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Foot neuropathy (numbness and pain) after total knee replacement (TKR)
Joint Replacements | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (748)Comment receiving replies
I had complete foot drop after my total knee replacement with no mobility and movement below the knee. I now have full mobility which took 6 months. I still have very painful neuropathy on the top of my foot which makes a shoe almost impossible even with Gabapentin 4 times a day. I saw a neurologist in 2018 a couple months post op. She said my peripheral nerve that runs up behind my knee was pinched in the replacement. After 3 years I’m heading back to a neurologist for help. I want to know if they can release that pressure surgically or if I need to lose weight to take off pressure to stop it. I’m sure they will suggest weight loss first. So sorry you struggled as well. Up here in the Northland shoes are a must.
Replies to "I had complete foot drop after my total knee replacement with no mobility and movement below..."
@marynajdek I'd like to extend my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. @butter12 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and @bluebrass I'd like to welcome you back to Mayo Clinic Connect.
All of you had complications related to total knee replacement and have that experience to share.
@butter12 You have regained full mobility 6 months after surgery but you still experience neuropathy. You are considering surgery for a pinched peripheral nerve and you are wondering if they will first suggest weight loss?
@bluebrass It sounds like your experience was similar.
Members like @sunnybuns1 @anncgrl @loriaakre @glokart1957 @navyqas @suewilliamaon @janedahlgren @josie1957 have discussed this topic and may be able to offer support.
@butter12 May I ask how physical therapy went and what your physical therapist had to say about the neuropathy?
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My experience with TKR is similar to butter12’s. After surgery in June’19, I had a DVT and a 14cm hematoma which resulted in foot drop as well. I had lots of swelling and pain from the knee down, not to mention a rainbow of colors. It is now February 2021 and I have regained most of my movement, but the neuropathy and swelling still persist along with the inability to feel most of my (L) foot. I have sensations like my foot is in cold water and if I stub it, the sensation is like a shock. The feelings like my toes (especially my big toe) are exploding have largely subsided thankfully. I have cancelled appointments with neurologists and physiatrists largely due to COVID fears, but intend to reschedule asap. I take 600 mg gabapentin 3x daily and I really pay a price if I miss a dose. My coverage for PT ran out last February but I still continue on my own about 3x weekly. My experience was horrendous, I spent 4 months in a hospital and/or nursing homes, but I consider myself lucky in that I can still walk and drive my manual shift Mustang. The desire to drive again was a great motivator for me. I also had a therapist who went through foot drop and he helped. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer and faith. I believe there really is a connection between the spirit and the body. I am approaching my 1 year anniversary of being off antibiotics, and am thankful to be infection free every day I wake up. God has so far proved my pragmatic ID doc wrong about my chances of getting an infection. I am not proselytizing here but simply giving praise where I think it is due. Miracles happen every day if we only choose to recognize them as such.