Nerve Compression

[orthoman5000]

I guess this is as good a forum as any to ask this. Right now I'm working a job during the Summer between my M1 and M2 years. This job requires me to stand on my feet for 12+ hours a day with very few breaks. I've put on my fair share of weight prior to starting medical school and I wasn't a small guy to begin with, so all this standing is putting a LOT pressure on my feet. My question is can this cause permanent nerve damage. I ask because after a few days of working last week I have greatly reduced sensation in my right foot and lower leg, especially the heel and the shin from mid-shin on down. It didn't go away after several days off and staying off my feet. I'm looking for another job at the moment as I hate this one so much, but if the standing is not going to create a long term problem I can buck it up for a while longer.

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[opus03]

I'm sorry I have nothing of any worth to offer you but I would be interested in what others have to say. I supposedly have nerve compression in both legs(going on 3 years) as the nerves emerge from under the piriformis muscle. The backs and sides of my legs are always numb and sensitive. I take a lot of ibuprofin and that really helps unless I have to sit for long periods of time. Also, PT has been absolutely no help to me and I just tried taking elavil but it had too many side effects to continue.....
I'm just curious b/c all the docs I've seen act like it's no big deal except for the discomfort. Anyway, good luck finding a new job and keeping off your feet!

 

[freddydpt]

othoman,

I would recommend going to see a PT or ortho doc. It sounds to me like there might be an L5/S1 compression or disc bulge. I wouldn't let that kind of thing go for long without getting treatment. If you get pain while standing all day, then try different positions, such as leaning against something. Typically sitting down will increase the pressure on your spine so "staying off your feet" might not be the best idea. Best of luck. Let us know how you are...

 

[freddydpt]

I'm sorry I have nothing of any worth to offer you but I would be interested in what others have to say. I supposedly have nerve compression in both legs(going on 3 years) as the nerves emerge from under the piriformis muscle. The backs and sides of my legs are always numb and sensitive. I take a lot of ibuprofin and that really helps unless I have to sit for long periods of time. Also, PT has been absolutely no help to me and I just tried taking elavil but it had too many side effects to continue.....
I'm just curious b/c all the docs I've seen act like it's no big deal except for the discomfort. Anyway, good luck finding a new job and keeping off your feet!

Opus,

What kind of exercises have you been doing in PT? How did they differentiate between bilateral piriformis syndrome vs. other low back etiologies? Have you tried an orthopedic manual physical therapist?

Good luck.. don't stop fighting to get rid of that pain...

 

[Kev (UK)]

I would recommend going to see a PT or ortho doc.

I agree, you need to be examined and reviewed by a qualified practitioner.