What Causes Mild Numbness In The Foot?

Posted on Thu, 24 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had major back surgery on March 20, 2016. Two titanium plates were put to keep two sets of vertebra from slipping and I believe I had a laminectomy to clean out stuff pushing on my spinal nerve where it branches to serve my right leg. I came out our surgery feeling much better. The pain is mostly gone, but the right foot still somewhat numb. I have worked up to walking 2 to 3 miles a day about 5 days of the week. I can use my right foot on the gas pedal again. My only concern is I have to walk slowly or I suffer from shortness of breath and some pain in my chest. Is this normal? Will it just take a few more months to get back to normal?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to a cardiac cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The mild numbness in the foot can happen due to a mild nerve injury or low levels of vitamin B12. Proper supplements can help to reduce this sensation.
The shortness of breath or pain can be related to a cardiac cause or a weakness or low levels of hemoglobin. At your age it is best to get your cardiac status evaluated by a cardiologist.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar