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Chiropractors/Numbness in my lower leg
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Question
Okay, one day I was scaring my little dog that was sleeping on the couch and next thing I new my big dog came and pouched right into my right knee. When that happened it hurt really bad but a few minutes later I didn't even notice it. The next day when i woke up starting from my knee halfway down my lower leg on the right side was numb. It has been for about 2 days know. What can you tell me on what is wrong with it. It feels numb to the touch but when I'm standing on it I don't really notice except I can't feel my leg bend even though I know it is. I've never had this feeling in my leg and its a mystery.
Dear Angel,
I think you have probably injured the peroneal nerve in the lower leg. It is vulnerable to compression injury on the outside of the leg around the knee, and if your big dog ran into you at that location it is very possible that the nerve was compressed...or is at least inflamed.
The peroneal nerve is a branching of the sciatic nerve, which supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is a type of peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside the brain or spinal cord). Decreased sensation, numbness or tingling at the top of the foot...Weakness of the ankles or feet or walking abnormalities are common symptoms.
Bottom line here is that even if the nerve has been compressed and injured, if you have not lost motor function to the leg (or the ability to control the muscles), then the injury is less severe and has a better chance for full recovery.
I would recommend that you get to the doctor and have your leg examined to check not only the sensory functions, but the motor function as well as the deep tendon reflexes. This will provide information to the doctor to properly diagnose th34 injury. They may want to order an NCV study as well to determine if the nerve has lost conduction ability which means that it cannot send information as fast as it is supposed to, or if it has lost function. This will provide you with the most complete diagnosis and prognosis for recovery.
Hope this helps Angel.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
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- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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