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What Causes Pins And Needle Sensation In Foot?

Posted on Thu, 21 May 2015

Question: I had tendon reconstruction surgery on my left ankle 19 days ago. I was put in a cast and told not to weight bear at all. I went yesterday to have the cast taken off and the stitches out and the consultant told me I can fully weight bear now and he gave me a stirrup brace. I have read lots of information on the internet prior to the op and they all said that after no weight bearing it would go to partial weight bearing and a walking boot. I am finding it incredibly hard to put any weight on it because it is so painful and I get a pins and needles feeling in my foot. Can you please advise me?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
progressive weight bearing is recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I had gone through your question very diligently and I appreciate your concern

I agree with you for progressive weight bearing following a surgery
In different cases it also depends on type of surgery and site of tendon involved or healing after surgery.

I would like further information to help you better
How did you injure your tendon
and which tendon got injured
Pins and needle sensation could be related to pressure effect of cast or Vitamin B 12 deficiency

I would advise you for progressive weight bearing
watch your posture and gait
Have multivitamin supplements especially vitamin B 12.
Let your whole foot to touch the ground while walking
Please do not jump or lurch on one foot

I hope this answers your question
please feel free to ask fro more clarification I will be happy to help you
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (13 hours later)

I fell off a push bike on 11th April 2014 and at first they thought it was fractured. They x-rayed it 3 times over the next few weeks and finally said it was a bad sprain. I wore a walking boot for about 12 weeks and then had a stirrup brace. In September they did an MRI scan and said it was badly stretched but showing signs of repair. Then in January I had another MRI scan when they decided from the results that they would need to do surgery. Exactly a year later I had the surgery on 11th April this year. He said they would cut the ligament in 2 places, drill into the ankle bone and reattach the ligament.
Ive had my first physio today and she has told me to do the weight bearing process gradually.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should start weight bearing very gradually

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your reply
I agree with the opinion of your physiotherapist, you should start weight bearing very gradually

You can ask your doctor for multivitamin and Calcium supplements for pin and needle sensations

Please strictly follow the exercises as advised by your physiotherapist to strengthen ligament by healthy healing

Thanks and regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta