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What Causes Numbness And Tingling Sensation In Left Foot Post Total Knee Replacement?

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015

Question: I am 1 1/2 weeks (04/28/15) out of a Left total knee replacement. I was given a spinal tap/epidural for anesthesia. The bottom of my left foot is numb and tingly and very uncomfortable to walk on. what is causing this and how long is this going to last and is there anything i can take for it?
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Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not related to the Knee surgery

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Numbness and tingling sensation is most often related to the peripheral nerves and not central nerves ( spinal)
Common causes for peripheral neuropathy are
1. Vit b12 deficiency
2. diabetes
3. viral infections
4. idiopathic

Howver in your case if the numbness could be because of different posture and the way you apply pressure over the operated leg. I usually prescribe tab pregalbalin once a day at night and it gives relief to my patients. Please approach your doctor for a prescription

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (16 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. I had become quite worried because my foot feels like a ball underneath and it is hard to walk. How long will it be before the medication takes affect? Is it only taken at night for relief at night/day or will it eventually resolve the numbness and tingling problems at the bottom of my foot?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

It is important to get the proper diagnosis before starting yourself on the medication.
The numbness should resolve after a week of taking medications. It is a slow acting drug and does not show immediate effect. It need not be taken in the morning as it is long acting, if required dose can be increased.
Please do not self medicate, approach your GP

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar