. The test for this is a measurement of the compartment pressures after exercise. A significantly elevated pressure is the diagnosis.

    I don’t specifically treat these disorder but I have a specialist at the clinic that does treat these. Please call Lori at the clinic and she can direct you to the correct physician.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.