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It's only one foot. I haven't skated since noticing the issue and the numbness is yet to have dissipated. The nerve shooting sensation is definitely new, but I'm not sure how long I was experiencing the numbness prior to noticing it. It's very subtle, as it's only superficial numbness in one toe.
There are no visible abnormalities with my foot - swelling ect. I'm a healthy 36yo F, with no other health problems, gait abnormalities or existing foot issues. However, I have an old, minor motorbike injury to that foot. There's existing scar tissue close to the area I'm experiencing the nerve twinges, so perhaps it's an aggravating factor.
I'm going to have an ultrasound and pediatrist consult this week, hopefully that will shed some light. ....
Thank you. And thank @highcarbon for other ideas.
Simplifying things -
scar contains fibrous tissue which is less elastic than kollagen tissue. Even soft tissues under the scar can be contracted (not sure with the right English word for this). Active scar may even pain or cause pain in different regions of body.
That's why good physiotherapists always look for scars and if needed - treat them with pressuring, massaging, stretching etc.
Scar with soft tissue changes may lead to block of joints and bones movements in that area.
Top of the foot is a small area so even small scar can create bigger trouble.
I don't know how long / big is your scar. If it is still painful when you touch it (I guess no)? Or if the area of scar is painful when you palpate into depths (= so you can even feel every single bone with deep palpation).
X-ray will exclude stress fracture or bone abnormalities. Ultrasound will look for some fluid / cyst or swollen tissues. I personally think it will be OK without any pathology.
As to podiatrist - definitely take your skates at the meeting. Plus if he / she has no knowledge about figure skating - explain what kind of movements you are doing - bend knees… ankle joints always in dorzal or plantar flexion… with blades on the ice and bend knees = which means additional pressure for the top of the foot. Show him boots material.
This doesn’t go particularly to your problems, but you may also ask podiatrist to examine what is the pressure you put on both feet. If there is a significant difference between left and right leg, it can mean blocked ankle / knee / hip joint on more pressured leg. Or another cause can be in pelvis area – muscle imbalance or blocked vertebral joints.
I would reccomend one session with physiotherapist to be sure that your foot is OK.
Physiotherapist should examine and if finding some pathology (pain, small / no movement of tissues, hypertonia in muscles, blocked joint) then treat:
- crural and plantar fascias
- crural and plantar muscles, interossei muscles of foot
- Achilles tendon
- head of fibula, ankle and Lisfranc and Chopart joints, movement of each tarsal bones and metatarsal bones, metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints
- free movement of calcaneus
(Without any hesitation take the list of things mentioned above with yourself.)
If you wouldn’t mind I would like to get the feedback from you – how was ultrasound and podiatric visit. As well if you decide for physiotherapeutic treatment.
