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1147125 tn?1265114765

Leg HAS to twist now to walk-caused my nerves in back???

My foot seems to twist to almost 90 degree angle when I walk and my leg is also twisting outward to walk??  I dont know why it is doing this. I do have back issues.  Can this twisting of my left leg and foot be caused from nerve issues?

I have sciatica and thigh pain and calf weakness which is making it hard to walk. I have huge pain in my calf when i put my weight on my left leg.  I also have numbness on the right underside of my left foot from heal to big toe. I am scheduled to see surgeon on April 6th for a surger date for discectomy laminectomy on my l5- s1.  Here is the info on that section of my back:

l5-s-1 large central disc extrusion which extends inferior to the disk for a distance of approx. 1.2 cm and extends posteriorly for a distance of 1.5 cm.  There is significant narrowing of the thecal sac.  The transluminal diameter of the thecal sac at this level has been reduced by 50 percent

Has anyone else had a twisting leg?  It seems from the knee down my leg/ foot just doesnt want to work right.  Any ideas? Can this twisting of my left leg and foot be caused from nerve issues?


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1194360 tn?1265068604
My Osteopath sent me to a Neurosurgeon regarding the same issue you are having with your spine, my M.R.I. was very similar to yours.  I did not have surgery and have now been recovering for 2 years.  The affected leg has atrophied to the point it is 20% smaller than the other leg, my foot is severely atrophied also.  The Osteopath treated me as long as he could before consulting the Neurosurgeon.  I was told never again to let a chiropractor near my back as the nerves could be permanently damaged by being "adjusted". I never dreamed that something could go wrong with my lower spine that would cause a leg deformity, sometimes I wonder if surgery would've been the way to go, so I know this is a very difficult situation to be in!
There is still a long way to go for me, but everyday I get a little better. I wish you luck in your journey...
Helpful - 0
1147125 tn?1265114765
Hi mare, Thanks for responding.  I have been in therapy and for adjustments for quite some time.  My chrio wont work on my back anymore and my Dr agrees that no more adjustments or therapy should be done on my back at the present time due to nerve issues.  I was thinking of going to a naturopath to see what they might offer.
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1147125 tn?1265114765
Thank you for the response, I have tried to figure this out through googling " twisting leg" but only come up with things about children.  Im heading to wiki to try your suggestions right now !
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Can you see a chiropractor or osteopath for alignments, or at least a 2nd opinion before surgery? So often our bodies get out of alignment and we have surgery too soon.  I've seen a friend who was scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery go to an osteopath as a "favor" , become completely fixed by his adjustments and cancel her surgery. I think it's always worth a try! Good luck.
Helpful - 0
1194360 tn?1265068604
ABSOLUTELY what is happening with your leg can be caused by your Spinal Nerves.  Go to Wikipedia, enter "Sacral Spinal Nerve 1" it will give you all of the muscles in the leg connected to the nerves from your S-1. Click on each one od them to see a picture from Grays Anatomy and an explanation.  You can also enter "Lumbar" and specifics will come up such as "L-5" it will explain again all of the  muscles affected by the pressure on your nerve in the spine.  I've had everything you've had except for the "twisting" it sounds as though surgery is your best option, as you don't want the nerves in your spine, that control the muscles in your leg to become anymore damaged!. Also enter "Nerve" in Wikipedia you'll get a diagram of how exactly they run down your leg, you'll see how they are affecting your gait.  Don't hate your Sciatic Nerve, without it you could'nt walk, at all!  I wish you the greatest of luck, and hope you start feeling better soon...
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