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  • spogrady
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    In October of 2014 I tore my right calf muscle while playing racquetball. There was a pop sound and I thought I had injured my Achilles, but I didn’t have a tremendous amount of pain. I did rehab but to no avail. I was unable to lift my right heel off the ground. After multiple MRI’s and EMG tests, it was concluded that my S1 nerve was compromised at L5/S1, and was showing weakness in both right hamstring and right calf. Although I had never had back pain, I agreed to a lumbar decompression surgery that I had in September of 2015. Long story short, I function has never returned to my right calf. Hence, I can no longer play racquetball, basketball, or run. I can play golf although I do walk with a minor limp. I don’t really have any pain, just true function loss.
    After reading your web page I believe I actually suffered a stretch injury, that never got properly diagnosed. Is there anything I can do? I know this is a tremendous long shot. If nothing else, what is the best AFO brace that you could recommend for my problem?
    Thanks in advance for your time. Lastly, I’m having certain neurologists now recommending that I get another back surgery as my S1 nerve still seems to be compromised at L5/S1. They say my condition could get worse and then possibly I would not be able to walk at all. I still have no back pain, and I believe they have had this wrong from the start.
    Thanks again for your time! I truly appreciate it, as I’m so frustrated and somewhat desperate.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    Was the “pop” in your calf or in your lower back? Did you have an MRI of your calf? It is possible that you suffered a stretch injury but that is unlikely without a significant force such as a fall or a severe body compromise (forcibly doing the “splits”). What did your EMG test and neurological consultation discuss?

    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.
    spogrady
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    The pop sound came from my calf. I did have an MRI on the calf which at the time showed a calf tear. I don’t recall whether it was a grade 2 or 3. In addition, I’ve had three EMG tests which have shown a compromised S1 nerve and muscle weakness in both my right calf and right hamstring. My most recent EMG was last month in which the neurologist suggested I have another back surgery so the leg doesn’t become more compromised. Unfortunately, all three EMG test were conducted by different doctors at different facilities. I understand that those tests can be somewhat subjective, so no way to tell if my leg is the same, or getting worse. I feel that my leg has been compromised since the calf tear, with no ability lift my right heel off the ground.
    P.S. I have never really had any lower back pain. I still play golf several times a week without a problem, but the walking is quite labored with a limp that gets more progressive as the day goes on.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    It is difficult to understand if your calf weakness is generated from your S1 nerve root or your tendon rupture in your calf. If you ruptured and allowed the tendon to heal in a lengthened manner, you will have calf weakness. Likewise, if you have S1 nerve compression, you could have calf weakness. Or both!

    I would see a foot and ankle surgeon (orthopedist) and a second opinion from another spine surgeon to get a good idea of what your disorder could be.

    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.
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    It is difficult to understand if your calf weakness is generated from your S1 nerve root or your tendon rupture in your calf. If you ruptured and allowed the tendon to heal in a lengthened manner, you will have calf weakness. Likewise, if you have S1 nerve compression, you could have calf weakness. Or both!

    I would see a foot and ankle surgeon (orthopedist) and a second opinion from another spine surgeon to get a good idea of what your disorder could be.

    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.
    spogrady
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    Thank you Dr. Corenman. I appreciate you taking the time. I have another MRI this afternoon and I have an appointment scheduled with an orthopedist at Mayo next week. Thanks again for your time and insight, as it’s truly appreciated.

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