Sciatica - nerve damage ankle collapsing !

[Lauren1993]

Has anyone else dealt with this ?
Any advise, help, tips etc. ?

I have a 5 year history of sciatica L4-L5 prolapse disc … 1 failed surgery, 2 pregnancies, injections, all types of therapy along the road.

I’ve had 4 months off riding … just due to time, winter & a sciatica flare up over Xmas.
This is where my current issue has come from… since my last flare up I have nerve damage & numbness down my left calf & top of my foot which has limited my strength & movement in my foot. (I can’t move my toes as well / print my toes up etc)

I didn’t think much of it when I rode my horse today as I have ZERO pain right now
Got on & Walked around the village fine but trotted around some parked cars & everytime I put weight into my stirrups my ankle gave way - still no pain ! But felt like my ankle was collapsing.
Just zero strength. I managed a few bits of trot on our 45 min hack by really gripping with my knees so it was a little easier but I’m just putting more weight into my right stirrup causing my saddle to slip slightly right (I have a round cob X type)
So frustrated as I’m pain free & excited to get back in the saddle now this

 

[Spiritedly]

I have Spinal Stenosis that affects L2 - L5 and as a result have weakness in my left leg as well as lack of sensation in my calf and left foot.

I've found riding in long boots is better than short boots as they support my ankle more and I do a lot of no stirrup work to work my core and general stability as I'm never sure if I'm putting more weight into my right stirrup to compensate. My instructor sometimes rides my horse that I compete and has found that he seems to resent her using a stronger left leg aid than I give due to my weakness....and I can do all lateral work with him...so they do adapt but I also make sure he has physio every 12 weeks to fix anything my wonkiness may cause.

 

[jhoward]

Strap it up...with a good ankle support.
Out of interest do your feet swell?

I have issues pretty much with the same disks and the biggest issue is nerve contact ( I've done the injections, nerve burning off and steroids injected etc.)

If your any good at bandaging I'd really suggests some vet wrap but also playing around with your posture right down to stirrup length as I suspect it's nerves giving you the problems so you need to find a position that they are happy in if that makes sense

 

[ClaraB]

Strap it up...with a good ankle support.
Out of interest do your feet swell?

I have issues pretty much with the same disks and the biggest issue is nerve contact ( I've done the injections, nerve burning off and steroids injected etc.)

If your any good at bandaging I'd really suggests some vet wrap but also playing around with your posture right down to stirrup length as I suspect it's nerves giving you the problems so you need to find a position that they are happy in if that makes sense

I agree to strap it up. Do you have double joints anywhere? I am double jointed and predisposed to weak ankles.

 

[Tidy_rabbit]

You need to seek medical attention due to your history as it sounds like it is worsening - not an emergency, but ring dr tomorrow when they open. You are describing partial paralysis here, the collapse is because the nerve serving that muscle is trapped and it is failing further. With nerve issues, pain and numbness can be reversed but once you get paralysis there is no guarantee that it can, and the longer it stays trapped, the less likely it is to come back. I was lucky to get full use of my arm back but I had my neck operated on right away.

 

[Lauren1993]

Strap it up...with a good ankle support.
Out of interest do your feet swell?

I have issues pretty much with the same disks and the biggest issue is nerve contact ( I've done the injections, nerve burning off and steroids injected etc.)

If your any good at bandaging I'd really suggests some vet wrap but also playing around with your posture right down to stirrup length as I suspect it's nerves giving you the problems so you need to find a position that they are happy in if that makes sense

I’ve ordered a good ankle strap from
Amazon & some resistance bands to do some exercises.
No swelling as far as I’ve noticed.

It doesn’t look like it’s collapsing when I trot but definitely feels like it but no pain.
I put my stirrups down a hole & could manage a little more trotting really using my legs & core.
(Obviously my corse is s**t so really need to work on this)

We are just happy hackers- noting serious so just want to be able to enjoy my rides again x

 

[Lauren1993]

You need to seek medical attention due to your history as it sounds like it is worsening - not an emergency, but ring dr tomorrow when they open. You are describing partial paralysis here, the collapse is because the nerve serving that muscle is trapped and it is failing further. With nerve issues, pain and numbness can be reversed but once you get paralysis there is no guarantee that it can, and the longer it stays trapped, the less likely it is to come back. I was lucky to get full use of my arm back but I had my neck operated on right away.

Thank You for this. I’ve called my Drs and they have scheduled a physio appointment but I am already under the pain management clinic awaiting more injections.
So I basically just have to wait but my last MRI was before my latest flare up when this numbness happened so the consultant was concerned we didn’t know what has happened since.

Maybe another MRi needs to be done

 

[Tidy_rabbit]

Thank You for this. I’ve called my Drs and they have scheduled a physio appointment but I am already under the pain management clinic awaiting more injections.
So I basically just have to wait but my last MRI was before my latest flare up when this numbness happened so the consultant was concerned we didn’t know what has happened since.

Maybe another MRi needs to be done

Sounds familiar, the merry go round of pain management and physio! You definitely need another MRI - make it really clear to the physio that the weakness has come about after another flare up, and this is a new development. You will need to hammer it home because they will probably want to fob you off with exercises but in my experience it's just putting off the inevitable. You said you had a failed surgery - was it a microdiscectomy? They can re herniate if so.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Has anyone else dealt with this ?
Any advise, help, tips etc. ?

I have a 5 year history of sciatica L4-L5 prolapse disc … 1 failed surgery, 2 pregnancies, injections, all types of therapy along the road.

I’ve had 4 months off riding … just due to time, winter & a sciatica flare up over Xmas.
This is where my current issue has come from… since my last flare up I have nerve damage & numbness down my left calf & top of my foot which has limited my strength & movement in my foot. (I can’t move my toes as well / print my toes up etc)

I didn’t think much of it when I rode my horse today as I have ZERO pain right now
Got on & Walked around the village fine but trotted around some parked cars & everytime I put weight into my stirrups my ankle gave way - still no pain ! But felt like my ankle was collapsing.
Just zero strength. I managed a few bits of trot on our 45 min hack by really gripping with my knees so it was a little easier but I’m just putting more weight into my right stirrup causing my saddle to slip slightly right (I have a round cob X type)
So frustrated as I’m pain free & excited to get back in the saddle now this

I live with sciatica issues all the time since riding accident in the 70 's where I damage L3 L4 and L5_ they go in facet lock and spasm. I now have weak left calf and cannot keep my leg round the horse and often swings without control. Also got collapse arches and weak ankles, my thigh the left one if standing or lunging goes numb like pins and needles and i have to lean forward where ever I am and stay there 20 seconds till the blood starts flowing again. I ibuprofen helps me but back/lumbar can go any time without warning. Have you tried ankle supports??I also buy shoes that go over the ankle and padded like this as my ankles go over if I walk on un even surface or a stone.

Ariat Terrain Zip H2O Boots

These Ariat Terrain Zip H20 Boots have free delivery when bought online from Houghton Country. These boots are fully waterproof with a riding sole.

www.houghtoncountry.co.uk

Chatsworth Storm Waterproof Jodhpur Boots - Blue

Kentucky Jodhpur Riding Boots - Black. The Kentucky has performance and style by the bucket full with unbeatable comfort for both a yard and riding boot. The rugged design is made from a combination of buffed waxed calf skin leather and tough nylon Condura fabric for durability and is lined with...

www.barebackfootwear.com

 

[Asha]

I started with this . When riding my ankle would collapse in the stirrup . So would have to ride without stirrups for a few minutes until the feeling came back .
This went on for a couple of years and has only stopped since I had a hip replacement.
I had sciatica down my leg caused by bone spurs ( also had bone on bone , bone cysts and a fractured hip bone ) so I’d urge you to get your hips checked . I was also riding wide horses .
Since my op I’ve had no problems at all

 

[Traks]

You need another MRI, just to see what is going on. You should be put through as urgent with that history, I had a sudden loss of ankle reflex when I prolapsed a disc so I went through as urgent. Mine thankfully reabsorbed after 3 months by itself but was very annoying...no pain though which was good and bad because it didn't hurt...but also bad because it suggests its a big prolapse!

 

[Lauren1993]

I started with this . When riding my ankle would collapse in the stirrup . So would have to ride without stirrups for a few minutes until the feeling came back .
This went on for a couple of years and has only stopped since I had a hip replacement.
I had sciatica down my leg caused by bone spurs ( also had bone on bone , bone cysts and a fractured hip bone ) so I’d urge you to get your hips checked . I was also riding wide horses .
Since my op I’ve had no problems at all

Ahhh okay.
I also have a bone spur that is on my right side trying to fuse itself to my pelvis ! So this is very interesting

 

[Lauren1993]

You need another MRI, just to see what is going on. You should be put through as urgent with that history, I had a sudden loss of ankle reflex when I prolapsed a disc so I went through as urgent. Mine thankfully reabsorbed after 3 months by itself but was very annoying...no pain though which was good and bad because it didn't hurt...but also bad because it suggests it’s a big prolapse!

This sounds like mine, no pain at all, best I feel since Xmas when it happened.
How did you get through as urgent ?
I just don’t feel like they listen- just don me off with a tone of pain relief

 

[Traks]

This sounds like mine, no pain at all, best I feel since Xmas when it happened.
How did you get through as urgent ?
I just don’t feel like they listen- just don me off with a tone of pain relief

I went to a private physio who was concerned re sudden loss of reflex and power, so she recommended an urgent MRI. It was worth the £50 consultation! This was 5 years ago though so the lists weren't as long!

 

[Birker2020]

Has anyone else dealt with this ?
Any advise, help, tips etc. ?

I have a 5 year history of sciatica L4-L5 prolapse disc … 1 failed surgery, 2 pregnancies, injections, all types of therapy along the road.

I’ve had 4 months off riding … just due to time, winter & a sciatica flare up over Xmas.
This is where my current issue has come from… since my last flare up I have nerve damage & numbness down my left calf & top of my foot which has limited my strength & movement in my foot. (I can’t move my toes as well / print my toes up etc)

I didn’t think much of it when I rode my horse today as I have ZERO pain right now
Got on & Walked around the village fine but trotted around some parked cars & everytime I put weight into my stirrups my ankle gave way - still no pain ! But felt like my ankle was collapsing.
Just zero strength. I managed a few bits of trot on our 45 min hack by really gripping with my knees so it was a little easier but I’m just putting more weight into my right stirrup causing my saddle to slip slightly right (I have a round cob X type)
So frustrated as I’m pain free & excited to get back in the saddle now this

Yes I've actually fallen over about four times now due to my ankle giving way. I assumed it was due to s.i damage which an MRI revealed and an old prolapsed and sequested disc L5/S1. I do have problems with both my feet, extensor tendinitis and wear Asics and over pronation inserts in other footwear. My calves are very tight, which you probably have yourself as this is a common problem.

Latest MRI three years ago revealed disc was of no consequence anymore and sciatica coming from s.i which my consultant strongly disagrees with. I have arthritis in the left s.i joint following a bad fall where I sid a complete 360 from the back of my horse landing on my back with my left leg bent which caused it.

I'm on gabapentin for the sciatica, codeine and ibuprofen for the pain.

OP you can get stirrup insert treads that will prevent your ankle from collapsing whilst riding but anything where you change your physical structure will have a knock on effect elsewhere so it's probably a temporary measure.

 

[Lauren1993]

Thanks all. I’ve been onto my doctor & booked a physio appointment for next week. Also I have forced him to send me for an urgent MRI so hopefully this is sooner rather than later so we can see what’s going on
Riding this weekend with my ankle support on so I will see how I go.
I use the acavello opera stirrups already so can’t add the tred inserts but will definitely look into to this !
Thanks all

 

[Birker2020]

Thanks all. I’ve been onto my doctor & booked a physio appointment for next week. Also I have forced him to send me for an urgent MRI so hopefully this is sooner rather than later so we can see what’s going on
Riding this weekend with my ankle support on so I will see how I go.
I use the acavello opera stirrups already so can’t add the tred inserts but will definitely look into to this !
Thanks all

Good luck with the physio.