I have pain and tingling in the left calf and thigh even after physiotherapy. Do I need another NCS test?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had swelling and pain above my left knee and on the top of my foot this year. My mom died last year, because of that, I went to the neurologist in March and she asked me to do some exercises with my legs, and determined that I had no nerve damage and it was a muscle injury. I still had the pain, so I went to another neurologist in July and he did an NCS test on both legs and determined that it was a muscle injury and no nerve damage. He suggested physio so I started doing exercises and the physiotherapist recommended strengthening my knee. I have been doing them, but I have pain and tingling in my calf and thigh in the left leg. I now get some small sharp pains periodically in my legs. Should I go back and do another NCS test?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I passed carefully through your question and would explain that the sharp pains and the tingling are suggestive of a pinched nerve. Considering the location in the thigh, it could be indicative of a peroneal nerve injury. But the pain in the thigh could be suggestive of sciatica (which is nerve pain related to a bulging disc in the lumbar vertebral column).

Do you have back pain? I recommend performing a lumbar spine x-ray study and another nerve conduction study. A lumbar spine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be necessary.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The varicose veins are not related to such pain and tingling sensation. They can cause leg swelling and deep pain in the swelled region, especially during prolonged standing up position. But, I do not think that your complaints are related to the varicose veins.

I would also recommend checking vitamin B12 and vitamin D plasma levels for possible deficiency.

I hope this helps.