Lower leg nerve issue

I had something similar a few years ago. I injured my ankle and even after it healed I had numbness and tingling in my lower leg. I tried chiro adjustments incase it was related to my back but it didn't help. I also tried Astym but it actually made the tingling worse. I had a nerve test done (horrible test) that didn't reveal a major entrapment and a few other scans. Everything came back normal.

Finally I just stopped all activity and rested for a few weeks. I tried a different chiro that specializes in ART, he worked on my leg and it really helped. I'd say that I had it for 3 months all together before it went away. Funny thing happened last Fall though, I had the same thing happen in my other leg. I mentioned it to my doctor and she ran some bloodwork, the only thing that came back was some of my electrolytes were low. I focused on rehydrating for a few days and it went right away.   

I know it's frustrating. If it persists, you could ask for the nerve test. I think you have to go to a neurologist and it's not a pleasant test but it would tell you if it is something major.

Thanks for the response. Sounds very similar. The specialist did mention a nerve test would be a possible next step if it doesn't improve. He also said it's very unpleasant. I think he called it a EMG and it sounds painful.

I have access to an ART guy, so that's probably a good next step. 

Thanks again!

Thank you for the response. 

He didn't mention the specific term Entrapment Neuropathy, but I just looked at the definition and it fits with what he described as a possibility.

I have used an ice pack after workouts but haven't been as diligent as I should. My coach mentioned this yesterday (she's studying medicine of some sort), but she said I should do more than just an ice pack by using a bucket or something similar to dunk my entire lower leg in ice water. Makes sense that it would be more comprehensive. How long should I do this for? I assume something like 10-15 minutes?

I've not noticed any weakness or numbness either. I definitely don't want to do the test unless I have to. My coach is going to give some more stretches to do that will focus on the sciatic and psoas. Given all the diagnosis to this point it would not surprise me at all for the problem to originate in one of those areas.

Getting older sucks 

I am going through something similar right now.

In my case, I have sciatic symptoms in right leg only (pain, weakness, soreness from right hip joint, glutes, down back of hamstring and IT band, outside of the right calf and top/right of ankle.

I have had a lumbar MRI, a pelvic MRI, and also the dreaded EMG test. 

BTW, the EMG test was not bad at all.  One of the needles is inserted pretty deep in the hip/flank and doesn't feel great, but its not a big deal.

In my case, looks like a combo of L3-L5 issues right near the spine, but also Piriformis Syndrome, possible affecting S1and S2.  When you look at a nerve map, S1 runs everywhere I am having problems.

 http://www.backpain-guide.com/Chapter_Fig_folders/Ch06_Path_Folder/Ch06_Images/06-4%20Radiculopathy.jpg

Have had a cortisone shot on back near L3-L4 which seems to help back issue, but the leg radiculpy may be more relevant to the Piriformis problem.  I am also about to get a cortisone shot in the Piriformis to see if that eliminates the leg symptoms.  Also back in PT targeting the Piriformis specifically.  If that doesn't work, other options exist....

Hope some of this is helpful.

Dan

PS - today was the 1st day back in the pool FOREVER.  Trying to resume light activities....

That is an interesting graphic. My symptoms have also all been in S1. Piriformis is also something I should work on. Too many possibilities!

Update:  I had a steroid injection in my piriformis 2 days ago.. My doc said it could take as much as 10 days to see the full benefit.  After 2 days, I think I am seeing improvement - very encouraged.

The injection was a piece of cake, small numbing shot, followed by the steroid injection which I didn't even feel.

If it helps, maybe the next question is how long it lasts.  I really don't want to have to periodic injections forever.

I'm thinking a return to normal activities might not be too far away!

Stay tuned.

Ive talked to people with scar tissue formation in the muscles down in the calf... sometimes can cause spasm with increased training.  From my understanding MRIs dont pick up small tears and scar formation.

Heres a video may it can help http://www.p3sportscare.com/pain-relief-huntington-beach-ca/how-can-this-help-my-injury/treatment-for-calf-strains/