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Femoral Nerve Damage & Quad Atrophy – No Diagnosis, No Recovery
Hi everyone,
Over 10 years ago, I developed severe atrophy and weakness in my left quadriceps. A neurologist confirmed 50% femoral nerve conductivity, but multiple MRIs and tests (including a visit to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville) gave me no clear diagnosis or treatment. PT didn’t help, and I still can’t do isolated quad movements. My left leg is visibly smaller than my right. There’s no pain in the leg, and it never builds muscle or gets sore. My other area compensate.
Over the past few years, I’ve fallen multiple times — twice resulting in broken bones — and I fell again today during a workout. I’m shaken and frustrated.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Any ideas, treatments, or doctors who helped you? I’m open to clinical trials, new therapies, or just hearing from people who get it.
Thank you.
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@hermionegr62442
Before you had symptoms 10 years ago, did you have an accident, injury or hip/abdomen/spine surgery?
Do you have diabetes? Did you ever have a fractured pelvis or bleeding in abdomen? Did you work in a job where you had to stand for extended periods of time or lift heavy things where you needed to flex your leg muscles many times while moving in certain ways repetitively?
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324084
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/femoral-nerve-dysfunction
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21786-femoral-nerve
4. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/femoral-nerve-dysfunction
5. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/femoral-nerve-dysfunction
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1 ReactionHi herm,
I know the Mayo Clinic in JAX, and if they can't find an answer - well that's pretty rare.
You mention "50% femoral nerve conductivity". How was this measured?
I'm sorry I don't have more for you. When I have issues, especially with bones or muscles, I go to a "Dr of Physical Medicine" - she is part of the orthopedic clinic I use. I go to her when I have a problem with no clear cause, and she has had answers. It often ends in a referral to another specialist, but it beats hunting around. Your case sounds like this - no clear cause for the reduced nerve conductivity in your left quad.
These Drs use to be referred to as "Sports Medicine Drs". You should be able to find one in the orthopedic group at Mayo. I'm sorry I don't have more for you.
Joe
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1 ReactionKnee replacement and having sciatic nerve issues two years post surgery. This is a physical issue I am having currently!
I had left hip weakness for 1 & 1/2 years. After going to 5 doctors to no avail, my neurologist found out that I was claudicated & had a left iliac artery blockage. It was Awful as I was getting weaker & weaker, could hardly walk. You should have your doctor rule that out. The morning after surgery, I was able to walk like I never had a problem. I can’t tell you how Grateful I am to my neurologist as he finally figured it out. Everyone I saw told me it was my spine. Granted I have a terrible spine but my EMG was completely normal. I had vascular surgery & a stent placed in my left iliac artery. I also had thigh atrophy… it was a terrible & scary experience!!! I had no pulse in my left lower leg & no one but my neurologist really gave me a thorough exam!!! The vascular surgeon couldn’t believe my neurologist was the one who finally diagnosed me. It may not of course be your problem but after reading your post felt I had to post this. The Best of Luck to You!!!
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2 ReactionsI don't think sciatic nerve issues would have anything to do with a knee replacement. I'm not even sure that is what you're implying, but it looks like it.
Sciatic nerve problems are best diagnosed and fixed by a neuro or ortho spine surgeon, or both.
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2 ReactionsHi rb2,
Thanks for sharing this, and I'm glad you're doing well.
This stresses how important it is to find a good PCP and good specialists and surgeons. In some places, you can also find Drs of Physical Medicine, typically part of an orthopedic group. (These Drs used to go by the title of Sports-Medicine Physician, and some still do. I use one and she has referred me to the appropriate specialist for conditions I can't figure out.
As for finding a surgeon - if you're new to an area (or even if you aren't), I suggest finding a Dr from his or her mid 30s to mid 40s, with a solid medical college and/or residency pedigree. Some obvious names are Mayo and Cleveland Clinic. There are many other excellent schools of medicine in the USA. Look for the acceptance rates. For example, The University of Wisconsin Medical College accepts 3% of all applicants, and only 6 graduates are accepted into orthopedic residency each year. These are very accomplished individuals.
All the best to everyone!
Joe
I went just recently to a ortho surgeon. He confirmed that the surgery could have effected my sciatic nerve and stretching and my months possibly a couple of years may be all that helps this issue! Lots of be gay too!