Foot numbness after ankle surgery

conditions

$fracture$

additional information

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Foot numbness after ankle surgery

by Concerned

Hello, I'm a healthy 45 yr old female with no diabetes and in good shape. I'm 13 days post ankle surgery. Had primary ATFL ligament repair after a bad sprain to R ankle. Never had any numbness in foot prior to surgery or after injury. Injury was August 08 and surgery was late December 08 after conservative treatment failed. Had a popliteal nerve block for surgery and 48 hrs after surgery nerve block seemed to be wearing off too slowly based on stats I was given and top of foot was still numb, including top of big toe and skin between big toe & 2nd toe. So I called surgeon and he said he gave me all kinds of shots in ankle too, including cortisone and said numbness can also occur as a temporary problem after some ankle surgeries and to give it some time. (have a small scope incision in inside of right ankle and 2" incision out outside of ankle for ligament repair.) I had discomfort on bony protrusion on top of foot so I peeled back the tight gauze just a little but was told not to remove it.

Saw doctor on day 8 and he removed original surgical dressing and discovered pinched skin and too much pressure under bandage. I couldn't feel this because of the nerve block and it remained numb after the block wore off. I did feel discomfort there, burning and spasms which I informed doctor of. Doctor immediately agreed that original surgical dressing was too tight and it had pinched the saphenous nerve. He rebandaged incisions with very very loose gauze and said I should start to get feeling back. Next day same numbness. Feels like just a tiny bit of some of the surface of top of foot is trying to tingle but not big toe, top of foot and big toe are still numb. Doc said it will take some time for that to come back but I'm VERY concerned about the lack of improvement.

Hi,
In most cases the sensation does come back, but if you would like to speed things up why not discuss with your surgeon the possibility of taking an anti-inflammatory agent or prednisone for a period of time to reduce the inflammation around the nerve.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Now 13 days post surgery (5 days post bandage removal), same area STILL numb. It's sort of a 1.5" strip along top of foot from natural bony protrusion down to big toe, top of big toe totally numb, and area between big toe & 2nd toe are numb. What are the chances of this nerve coming back after it had been compressed by the bandage for 7-8 days, and is it possible I have permanent nerve damage from the careless person in the O.R. who wrapped my ankle too tight? Is there anything I can do to speed the healing? Massage, etc.? Thanks in advance.

Comments for
Foot numbness after ankle surgery

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 26, 2012
Rating

Pain behind ankle; foot soaking
by: Anonymous

Looking at this site due to pain after surgery 6 mos. ago. Stand on washcloth in shower due to fear; can't even push the washcloth forward with my foot without bad pain behind ankle. Don't know what that is.
But re: post about dry skin, accidentally found out that soaking feet for 20 minutes in a plastic tub of warm water with 3 handfuls of epson salt will loosen up old dead skin cells on bottom and sides of feet! I used a washcloth to wipe it all away and my feet felt like baby's feet for 2 months! Now that I'm walking and building up all the old calluses I'll have to soak my feet again.

Dec 06, 2011
Rating

Don't take prednisone following foot surgery!
by: Callie T.

DPM in previous response advised taking prednisone to reduce inflammation following foot surgery. Anyone knows that prednisone slows down the healing process; don't do it!

Oct 24, 2011
Rating

numbness after heel surgery
by: paul

I shattered the calcaneus in a fall and had a plate and screws to repair the damage since then the left side of the foot under the scar is numb and the fat pad under the heel is also numb the surgeon says the numbness is nothing to do with the operation I the seriousness of the fall did this damage, I am sure a nerve has been damaged but get conflicting reports as to whether or not nerves repair themselves it has been 4 months now and still no change. Just to note i did the same damage the the other foot 4 years ago but decided not to have surgery and i was walking fine 12 weeks after the accident and have had no further problems with that foot.

Sep 16, 2011
Rating

Numbness and Pain in Foot
by: Carmen

Good Morning~

I appreciate everyone's comments. When we pay big money to believe in the doctors and don't get answers at least we can come here and get support.
I had Planters Faciitis Surgery in January 2011. The doctor told me I would be better in 6 weeks and then we could do the other foot. He did correct the problem and cut my heel...However, I was numb under all my toes and the 4 and 5 toe was numb. He said, oh it will come back...pay him more money and go back each month, oh it will get better, then he started with the arthritis bit, the fibromiglia bit and the low back disc bit.....the forth toe came back, a little bit under the 5th toe has come back. The nerve pain I feel on the side of my foot in one area is numb and very painful to walk on...I've been to physcial therapy (don't wast your money) most of it you can do at home. Since I have been favoring the right foot now I have it in the right foot (planters) and the knee is weak and painful.......Like Dominos one thing then another...I have now chose to do accupuncture and chinese medicine...Can't tell if it is working yet but, I also in my visit get deep tissue massage to get the circulation moving as in our low legs and feet blood does not circulate very much...Each time I leave accupuncture I do feel better for about 2 days....I think the process has helped in a slow way each time I leave I get a few more hours of relief......When you are in pain you are willing to try anything...I also went to a neurologist and he did a nerve ending test..NO NERVES were cut.......This might be something else you might want to check...as he still says I think it will come back since no nerves were cut........I to can't work and had I known it would be 8 months plus...would I had all of this done......Swim if you can!! You don't put any weight on that area!! Loose weight if you have too!! I am trying to believe it will come back.......Neurologist said, nerves grown about .5 mm in 24 hours.....so, this might be a long process...........urghhhh

Sep 15, 2011
Rating

Ankle surgery with plate and 7 screws :(
by: Cheri

Like Mike I had the plate and screws special lol. Its really not funny though. My surg was on 8-31 and the entire top of my foot and all my toes except the 1st 2 are numb. It does feel like little electrical tingles, I can't stand it! It kinda hurts! I have had surgery before and I know it takes time for the nerves to recover, I do however have permanent numbness from another surg and I'm afraid my foot will stay this way too :( well time will only tell. Can't wait for the walking cast, I'm going nutz!

Aug 13, 2011
Rating

Ankle repair with plate/10 screws
by: Mike

Experiencing numbness on top of foot and touching it feels like tiny electrical shocks. At night little spasms. Skin is still discolored from July 6 surgery. Hoping it gets better once I start rehab at day 56. In waked boot air cast for now. Hard to sleep in.

Jul 30, 2011
Rating

triple arthrodesis and gastroc recession
by: Anonymous

I have been like this since 2009,I now had both of these surgeries and have to be on non weight bearing for 10 wks.I have numbness and burning sensations all the time even before an after surgery.I have had to deal with this for almost 2 yrs and it doesnt get better since I am diabetic.I have nerve damage on bottom of foot but still have some feeling on top,but still numbness,tingling and burning feeling hasnt gone away even with all these surgeries.I was told it could take 9 months or yrs before my foot can back to normal.Its been stressfull,since I havent been able to leave the house without using wheelchair for 2 yrs.sometimes i dont feel it is getting better but worse..You need to research before getting any foot and ankle surgeries,it's hard to find the right doctor and especially trust what they tell you before and after surgery.I am having wound care just to make sure I get more answers from someone else.I know what its like and I feel for those having same symtoms,its not comforting at all..

Jul 29, 2011
Rating

Nerve damage and complex regional pain sysndrome
by: BJ of Australia

I tore the achillies tendon & perineal ligament in the right ankle in early 2009, lost feeling in the 4th & 5th toes within 24 hours post accedent, had reco surgery but pain has been getting worse ever since, have been diagnosed with "complex Regional Pain Syndrom" in stage 2 and have been told there is NO cure. The pain has spread to the entire right leg & hip, right shoulder & neck, left fore arm and face - Hot pins & neddles and extream heat and touch sensitivity. Im a 34 year old mother of 3 and would love to hear from anyone who has had successful treatment for this type of problem that reduces the crippling pain. As drug treatment surely cant be the only available treatment.

Thanks.

Jul 21, 2011
Rating

foot pain after surgery
by: SCOTT

i had my whole ankle reconstructed the arch in my foot flated. The doc that was in control of the surgery gave me a nevre block told me that it will help with the pain. I almost died because of it. I felt short of breath as i was asking why my heart stoped i was brought back. Any ways 3 weeks after surgery I was getting upset because I still have pain but its not in my ankle its the top of my foot and it does not look bad it has a bad burning pain comes and goes. my aunt is a surgan for feet and ankles but i am in the military so i get the shity end of the stick. my aunt told me by what told her i could have Mortan`s neuroma you guys should look it up because i will be damned if i let this go on one more week and if my doc tells me to suck it up as most have told you guys i will beat the hell out of him sorry for the lack of grammar i am writing this off a game system and hard to do lol.

Jul 07, 2011
Rating

Numbness after open fixation if Fib/Tib at ankle
by: Anonymous

June 17, 2011 I underwent emergency surgey to repair radial fractures to both my Fibula and Tibia at just above the ankle joint. I also had reconstructive surgery on my right ankle in Novembet of 2009. Following both surgeries I experienced severe numbness in the skin on both feet. Both Orthopedists explained that it could be months before I got feeling back, and to stimulate the skin surface with a soft cloth. I followed the advice and my right foot is fine after about 6 months. My left leg is 3 weeks after surgery and 1 week post cast and with stimulation I have regained feeling in about 50% of the affected area. I will say that I was warned that healing nerves are 100x more painful than the injury and the surgery.
I attribute my successful recovery to both Dr.'s explaining the recovery side effects.
I hope you all feel better soon.

Jul 05, 2011
Rating

3 months post op
by: Anonymous

i had tendon repair on april 6th 2011 and i am still numb all down the side of my left foot and into my two toes have been having physio now for 5 weeks but no change with the numbness and tingling.Can't seem to be able to spend any time on my feet and the swelling starts. The walking boot comes off this week after 14 weeks and i am a little nervous as ankle i weak.They tell me at physio its normal to have this numbness after op but its starting to take its toll. I've been out of work 7 months as i fell in dec 2010 and was plastered for christmas : )and on crutches for 2 weeks and after mri after christmas started injections for 3 months that did me no good so i needed to have op.I wish i could have april 9th back and i would have stayed home and not gone to work,never thought recovery would take so long.Back with surgeon next week hope for good news.

Jun 07, 2011
Rating

Planters Facistis (Foot Surgery) NUMB FOOT SCARED TO DEATH and PAIN
by: Carmen

Hi, My name is Carmen and I just found this website....I am so scared. I had Planters Facistis Surgery in January 2011. Doctor said, in 6 weeks you'll be better and then we will do the other foot......NO WAY !!! WILL HE EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN....He cut a one inch slit in my heel. My foot 4th and 5th toe is numb, the ball under those toes and the side of my foot. I have bad pain after standing on my foot over several hours...I have seen a Neurologist, had a MRI, Had Nerve testing done where they stick the needles in your body and wiggle them around and listen for nerve movement. He found that my nerves WORE NOT CUT...Now,they might of been bent or stretched...Doctor denies anything....Says he wasn't even in that area....Now, my foot wasn't numb before and the surgeon says, it could be my lower back......POO ON HIM....NO WAY....Neurologist says nerves grow a Milameter a day...Has anyone experienced numbness over a long period that came back...Please give me some hope...

Apr 30, 2011
Rating

Ankle Fusion Surgery 9/23/08
by: Tammy B

I had numbness on the top of my left foot for about a year then started feeling tingling on an off and still do to this day. The foot is no longer number but I wonder why I still get the tingling. I heard the nerves were cut in the fusion surgery and may take this long to heal but it makes me nervous. Anyone still have nerves healing / tingling 2 1/2 years after fusion surgery??

Apr 19, 2011
Rating

Numbness on alltoes
by: Joe

I had a total ankle replacement in 11/2010. I was told that the numbness is consistent and it will be OK aftet 3 months. To date it is still the same old songght & dance. I have been going to see doctors including a neurologist. X- ray's and a MRI were taken and sent back for the surgeon for his review. Right now I am experiencing at times shooting pains up to my back knees. One or two times, while sleeping, my operated foot would sort of made a jerky motion. But from the neurologists assessment he felt that a nerve wasn't done correctly.

Apr 13, 2011
Rating

Ankle Surgery
by: Lynn

Hi Dawn66,
I am now 6 weeks post ankle surgery and the numbness and pain is starting to go away. Actually 4 weeks to the day I started noticing some improvement. I did not have anything as extensive as you mine was an arthroscopic surgery to clean up and remove bone spurs. I have severe arthritis and need a total ankle replacement. I had this done to try and buy me some time. I started Physical Therapy on week three and it has help tremendously. I have learned that there is no such thing as minor ankle surgery when it comes to recovery. I hope you start feeling better soon.

Apr 13, 2011
Rating

Numbness in toes and top of foot....SCARED
by: DAWNA66

Hi,my name is Dawna and after reading all the posts i am just as afraid if not more afraid,as it seems that not many cases have SUCCESS stories about the numbness,tingling and pain associated with Post Ankel Surgery....One mth ago today i had broke ankel,plate and 4 srews on outside and 7 screws on inside.After 1 week had cast off and into Air-cast,but immediately after getting home noticed the tingling and numbness every time i put leg down past hip while sitiing still 1 mth later and the pain is worse and now i have burning from my incision on outside,the EMG Dr said it was (UNSYMPATHETIC NERVES)and not to worry,gave pain meds and sent me home,went to see OS and he said same thing,it was normal and (SHOULD) return to normal soon,well when is soon,the pain is worse than the surgery pain,it's intense and constant only a break with elevation,meds and sleeping meds at bed.I have been weightbearing with aircast after 2 weeks,been walking up the steps to get shower,but this numbness and tingling pain all the time is hard on the mind,emotionally i am a reck,and not even sure what to do as this is 3 dr that say same thing,but it's worse in 4 weeks not even close to better,so if i can't put leg down because elevation is really the only solution thats tolerable,how am i going to walk,i can't elevate for a yr,while a damaged nerve tries to repair itself,slim chance of that....As you can see i am hysterical about this any solutions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated....TY...Dawna...:)

Mar 24, 2011
Rating

Top of foot numbness and pain
by: Lynn

I had ankle arthroscopic surgery on March 3, 2011; it has been three weeks today. I am so glad I found this site. I had dressing remove 10 days after the surgery. I went back to the Doctor last Monday and was told I had cellulites he put me on Antibiotics. The redness is going away but the pain and numbness on the top of my foot and my big toe is horrible. Ii am back at work I have a desk job but it is very hard to elevate my foot. When it is down the pain is excruciating. I am so glad to see other people with the same problem. I was afraid the infection was not clearing up.

Jan 10, 2011
Rating

It will be fine..
by: Dr.Ryan

Hi,
I had ligament repair surgery done to both the ATFL and PTFL of my left ankle lasy november. I removed the cast ine week ago and i have numbness on the left area of my foot.

Now, this is normal. Because the cast was compressing on the nerves for six weeks. Leading to some reversable damege that will be healed with time. Also any surgical incesion dameges some of the nerve endings to the site of the surgery.

So, dont worry it will go back to normal with time.

If any body wants to email me for further discussions this is my email:
m_o_d99@hotmail.com

Jan 08, 2011
Rating

Ankle
by: Dust

Just had 18 screws , 2 plates removed from my tib, fib ,ankle ..ten days ago , Staples were removed today , and I'm having a sharp burning almost cramp like pain on top of my foot , and in mainly my big toe but other toes as well , dr said it was due to where he scoped my ankle as well as removed the hardware , does anyone know how long this pain could last ?

Dec 31, 2010
Rating

Numbness
by: Anonymous

Hi everyone

I had surgery on my broken ankle about three weeks ago as I broke two bones. I had to have plates and pins put in to support.

The swelling has only just gone down and I have now found that I have numbness on the top right hand side of my foot. I am concerned as the consultant I saw a week ago didn't mention that this may happen.

Would like to hear from others that have had similar problems and what has happened!

Dec 21, 2010
Rating

nerve damage
by: Anonymous

Did any of you have a popiteal nerve block for pain? I had to get a brace made for my ankke because of damage. My foot surgery left foot numb, and i have fallen two times since my surgery June10-10. I think its the pain pump where i had my surgery they quit using it.Also the side of my leg has no feeling.

Jun 06, 2010
Rating

frozen toes
by: Anonymous

is it normal for my toes to feel frozen after broken ankle surgery?

May 07, 2010
Rating

Foot numbness and pain.
by: Anonymous

I had surgery in July 2008 and had my broken ankle repaired and had 3 crews, a plate, and a metal rod installed. I also had numbness and pain on the top of my foot. My doctor told me it would go away in a couple of weeks. It did eventually get better but it took more like a year for it to get back to normal

In April 2009 the metal rod broke through my leg and I had to have another surgery. The removed all the metal in my ankle cause my leg was severely infected, and they set the bone in my leg. I have had the same pain and numbness in my foot this time.

Feb 21, 2010
Rating

Numbness after surgery
by: Anonymous

I had my achilles tendon repaired after I ruptured it playing soccer. I was given a Popliteal Nerve Block to numb the area during and after surgery. I was told that the numbness would only last at best 48 hours. It had been 4 days and my foot is still completely numb. I am was getting a bit nervous that the there was a complication with the popliteal block and I had suffered some nerve damage. I found this blog and realized that maybe the dressing that was applied to my leg was way to tight. I cut the dressing back at the top of my where I was experiencing numbness and burning. It's been painful and slow but I am starting to get some mobility and feeling back on the top of my foot and toes. I have a doctors apointment tomorrow to check my stamples and I'll be sure to let him know about what I was experiencing. I am glad I found this blog because I thought I was alone in this matter.

Feb 21, 2010
Rating

Still Numb
by: Anonymous

Hello- I had my surgery around Sept. 2008 and I still have numbness, sparks and spasmodic nerve pain each and every day. My foot still collects water around my ankle as well as knots around my ankle. This has not gone away for almost two years now. I refused to go back to my doctor and canceled my second operation as I was being wheeled into the operating room. I just could not trust my doctor and felt I would end up with worse nerve pain.
The thing I want to know-
is having a tight feeling ( like a permanent cramp) in my foot normal?
Will this nerve pain go away and is it normal, if not what is going on with my ankle to create the nerve pain?
How do I deal with the consent pain?
I have told several doctors about my pain, but each and everyone will not tell me what is going on or how to take care of it. Should I exercise it when it swells and the nerve pain gets worse, how do I treat it, because ibuprophen and gaabpentine is not cutting it.

Jan 23, 2010
Rating

Foot numbness
by: Anonymous

I had my second ankle surgery in Dec. 09. It has been 5 weeks and my toes are still numb. My big toe is super sensitive and feels like someone is shocking it or sticking needles in it. I was told I have CRPS Complex regional pain syndrome. I have been on Neurontin for nerve pain as well as a lumbar injection to block the pain. It has gotten a little better, but am going to have to have physical therapy. Should recover nearly 100%. I hope so.

Nov 02, 2009
Rating

ankle pain 3.5 months after bone spur removal
by: Anonymous

I had right ankle debribement 3.5 months ago. Still feeling tingling when tapping around incision area. Pain in varying degrees when walking. Sometimes can walk pain free and all of a sudden tightness pain in the middle of my foot, as well as on top of the bone removal is painful to walk. I believe I am improving but I was told it would take about 8 weeks for recovery after surgery. Maybe it's taking longer than I am anticipating. The worst feeling is in the bottom middle part of my foot it feels tight and painful like a nail being driven up the middle of my foot. I am 50 years old. Any feed back would be appreciated. Thank you

Oct 05, 2009
Rating

Numb ankle following orthoscopic surgery
by: Anonymous

Hi,

Had orthoscopic surgery a few days ago. One incision just to the left of center of the top of right ankle. The other incision to the right of top of ankle. I had general anesthesia. Surgeon removed bone fragments and callus tissue at ankle joint. Foot was wrapped for only two days. Elevated and iced for six days. The top of my foot is numb from just below first incision to tip of big toe. Foot is still slightly swollen and discolord. Purple blood pool on bottom of foot and right side of top is greenish. I am concerned that surgeon cut a nerve, will it heal? Plan to talk to surgeon ASAP. Pain from surgery is minimal. No tingling either. I do not want my foot to be numb for several months or years, was this a botched surgery or is this normal? FEEBLE

May 14, 2009
Rating

post-surgery numbness
by: BR

I am 35 yrs old. I had surgery on my right ankle 4 weeks ago...broke the ends off of both my tibia and fibula where they attach to the ankle. Had to have 4 incisions...also a plate and 9 screws. I was very concerned because of the numbness on the top of my foot. The whole bottom of my foot is pretty normal feeling, but the tops of my toes and top of my foot is numb and weird-feeling. I can move all my toes up and down at the same time, but can not wiggle them. It almost grosses me out to touch the top of my foot because it feels dead. I get random, sharp, shooting pains in my foot and ankle area, and there's one spot on the bottom of my big toe that, if touched, feels like someone shocked it with electricity!

My doctor assures me it is normal and that it may take 6-7 months for my nerves to "wake up" and return to normal. According to what I've read so far, I guess it is, but I just hope all the feelings really do come back! I don't think I can handle my foot feeling like this forever! I'm really worried about this. Is there anything I can do to help it along? Someone said they were taken ibuprofen. Will this help? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Apr 03, 2009
Rating

Ankle surgery
by: Maddie

I had the same surgery on my left ankle and had some pins put in. The OR Doctor must have cut 2 nerves because I can't feel anything except my big toe and the arch of my foot. Everything is completely numb. It has been almost a year and I do not have anymore feeling than the day I came out of surgery. I was in a cast for 6 weeks after surgery. If you get the electro stem therapy that works really well. Good luck with your physical therapy.

Mar 28, 2009
Rating

numbness
by: Alex

I had the same surgery, same block (left ankle) on Feb 24th 09' and still 4 weeks later I numbness to the top of my foot, big toe and other areas. I was told with some luck it will return to normal when swelling is all gone. hey also said it may never be normal as far as numbness goes. I am hoping for the best as I have to do my other ankle in 8 weeks.

Feb 13, 2009
Rating

foot numbness
by: Anonymous

I had surgery to repair a post tibial tendon...my second one as I had it done on my other foot 4 years ago. Numbness takes several months to dissapate but my feeling in my left foot returned to normal and the right foot (surgery done oct 08) is slowly returning to full feeling. I know it is a weird feeling but give it a lot of time and it will come back

Feb 10, 2009
Rating

similar problem
by: Anonymous

I have a similar problem with my ankle. Id love to ask you about your progress. please email me at aloharick@hotmail.com.

6 weeks out of ankle scope surgery. i never had numbness in my foot till now. it happens when I walk for about 5 minutes. Im very worried . Im 31. Please email me!!!

Jan 11, 2009
Rating

Thanks for answering!
by: Anonymous

Hi Marc, thanks for answering. I certainly hope it comes back. Have enough problems with the ankle and never had a problems with my feet. In fact, that right leg was the strongest, healthiest part of my body. The bandage was way too tight and caused the numbness. In fact, where the surgeon saw the pinch from the gauze, there's now sort of a blood blister there and when I press it, it sends shocks into my big toe. The mark is about 1/4" to the outside of the natural bone protrusion on top of foot.

I'm 3 weeks out and still have total numbness but now I'm getting severe pain where the numbness is, almost too painful to even put on a sock. I hope that's a sign of the nerve healing. That big tendon that runs from big toe up across top of foot actually feels sprained it's so sore underneath the numbness. The top of my big toe is now peeling skin as if it was sunburn and I NEVER have dry skin on my feet as I use very expensive cream on them twice a day. I'm freaking out that skin is dying because of nerve damage since that's where the numbness is the strongest and there's nothing dry on any other parts of either foot - but probably just my concern running rampid. Color is normal and I have 3 second return of pink when I press it so it's getting blood okay.

Do you have any idea just what kind of damage can happen to a nerve due to a pinched compression from tight gauze for 8 solid days? Is it really inflammation? I am already on 2 doses of 600mgs of Rx Ibuprofen daily for my ankle. Trying to wean off the Vicodin but yesterday I had to take a Vicodin for the pain from the numb area, not my ankle lol. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge to everyone here on the internet. Our doctors are so busy and we can never remember all our questions at their office, even when we write them down.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor

SBI!

Foot numbness after ankle surgery

Comments for Foot numbness after ankle surgery

Comments for
Foot numbness after ankle surgery