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

Good morning, fourj (@fourj),

The neurologist I'm seeing I was referred to by my PCP when I asked if there might be a physiatrist in my area. This fellow (the neurologist) is excellent and I'm glad I found him, although I don't believe I saw the word "physiatrist" on his website. My PCP made the referral when I inquired about a doctor who might take a more holistic approach to treating my various conditions (PN being only one of those conditions). So far, this neurologist/physiatrist is proving to be a good fellow to be working with. All in all, I'm pleased to have looked for a physiatrist.

Ray (@ray666)

Yes, some medicines used for psychiatric purposes are also known to help some neuropathy issues. Venlafaxine/desvenlafaxine as an example, but a number of others as well.

Specializing in physiatry, not psychiatry.

I think we're all looking for answers here. Glad your fellow is working out for you Ray. Hope I have good luck as well.

I had a good experience with a physiatrist, but it was similar to the help from an excellent physical therapist.

I take it, that you never had surgery.

I think my neuropathy is caused by a compressed nerve.

Yes, I saw a Physiatrist over the Summer! I had never heard of one before, but my hand OT therapist recommended it, and facilitated my getting an appointment set up. I was very pleased with my experience, he addressed both my hands and my feet, which has not been done before because of how compartmentalized the different specialties are. He prescribed a cream that was made at the compounding pharmacy, which is proving to be of real value to me. Unfortunately it is not paid for by my insurance, but since it spreads so well I do not need to use very much for excellent effects. I have small fiber neuropathy, Raynaud's, metatarsalgia and tendon inflammtion, so a variety of issues. I use the cream in the evenings and am finding that I sleep much better as my feet are calmed! A wonderful relief not to be tossing and turning because I cannot get my feet comfortable on the mattress, and because of the nerve buzzing. He also tried a deep heat laser treatment, but it turned out to be more than my feet could tolerate, so we discontinued those treatments.

Hah, I guess we sometimes see what we want and not what it really is. At least I learned about a specialty I hadn't before, thanks.

Hi what kind of treatments did the psysiatrist offer you? Would like to hear success people are having with massage or PT or acupuncture ! Please help!