Leg and foot pain after AIF
by Sondra
I had an anterior intrabody fusion L5-S1 3 weeks ago. About 1 week after surgery I started having pain going down my left buttock, leg and foot. My foot is extremely painful. It is very sensitive to touch. My toes are tingling and very painful. It feels like some one is taking a needle and stabbing it in my foot. My lower part of my leg is throbbing. I can't sleep. It hurts to walk. I have to keep a sock on my foot to keep things from rubbing it. What would cause this? ANSWER Hi Sondra, This sounds like it is from an irritation of one of the nerves that comes out of the spinal column at the level of your spinal fusion. This is a problem that needs to be brought to the attention of your surgeon immediately. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that you will have permanent pain. The problem may be due to an issue with the surgery itself or may be just a result of inflammation as the result of surgery. Only your surgeon will be able to determine that. Once the cause of the paresthesia (your sensations) is determined than appropriate care can be instituted. I do not treat backs but depending on what your surgeon determines the source of the pain is coming from, he or she may elect to have you do nothing for the time being, to giving you oral anti-inflammatory medication, to possibly an injection in the area, to sending you for physical therapy. The message to take away from this response is please call your surgeon immediately and be examined. The sooner this condition is address, the less likely of it becoming a chronic issue. Marc Mitnick DPM DISCLAIMER
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