Foot numb/tingle/burning 7 weeks post-op
by Sarah
(Wilmington, NC)
Had OCD on talus repaired (cartilage removal & microfracture), Brostrom, and debridement of both peroneals. Prior to surgery, had a saphenous and popliteal block and left hospital with indwelling catheters x 3 days. Was in splint nwb x 2 weeks,then in a boot (around the clock) weight-bearing for 4 weeks. Was allowed to take boot off and start PT with instructions to wear boot in public or aircast to protect myself from inverting.
When I finally got out of boot, I realized how much my foot was actually tingling/numb/painful burning. Involves all toes, bottom of foot. Top of foot. I realize some is bc of incision but I can't imagine this being normal. I am 6wks 4 days postop now. Saw dr 5 days ago (about 6 weeks post op) and he said this was normal.......I didn't realize how horrible it was bc I had been in boot about 99% of time until I left his office.
Who can I see to determine if this is nerve damage? As an aside, during the nerve block procedure, I was given fentanyl/versed and it took 45 minutes to do. My husband told me it took that long. I had at least 10 extra needle sticks in an attempt to get both nerves blocked and I know another anesthesiologist was called in to do it bc I remember looking up and seeing a woman and asking her who she was as I gazed at her nametag and saw she was an anesthesiologist. A remark was made about having problems but she finally got it correct.
OMG> I have rehab for my ankle but feel like a whole different body system is under attack now.
Hi Sarah,
It would be your surgeon who would be best suited to tell you if your symptoms are normal at this point in the healing process.
There is always the possibility and I am just guessing here, that you might have a nerve irritation from the blocks that were performed. These things happen. The other thing that I would want to consider is CRPS (read my section on that subject) which can occur when a person has been in a cast for a period of time.
If you trust your surgeon than go with his recommendations. If you feel your symptoms are out of proportion to what they should be at this point in time then get a second opinion. A neurologist would be the one to see.
Marc Mitnick DPM
DISCLAIMER