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Foot neuropathy (numbness and pain) after total knee replacement (TKR)

Posted by norby @norby, Nov 26, 2018

I had a right total knee replacement 10 weeks ago and came out of surgery with numbness and intermittent pain on the bottom of my right foot. However, I do have good motor function in that foot. The knee has been healing and with PT, movement is on track, but the foot is a major challenge. The foot pain at times is worse than any from the knee. I have been able to generally manage the foot pain with gabapentin. My surgeon believes this may resolve in time but may take from 6-12 months. However there is a possibility that it will never go away. Has anyone else experienced foot neuropathy following knee replacement? If so, what was your experience with it?

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ljn | @ljn | Jul 11, 2021
In reply to @jewlz1 "Hi ljn-I've experienced nerve involvement in both of my knee replacements and gabapentin was prescribed to..." + (show)
@jewlz1

Hi ljn-I've experienced nerve involvement in both of my knee replacements and gabapentin was prescribed to settle that down. The nerves from my LTKR have since healed and I've just started experiencing nerve zingers after my very recent RTKR. I hope you're able to find answers and relief soon. It's a maddening sensation for sure Good luck!

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Thanks for the good wishes. All this pain, tingling, and, zaps...are my ongoing reality. Loss of sleep due to the tightness,numbness and 'pins and needles" spoils my next day.

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jewlz1 | @jewlz1 | Jul 11, 2021
In reply to @ljn "Thanks for the good wishes. All this pain, tingling, and, zaps...are my ongoing reality. Loss of..." + (show)
@ljn

Thanks for the good wishes. All this pain, tingling, and, zaps...are my ongoing reality. Loss of sleep due to the tightness,numbness and 'pins and needles" spoils my next day.

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Loss of sleep is no fun.

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ljn | @ljn | Jul 12, 2021
In reply to @navyqas "I am thinking like you, my foot still 50% numb after TKR 15 months ago, NO..." + (show)
@navyqas

I am thinking like you, my foot still 50% numb after TKR 15 months ago, NO CHANGE. I could use a new knee on the other leg but fear consequences, (nerve damage). Bottom line, you take a big chance with this TKR but they won't tell you that, not good for business. I still believe if the orthopedic surgeons took more care instead of doing two or three knees before lunch there would be less nerve complaints, but that would be bad for their bottom line.
I talked to a neuro surgeon about my numb foot and what the orthopedic surgeon did, he just put his head down and shook it. Good luck pal we both need it.

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AMEN!!!!

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judylibb | @judylibb | Jul 22, 2021

I had total knee replacements on both knees. I have neuropathy in both feet and numbness has moved up my legs. Still able to get around, but not sure for how long.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 22, 2021
In reply to @judylibb "I had total knee replacements on both knees. I have neuropathy in both feet and numbness..." + (show)
@judylibb

I had total knee replacements on both knees. I have neuropathy in both feet and numbness has moved up my legs. Still able to get around, but not sure for how long.

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I'm sorry to hear this is an ongoing issue for you - that numbness is miserable. Welcome to Mayo Connect, we are people living with a wide variety of diseases and conditions, who support each other along the way. We try to be informed medical consumers, and our own best advocates in our care. We are not medical professionals, so not able to provide medical advice. We can tell you what has worked for us (or not) and provide you with information and conversation about your questions.

I am sure others who have this after knee replacement will have questions or suggestions for you as well. Just so we know a little more about you, can you tell us how long since your surgeries, and when the neuropathy started? Since this is apparently a long-term issue, have you seen a neurologist or returned to the surgeon for help? Have you tried any medications or therapies?

Sue

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1 reply
judylibb | @judylibb | Jul 22, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "I'm sorry to hear this is an ongoing issue for you - that numbness is miserable...." + (show)
@sueinmn

I'm sorry to hear this is an ongoing issue for you - that numbness is miserable. Welcome to Mayo Connect, we are people living with a wide variety of diseases and conditions, who support each other along the way. We try to be informed medical consumers, and our own best advocates in our care. We are not medical professionals, so not able to provide medical advice. We can tell you what has worked for us (or not) and provide you with information and conversation about your questions.

I am sure others who have this after knee replacement will have questions or suggestions for you as well. Just so we know a little more about you, can you tell us how long since your surgeries, and when the neuropathy started? Since this is apparently a long-term issue, have you seen a neurologist or returned to the surgeon for help? Have you tried any medications or therapies?

Sue

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I had the right knee done in 2006 and the left in 2007. I started having symptoms in my right leg shortly after surgery and was told it would go away. It never did and progressed to my foot. Then I got numbness in my left leg/foot and went to a neurologist in 2011. I am currently taking 300MG 4 times a day.

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3 replies
judylibb | @judylibb | Jul 22, 2021
In reply to @judylibb "I had the right knee done in 2006 and the left in 2007. I started having..." + (show)
@judylibb

I had the right knee done in 2006 and the left in 2007. I started having symptoms in my right leg shortly after surgery and was told it would go away. It never did and progressed to my foot. Then I got numbness in my left leg/foot and went to a neurologist in 2011. I am currently taking 300MG 4 times a day.

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That's 300MG of Gabapentin

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 22, 2021
In reply to @judylibb "I had the right knee done in 2006 and the left in 2007. I started having..." + (show)
@judylibb

I had the right knee done in 2006 and the left in 2007. I started having symptoms in my right leg shortly after surgery and was told it would go away. It never did and progressed to my foot. Then I got numbness in my left leg/foot and went to a neurologist in 2011. I am currently taking 300MG 4 times a day.

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Okay, that gives us a bit clearer picture. How often do you see the neurologist, and have they tried other medications or doses to try to keep it from progressing?

Now I'll bow out, and let some other neuropathy people chime in.
Sue

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 22, 2021
In reply to @judylibb "I had the right knee done in 2006 and the left in 2007. I started having..." + (show)
@judylibb

I had the right knee done in 2006 and the left in 2007. I started having symptoms in my right leg shortly after surgery and was told it would go away. It never did and progressed to my foot. Then I got numbness in my left leg/foot and went to a neurologist in 2011. I am currently taking 300MG 4 times a day.

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Hi @judylibb, I've had my right knee replaced and I also have neuropathy in my feet and just above my ankles but it was there before my knee replacement. My surgeon still went through all the risks and explained that neuropathy is one of them from complications. Sorry to hear you are having pain also with your neuropathy. I think there are several things that may help that you may want to discuss with your surgeon or doctor. There really is no cure for neuropathy unless you have a compressed or damaged nerve that can be fixed with surgery (my non medical opinion). As a fellow member with neuropathy I think our best option is to find something that provides relief from the symptoms.

You might find the following article helpful -- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Pain after knee replacement surgery: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-pain-after-knee-replacement-surgery/

You might also find the following discussion helpful as it covers pain from many conditions -- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Have you discussed any alternatives to your current pain medication with your neurologist or doctor?

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judylibb | @judylibb | Jul 22, 2021

No we haven't discussed that yet. I just recently became a member of the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy ( FPN). They offer support and guest speakers on line.

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