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I have numbness down side of my right leg, centering around the ankle & extending to bottom 1/3 of the foot. I have been diagnosed with some compression of L5-S1. The reason I went to MD was this NEAR miss auto accident. Instead of hitting the brake when the car before me stopped, my foot had 'traveled' to hover over the accelerator & when I pressed the "brake" down to stop my car-it shot forward. Thankfully left lane was open & I steered into that lane. This happened one more time but I had begun putting my car into park every time I stopped so all that happened was my car's engine roared like my car was on the NASCAR starting line & the flag just waved. But every time I talked to the Neuro/orthopedic about these incidents-concerns, questioning what was going on & what can I do to resolve it, I could see a mental shrug -and no one had any comment regarding possible reason or advice to correct. When I read others talking about their problems -then read several articles about results of Clinical Research & driving with diabetic peripheral neuropathy linked, I wanted to sob. When I continue seeking more info & answers & discovered written material about spine compression, peripheral neuropathy & problems driving because their foot had "traveled' over the pedals - I did sob. To me it was confirmation I wasn't crazy! Any advice about how to resolve or any shared experience would be greatly appreciated. I have felt like I was stranded on an island, seeing nothing but water then suddenly I seeing a boat. Thank you for your time reading. Wishing all the very best.
Replies to "I have numbness down side of my right leg, centering around the ankle & extending to..."
Hello @bamaanswerseeker, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @JustinMcClanahan and others. I have numb feet with my neuropathy and what helps me are comfortable shoes with a flatter sole so they don't catch on the edge pedals. @steeldove mentioned using hand controls helps in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/157046/.
Another neuropathy patient shared a similar story to yours below. The article has a link at the bottom to information on hand controls - https://www.foundationforpn.org/driving-with-peripheral-neuropathy/.
You need to find a good orthopedic team at a reputable hospital.
Gabapentin may help.
Hi,
What type of gearbox is fitted and do you normally use both feet when driving?
I have gone to a double clutch semi autonomous vehicle which stops the vehicle when I gets too close to the one infront, at city speeds.
For automatic gearboxes plant your left foot on the foot rest besides the brake pedal and keep it firmly planted there. I have a velco loop fitted over the foot rest to slip my left foot into, keeping it there. Now use the right foot only to operate both accelerator or brake as needed. When stationary take the gearbox out of drive and use the park brake to prevent rolling, retuning the right foot to the accelerator position. I tend to use the side wall or tunnel of the vehicle, LHD or RHD, to slide my foot down onto the accelerator. This way you get used to the right foot always being at the accelorator position and it becomes second nature, the right foot has no option but to stay where it is.
When the neuropathy starts to become a problem in both feet, maybe look into hand controls being fitted.
Cheers
Connect
Hi @bamaanswerseeker,
I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled:
"Driving with Numb Feet."
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/driving-with-numb-feet-f/
Although it is a lengthy discussion, it has many members who shared their experiences with driving issues and neuropathy. @rivermaya34, @davidpn, @johnbishop and @rkjb1951 all shared their frustrations and what they have tried in regards to driving and their neuropathy.