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

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Dec 2 6:39pm | Replies (746)
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@westcom

Thank you for comments on side effects of TKR. I had a left TKR in December. At 12 weeks, despite recovery with good flexion and extension and no knee pain) I developed knee weakness ( feels like it is going to buckle when I walk) that has continued. I need to use a cane outside my home for stability. My Ortho says it is not from the TKR but another specialist suggested it could be nerve damage from surgery and has ordered an EMG to determine if localized or coming from my back. Has anyone else experienced this after TKR?

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Replies to "Thank you for comments on side effects of TKR. I had a left TKR in December...."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 31, 2022

I had a traumatic knee injury almost 30 years ago, followed by ACL/MCL surgery. For a long time (over 2 years) I experienced the feelings of not knowing where my foot was (it was not numb), a weak feeling (though tests showed the leg was very strong from devoted PT) and occasional pins and needles along the shin. Gradually each of these disappeared.
Fast forward to 2019/2020 - after many more surgeries, arthritis & illnesses, I was in serious chronic pain and referred for pain management & treatment. My PT explained the mechanism of nerve injury & regeneration and gave me reading material.
Wow! All of that old issue suddenly made sense - the badly insulted nerves in my knee had to regrow, and it took over 2 years.

So, you are less than a 9 months from serious surgery - it is quite possible the nerves are still irritated and healing/regenerating. Please do not be discouraged of the EMG comes back with little explanation. Just continue therapy, patience and safety precautions, and let your body heal.
Sue

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