Loic Bullock

Answers to patient questions

• General topics

  Hello, a few days ago I had lower back pain that extended down to my leg. After the pain subsided, I started feeling a slight tingling in my leg and having trouble with my foot—I can't lift it completely. Which doctor should I consult? Do I need to see a general practitioner first, who will then refer me further, or...?"

  • The symptoms you're describing, including lower back pain that extends to your leg, tingling, and difficulty lifting your foot (which sounds like **foot drop**), are concerning and could be indicative of a nerve-related issue, possibly involving the sciatic nerve or a condition like a herniated disc.
    
    Given these symptoms, you should consult a **neurologist** or an **orthopedic specialist** with a focus on spine health. These specialists are well-equipped to evaluate and manage conditions related to nerve impingement, herniated discs, or other spinal issues that might be causing your symptoms.
    
    ### Here’s what you can do:...
    1. **Start with a General Practitioner (GP):** In many healthcare systems, it’s common (or required) to see a GP first. They can perform an initial assessment, possibly order some imaging studies like an MRI or X-ray, and then refer you to the appropriate specialist.
    
    2. **Direct Specialist Consultation:** If your healthcare system allows or if you have direct access, you could see a neurologist or orthopedic specialist directly, especially given the neurological symptoms like tingling and foot drop.
    
    ### Why It's Important:
    - **Neurologist:** Can evaluate nerve function and determine if there's nerve compression or damage.
    - **Orthopedic Specialist (Spine):** Can assess spinal health and any structural issues that could be causing your symptoms.
    
    This condition could require timely intervention to prevent further nerve damage, so I recommend seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Read more

    Loic Bullock

• General topics

  Hello, some years ago i bumped inwards part of Knees together and it was ok after some weeks but now whenever i pull up my lower back i feel a sensation no pain necessarily but i don't understand what it is? Should i see physiotherapist?

  • I'm not a doctor, but I can try to provide some general information that may help you. The sensation you're experiencing in your lower back could have various potential causes, and it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
    
    Based on your description, it's possible that the previous incident where you bumped your knees together may have caused some strain or injury to your lower back. Over time, if the issue was not addressed or properly healed, it could lead to ongoing discomfort or sensations when you engage certain muscles or movements.
    
    A physiotherap...ist or a healthcare professional with expertise in musculoskeletal issues can help assess your condition. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination to determine the underlying cause of your discomfort. They may also recommend further tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, if necessary.
    
    Once a diagnosis is made, a physiotherapist can develop a personalized treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your condition. This might involve specific exercises, manual therapy techniques, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications.
    
    Remember, it's important to seek professional medical advice to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations based on your specific situation. Read more

    Loic Bullock

• Knee pain

  Hi, I think I sprained my left knee. So, I got a knee support from the pharmacy to support recovery. As a self-diagnosis, I have no problems walking, the inner side ligaments seem to be healing better, but even after 8 weeks, the knee still feel sore. I can swim, but not really run and certainly not do any contact sports. It's probably best to finally see a general doctor. After seeing a general doctor, in case it is necessary, what could be the possible next steps to investigate what is wrong with the knee?

  • If your knee has been sore for 8 weeks and hasn't fully healed despite using knee support, it's definitely a good idea to see a general doctor. Here are the possible next steps after seeing the doctor:
    
    1. **Physical Examination**: The doctor will likely start with a physical examination of your knee to assess the range of motion, stability, and specific areas of pain. They might perform specific tests to check for ligament or meniscus injuries.
    
    2. **Imaging Studies**:
    - **X-ray**: To rule out any fractures or bone-related issues.
    - **MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)**: This is the most effective way to eval...uate soft tissue injuries, such as ligament tears (like ACL or MCL), meniscus tears, or cartilage damage.
    
    3. **Referral to a Specialist**: Based on the initial assessment, your general doctor might refer you to an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
    
    4. **Possible Treatments**:
    - **Physical Therapy**: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
    - **Medications**: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
    - **Bracing or Orthotics**: Depending on the injury, a more specialized knee brace might be recommended to provide better support.
    - **Injections**: In some cases, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections might be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
    
    5. **Surgical Options**: If conservative treatments are not effective and the injury is severe (such as a complete ligament tear or a significant meniscus injury), surgery might be considered. This could range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to more extensive reconstructive surgery.
    
    6. **Activity Modifications**: Until a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan are in place, you might need to avoid high-impact activities, such as running and contact sports, to prevent further injury.
    
    It's important to follow through with these steps to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, which will help in achieving a full recovery. Read more

    Loic Bullock