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

I had TKRs on both knees this year. The surgeon used the Mako robotic assistant.

The first surgery in March was fine. Swelling came down, motion came back, and it felt like I was fully recovered in six weeks. Second surgery was in July. Motion came back but slight swelling has been stubborn. Pain in both knees is gone.

But the skin around my knees and part way down my shin is numb, or at least somewhat numb. Surgeon said that is normal and feeling may come back, may not.

So while this is nowhere near the problem you are having, like you, I wasn't warned in advance of this. It seems like some type of nerve damage, and personally, I don't hold out a lot of hope that this will change.

But I do hope your foot gets better. Not being able to touch your foot or put on a sandal is ridiculous, especially if you weren't warned that this is a possible side effect.

All the best to you. Joe

Jump to this post

I’m 16 mths post tkr & do hv neuropathy mainly in the Tkr foot. It includes toe pain, extreme irritation under big toe joint (in both feet) for which I use a cold pad that helps. I also use CBD oil for sleep & hv CBD salve that I massage into my foot & it also helps the arthritis in both hands.

Jump to this post

I'm sorry you have been suffering with pain after your knee replacement. Even the most meticulous surgery can cause unanticipated changes in our body mechanics. Like you, I found most surgeons to be uninterested in addressing the issue. Once the wound is healed and the implant is solid, quite a few feel their job is done - even when the patient is still suffering. Unfortunately that is because the surgeon is paid by insurance to operate. Some go the extra step, others are constrained by their practice policies or insurance companies, we just never know the "back story."

Also, there are many kinds and skill levels of physical therapists and therapy centers. Many seem to be "cookie cutter" clinics - with the minimum required number of actual certified therapists, and the remainder are physical therapy assistants, who simply supervise a set list of exercises that is their protocol for for each surgery or injury. Again, this may be due to how they are paid, and the rules governing numbers of sessions, etc.

Your idea of visiting a rehab specialist sounds just right to me. My best experiences were with a rehabilitation therapist associated with a center that handled complex cases - limb loss, traumatic injury, multiple surgeries, etc.

This was done on referral from my ortho doc, and covered by insurance due to "failed traditional therapy." It involved an extensive evaluation of alignment, gait, strength, flexibility and my goals. Then a custom program was set up including land and water therapy and extensive at-home exercise routine. It took many months, but the hip, back, neck & leg pain from my badly misaligned body was finally controlled.

May I suggest that you approach your surgeon with this request, and if they turn you down, ask your primary provider? People can share their stories and experiences on Mayo Connect, but at the end of the day you need to become your own best advocate.

Can you locate a rehab center or practice near you?
Sue

Jump to this post

Thanks Joe - I’m still experiencing foot neuropathy and knee pain . I’m taking 1800mg gabapentin which is working with minimal side effects. I’m still holding out hope that time will heal some if not all of the pain. I find I’m more prone to tripping these days and worry about my stability as I get older. However, on the bright side😊 I can pretty much do the things I love outdoors and I hardly have a scar on my knee to show for it.

Jump to this post

I had left TKR 9 months ago. Recovery was going fine until 12 weeks when that knee developed numbness which makes the knee feel weak when walking and impairs my walking. My Ortho said it is caused by my back and not knee surgery. However, I have read in reputable sources that up to 10% of TKR can result in nerve damage. I do have spinal stenosis as well. An upcoming EMG will hopefully shed light on the source of the nerve involvement but the timing of this numbness seems a bit too coincidental to the knee surgery. I have no other knee pain and full flexion and extension. I, too, was not warned of this or any other possible complications. I certainly will ask more questions with any further surgeries.

Jump to this post

I had the same thing happen to be hours after surgery my foot had lot’s of pain 14 months later and I am still in pain. And it turns out I need another knee replacement because I have a recall yes a recall

Jump to this post