10 replies to this topic

[skinfan818]

Hi everyone... I am new to this site and this is my first post. First off my name is Richie and I have been paraplegic 7 years now.

My question is that I have been having crazy tingling sensations in my legs and feet lately and I don't know why. Does anyone know why this occurs and what may help? Its not exactly painful but it is the most annoying thing in the world. Drives me insane and will not stop. Some days are worse than others. Seems to be worse the more I am up in my wheelchair. Also there is a certain spot or spots in my lower back where when I touch or press on it the tingling is worse while I press but then it goes back to the way it was tingling when I let go. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Jax]

Skinfan,
I have NO idea why this happens, but I want you to know that you are not alone! I have experienced the tingling, and it does happen worse when up for a long time. I know that many have swelling in their feet and get these types of sensations, but my tingling feelings seem to turn into my feet feeling like they're on fire if I'm up for too long and my feet swell more than usual. Once I lay down, it's about an hour before the tingling starts to subside. I also get some odd feelings in the backs of my calves sometimes, like cramping. Sometimes, the cramping feeling in the calves starts and a bit later, I get cramps in my lower back. I have talked to a couple of OTs and a neurologist, but neither was any help (go figure). The neuro was supposed to call me back, but it's been months, and no call. I even called his office and left messages after the second month of no reply. I haven't tried pressing on spots in my back, but you have given me reason now to see if it has the affect on me that it does on you. I hope somebody on here can help, or at least give some reference as to where to turn for help with this, as it's incredibly discomforting.

[Kev-O]

I have always been told its in my head. This kind of stuff happens to people that lose there legs or feet. I dont know what its called but it feels like there legs are tingling even tho there is noting there.

[StellaLAtella]

This kind of stuff happens to people that lose there legs or feet. I dont know what its called but it feels like there legs are tingling even tho there is noting there


Hey Kev-O,
I think what you are referring to is what is called: Phantom Pain It's a weird phenomenon. Just my two cents.
~Stella

[Ches]

I dont think its phantom pain in every case. There's no way.

Just wacked out nerves.

[jaquie_farmer]

I remember before I could move my legs, when I tried to move them I would get a tingling sensation. Kind of like my brain was trying to find a way down there. But like ches said I think it's just nerve damage. Have you asked your doc? I'm on a medicine called neurontin. It helps my nerves relax so I can sleep. I'm no doc but maybe it might help.

[nomis]

After 7 years it's unlikely that it indicates your break might not be complete. So it has to be your brain. Like others here I can tune into such feelings, get my feet really buzzing, etc. Sometimes it happens spontaneously if I've maybe been in my chair too long (along with a burning bum). Seems like your mind has decided to dwell on these sensations.

I don't think any doc is going to understand it. He might speculate that the severed nerves are somehow responding but he won't know for sure. I'd be suspicious of any medication offered. The doc might diagnose you as anxious and feed you drugs you don't need.

If you try to make them not happen then, of course, they happen all the more. So I'd suggest you just acknowledge they are there, in time they will change and they're not doing any harm. However, if your legs start twitching and suddenly you stand up and walk then I was totally wrong.

[AbZ]

eyyy guys... (first post lol)

well anyway, i also get tingling from my hips down... i am about 9 months post injury, and had an MRI done a few weeks ago. Well i found out that i still have a bone fragment compressing the spinal cord and causing severe canal stenosis. I apparently have about 15-20% of the cord still intact, although its not giving me too much function below the injury... i went to a number of neurosurgeons, and well i'm gonna take the bone out and the hope is that the tingling may settle and even hopefully bring some sensation/movement back.... so well, i guess its not gonna hurt to do an MRI or something, if u are really curious... most Spinal wards only give you an MRI straight after your injury, to assess damage for the surgery thats required, but they don't usually do one after the injury, unless you are being affected above the injury....

[StellaLAtella]

Hey Ches,
I wasn't saying that this case or every case is phantom pain. I was just putting a name to the description of Kev-o's. I think you nailed it with your explanation of "wacked out nerves" . BTW, is that a medical terminology?
~Stella

[ladyt]

skinfan818, on Mar 10 2009, 07:00 AM, said:

Hi everyone... I am new to this site and this is my first post. First off my name is Richie and I have been paraplegic 7 years now.

My question is that I have been having crazy tingling sensations in my legs and feet lately and I don't know why. Does anyone know why this occurs and what may help? Its not exactly painful but it is the most annoying thing in the world. Drives me insane and will not stop. Some days are worse than others. Seems to be worse the more I am up in my wheelchair. Also there is a certain spot or spots in my lower back where when I touch or press on it the tingling is worse while I press but then it goes back to the way it was tingling when I let go. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Hi
I get the tingling all down my left leg and the feet on fire I believe it is nerves. I am on Gabapenden . I also used to get cramping in the back of the calves. When it gets really annoying I take T3's.

[codakitty]

skinfan818, on Mar 10 2009, 03:00 PM, said:

Hi everyone... I am new to this site and this is my first post. First off my name is Richie and I have been paraplegic 7 years now.

My question is that I have been having crazy tingling sensations in my legs and feet lately and I don't know why. Does anyone know why this occurs and what may help? Its not exactly painful but it is the most annoying thing in the world. Drives me insane and will not stop. Some days are worse than others. Seems to be worse the more I am up in my wheelchair. Also there is a certain spot or spots in my lower back where when I touch or press on it the tingling is worse while I press but then it goes back to the way it was tingling when I let go. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

It's just nerve pain. I think the medication they can give you for it is worse than the original complaint. Gabapentin is anyway--it can give you high blood sugar and give you horrible edema in your ankles and feet. And trust me, eventually you're going to have to deal with that anyway so don't rush. hahahaha. (nah, stasis edema happens but sleeping with your legs elevated and lowering your salt intake does wonders. did for me anyway.)