Numbness/tingling in a new location

[Ashley820]

I was diagnosed with low B12 in August (level was 274). I’ve been on weekly injections since then. Overall, my symptoms have greatly improved except for occasional numbness and tingling in my right big toe and a small area on sole of that foot. I finally started exercising again a few weeks ago- just walking three days a week on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes.

The past few days I’ve noticed that my left foot, which has been unaffected until now, is going numb in the exact places as my right foot and it’s also feeling tingly in my left calf. I’m not sure what to make of it. I’ve continued my injections and nothing else has changed except the increase in physical activity and an increase in stress since my husband just lost his job a few weeks ago. Should I be concerned that the numbness and tingling is now impacting a new area? Does this warrant a call to my neurologist/GP?

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Do you have fallen arches or use orthotics at all? B12 deficiency can lead to fallen arches because of the effects on muscle strength in the foot changing the shape slightly so nerves that run through the ankle get constricted. This can result in problems but they are usually associated with stabbing pains. However, if you had peripheral neuropathy because of damage to the myelin sheath perception of nerve impulses may be altered. It takes nerves a very long time to heal.

That's only a suggestion that is a bit off the wall - though I have to say that I have altered pain perception in my left foot following a broken ankle about 8 years ago so I experience tissue damage in the centre of the foot as numbness rather than pain.

Think your best bet is probably to double check with the GP just in case there is something else going on - which could mean referal to a neurologist or possibly a podiatrist.

[fbirder]

Yes, you need to see a neurologist.

There are scores of possible causes of what you describe. Some are innocuous, some are nocuous. Some are treatable, some are not.

The only way to be sure what is causing yours is to go see an expert.

[Ashley820]

I should have mentioned that I’ve seen a neurologist and had a brain and spine MRI in October and tons of bloodwork. Everything has come back normal except my b12 level. The nerve conduction study was normal but the biopsy detecting small fiber neuropathy was not.

[Nicksi]

I have the same sensations as you and B12 levels. Except most of my neuropathy is in my right leg. When it started in my leg it was first my foot and then over time my calf and now decade later creeping up my thigh.

Your exercise could definitely be related. As I would get flare up in my legs when I would exercise. When this would happen I would give myself B12 injections every other day till the symptoms abaited. You may also want to check out the Tx guidelines by pernicious anemia society, as they recommend the same thing when it comes to neuropathic symptoms related to B12.

I've had this for 16yrs, and unfortunately the flare ups in relation to exercise didn't go away, you just have to figure out what will work best for you with supplementation.