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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willowrose | @willowrose | Apr 1 8:42am

Yes ,yes and yes. Had right total knee replacement in July 2023. On the way home (same day of surgery) my right foot had a weird sensation,like a gradual pulling feeling. My husband had to pull over so I could stand up to relieve the pressure. It felt like I had two socks balled up under my heel and ball of my foot. If I stood the gradual pressure would come. I had to stay off of my foot for a week. My big toe and little toe felt like a band was tight around them with tingling, my outside of the foot was numb,the heel was and still is numb.My surgeon and PT stated it will take months to a year to resolve. I do not take med's for it but 8 months later it has toned down intensity,but still there. If it does not get any better I could live with this. Hopefully it will resolve completely.

dmiles0507 | @dmiles0507 | Apr 3 9:24am

“WOW”, I do understand the feeling that you have been challenging!! I too have had both knees replaced and I am having trouble with my right foot. Tingling,sharp pain with stabbing sensation. In other words it Ithurts me to wear any sort of shoe. The pain is so intense at night I can’t sleep at all. I have put everything I can think of on it nothing helps Narcotics or anything I’ve tried massaging the under my littlest toe to make my foot relax enough so I can try to go to sleep. So, Yes, I understand the pain. It’s quite excruciating for myself. My next step is to go to a podiatrist and get a prescription for maybe a different type you but we will see. I hope the best for you and if you find out information, please pass it out.

katz5151 | @katz5151 | Apr 4 11:19am

IVE HAD NEUROPOTHY IN MY ENTIRE RIGHT LEG AFTER 5 TKRs. THE BURNING IS INTENSE EXPECIALLY AT NIGHT. IVE BEEN TAKING GABAPENTIN SINCE AFTER THE FIRST SURGERY IN FEB 2021. MY DOSE IS 800MG 6 TIMES A DAY. IVE USED WATER THERAPY, AND IT HELPS. IVE USED TMASSAGE CHAIRS AND IT HELPS. CHECK FOR CLOTS. I HOPE YOU GET BETTER. GOD BLESS

elliemae56 | @elliemae56 | Apr 7 5:40pm

I just had a total knee replacement 6 weeks ago I have drop foot can't flex ankle. I do have some feelings like pains in foot I do take gabapentin and finishing my P.T. Will go in for more nerve test hopefully it will take care of it fingers cross . I do ware an ankle brase it helps to flex my ankle and lift my toes up a little . GOOD LUCK TO YOU and all going thru this .