Question
Hello Dr!

My name is Christina I'm 26yrs of age and for these past few weeks my left calf has been numb to the touch and their are days when my leg feels heavy when i walk and a pulling sensation from my hip to my thigh happens. what does that mean? i get scared sometimes thinking its a stroke but its not i do have back problems called scoliosis since i was 10-12yrs old

Answer
Dear Christina,

It's highly doubtful that your calf problem has come to fruition because of a stroke. You more than likely would have facial paralysis or trouble into your arms with the left being prominent. You would have the possibility of slurred speech rather than lower extremity pains.

You must know that you could have possibly pulled a very small muscle that lies below your calf muscle and if memory serves me correctly I think it is called the Plantaris muscle. Sometimes this actually ruptures ( pulls away from your bone). This is painful to say the least and can cause some numbness and when you walk it would be very sore and stiff for up to six weeks. You also would have to have certain circulation problems assessed. You actually have a pulse in your ankle just like in your wrist. Look this procedure up and take your pulse and see if it is affected. You should also rule out a Bakers cyst.

The heavy feeling you feel when you walk could be due to several factors from the Plantaris muscle to circulation issues and you will need to have your pelvis assessed for possible Sacro Illiac Subluxation which the latter is more than likely to be present. Also there is the distinct possibility of Intervertebral Disc involvement.

As far as your scoliosis this is probably contributing to SI problem as previously mentioned.It would be wise of you to have a set of x rays done to see if in fact this is true. Although you have scoliosis you can benefit from regular Chiropractic wellness visits. Notice I did not say that you could be cured of your scoliosis but I have been adjusting patients with scoliosis for 28 years and they love their adjustments. Some cases of scoliosis do resolve and some don't...but if you have scoliosis then you need to seek the care of a health professional that can help you get out of pain and maintain the best functional capacity cable for the scoliotic condition you have.

All of these could be assessed by a competent Chiropractor. If you do not want to seek the care of a Chiropractor please take my advice and have this checked by a medical doctor.