@retired123 Hello there, I have SFN in all 4 of my limbs - more prominent in my arms, but still very present in both my legs below the knees. I find that my right side is the most weak / affected. My left arm hurts the worst, but that is bc of a surgery gone really wrong (long story). It is challenging for me to drive, as I cannot feel very much at all in my right leg, so I have to pay very close attention to my speedometer and adjust accordingly. Walking thruout the day is also hard, and I find myself compromising by favoring my left side, including when I sit down or stand (sit) in the shower. I take high dose Gaba 4x/day and try to stay away from anything too hot/cold since I lack feeling. I've recently done epsom salt soaks which have toned down my symptoms (temporarily, of course). Sometimes, I'll sit/sleep with a pillow underneath my one leg to give it some rise and stimulate blood flow. Gentle massaging also helps, and really warm socks!! I've actually walked with a walking stick (appropriate height) before on longer walks outside and that seemed to give me more stability and lessen the payback afterwards. Custom shoe inserts are also helpful, even if you don't have a limb length discrepancy. Adding/decreasing height to one side may give you the "lift" you need to feel more stable and walk better. Other than that, I'm out of ideas... I hope this helps, and you are able to find relief soon!

Yes my left is worse then my right

Good morning @retired123. That is an interesting question. Have you had an injury or other medical procedure on your left foot/ankle? I guess I don't have much difference until someone like you makes me aware of it. Thank you and I will be careful about how I walk and support my left foot and ankle. I broke that ankle when I was in high school in a roller-skating accident. By the time I was in college it was extremely painful and annoying. Surgery was the only solution. The ankle had been set by an orthopedic specialist in another city where I was visiting friends. He told my parents it was a difficult break and needed longer care. When I returned home, our family doctor refused to talk to the ortho or request the images. He took off the cast and told me to walk on it.

Now jump ahead to my sophomore year in college. I went to the health center and they discovered that the ligaments and tendons had rubbed against the edges of the bone break and been torn and shredded. So into surgery I went and a plastic leash was put around the connective tissues. I hobbled around with crutches until it healed. There were two good outcomes. 1. I have never had any problem with that ankle and have been a trekker all my life. 2. My lab partner in Human Anatomy was an impressive wide receiver and I was attracted to football players.

So now to your question. Yes, now that you mention it, the left ankle with the injury is much tighter than the right ankle. What little discomfort exists is noticeably different than the other ankle. That was 60 years ago and I am just realizing that some of these old injuries and ailments hang around.

When you mention that walking is challenging, is your left ankle more numb or painful?

May you be free, protected and safe from inner and outer harm.
Chris