Do I have a spinal injury?

Here is My Question:
My feet started swelling and are very cold and painful. I cannot walk long or without assistance. My neurologist suggested I may have a spinal injury but the MRI did not show anything. Is there anything else that could reverse my mobility issues or another approach I need to take? Nerve conduction or GI specialist?

Answer:
It is relatively common for people with spinal cord disease from any cause, including those with severe multiple sclerosis, to develop dependent swelling of both feet, if both legs are weak, or just one foot, if only one leg is week. The affected foot or feet will often feel cold and painful. The feet may also appear reddish or even purple. This is generally due to inactivity (sitting in a chair most of the day). Getting up and about more, if possible, passive range of motion exercises and massage can all help.

A neurologist can determine if a spinal cord problem is causing these symptoms. Neurologists will take a thorough history and exam and usually obtain an MRI scan of all or just part of your spinal cord. Additional testing may also be required. 

Peripheral neuropathies (not a spinal cord problem) can cause similar symptoms and are usually evaluated by interview, examination and nerve conduction studies with electromyography.

Revere P (Rip) Kinkel, MDProfessor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego
#multiplesclerosis #spinalinjury