Question
Hello,

My name is Taylor and I'd like to find out what's wrong with my foot, about 4 days ago, I was sitting on my left foot while sanding a prop I was building with some steel wool. I had been sitting like that for maybe 10 minutes before my leg and foot was covered with steel wool shavings, after getting up to rinse them off, I felt this weird tingly, numbness in my left leg and foot which almost caused my leg to collapse and I nearly hit my head on the bathroom counter. Thinking my foot was just numb from putting my weight on it, I left it alone and went to bed later on, the next day, my leg and foot felt stiff and numb and I had a hard time walking correctly, I again, left it alone and fast-forward to today, I still feel the same tingly, stiff, numbing sensations. I have a very hard time moving my toes and when I raise my foot or leg to put on a sock, it feels like it's freezing up and I lose any feelings in it. I now am walking with a slight limp and I'm concerned as my job requires me to be fast on my feet.

I've had my feet and arms fall asleep and go numb before, but the fact that this has been going on for more than a day with said symptoms is making me nervous.

What do you think is wrong? Is there anything I need to do?

Thank you for your time, I appreciate it.

Answer
This sounds like some type of nerve impingement in your leg.  A major nerve to the lower leg and foot runs along the outside of the knee and with enough pressure for a long enough period of time could cause an impingement.  The nerve is called the Common Peroneal nerve.  I would look up the location of it on the web and see if it fits the same area that you are having the symptoms.  Most of the time, when the pressure is removed from the nerve, the tingling and numbness resolves within hours.  If you are still having symptoms, I would see your primary care doctor for further follow up.

Sincerely,

Dr. Leslie Johnston, DPM

Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry

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