Use this search box to search our site

Not what you're looking for? CLICK HERE INSTEAD

The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

foot, ankle pain, numbness swelling after back surgery and broken foot

by LH
(San Jose, CA. USA)

I'll try to make this understandable. In Jan/09 I had a fracture in my foot. At the same time I had a herniated disk and had to have diskectomy and lamonectomy done. After 4 days of hospitalization I came home with severe numbness in buttocks outer leg and foot. I also have constant swelling in the same foot and a lot pain, not just where the fracture is, but near ankle and heal. It's now been 6 months. I also have redness or discoloring of that leg and foot. Constant swollen foot. I get electicral shocks in the foot and prickling sensations all over that lower leg. After getting out of my cast I'm now unable to stand on one leg, tiptoe on that side, lift up on that foot. My foot dr. re-xrayed my foot and said it was completely healed. My question to you is...Why all this swelling, pain, unable to walk more than a few steps, and can't bear weight, tiptoe, or lift up on that foot? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. I can't get in answers or help with this. LHowsmon

Hi LH,
The short answer is I think your symptoms are the result of your back surgery and not your broken bone.
Swelling, tingling, numbness, discoloration are all fairly common after back surgery. Why not contact your back surgeon and let he or she take a look at you.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for foot, ankle pain, numbness swelling after back surgery and broken foot

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 16, 2018
Rating

Foot swelling and pain after back surgery
by: Richard

I had fusion surgery on lower back on August 16th 2018. I am now two months post surgery and have terrible pain and some swelling in my left foot, ankle and calve. I start the day off with mild pain and some swelling but by noon the swelling and pain have increased that I already begin wishing it was bed time so I can be pain free. I take Gabapentin and Tylenol during the day but prior to bed I also take Tizanidine which seems to both kill the pain and reduce the swelling. After much complaining to my doctor he ordered an MRI and KT Scan which shows a build up of fluid in the area of the surgery. I am waiting now for an appointment for him to review the Scans and to tell me what is wrong. Had I known this would be a long lasting side effect I would never had done the surgery. The spinal surgeons it appears have so many patients that just getting an appointment for follow up is a joke. They are too busy performing the surgery which is far more lucrative.

Dec 21, 2016
Rating

need answers. HELP!
by: linda

recent laminectomy with disectomy, after surgery had weight bearing problems left leg. unable to control the leg. must be lifted. now with severe pitting edema.v recent DVT. resolved. what can i do? i walk with walker, but can not pick leg up or kick out. therapy not helping related to swelling and weight of leg makes no control. i just want so possible answers. thank you.echoes
--------------------------------------------------
There is no easy answer here. I would suggest you get a second opinion from another back specialist.

Marc Mitnick DPM

Feb 15, 2016
Rating

Swollen ankle with some pain 12 weeks after laminar tony and discectomy of L4-5
by: Margaretkl

hi I am having pain and swelling in my left ankle, also my big toe is still with some numbness, a family doctor at a walk in clinic is really not Much help, they just seem to want to prescribe medication when what I really want is an explanation and what can really help this, wondering if I am just being impatient??it is quite bothersome normally at end of day.....

Oct 27, 2015
Rating

Foot swelling after discectomy
by: Anonymous

I am post L4-5 microdiscectomy of 11 weeks and still having foot and ankle swelling mainly left side where my symptoms were preop. I am walking but not as much as I want because of severe right heel Achilles tendonitis. The neurosurgeon said recovery is 4 to 6 months. I am doing some stretching exercises he recommended. My left ankle and outer calf has more pain than before surgery. My symptom was nerve pain and transient numbness in upper left thigh. I did have a sermon develop following surgery. That delayed my walking for longer than 15 minutes for nearly 3 weeks. The sermon resulted in regards sidual sciatica type pain on left. It seems to be lessening g. Question is mainly why am I having the swelling and how long will it remain? -Thanks to readers and hoping for a reply.sprite

Nov 08, 2012
Rating

foot tingling after my surgury
by: Anonymous

I had a Tumor removed from the bottom of my foot 2 weeks ago,still have the stitches in...i am having alot of tingling in my toes and side of my foot....how normal is this???i have to stay off this foot for four weeks and i have been keeping my foot elevated..

Sep 14, 2011
Rating

swollen ankles and fee after 7 months post op back surgery
by: Anonymous

I have since June 2011 had swollen feet and ankles. I had my back surgery Feb 2011. I have been tested for kidney problems, gout, etc. Please can someone help me with this

Jun 30, 2011
Rating

Spine surguries and knee and ankle swelling
by: Rick

Hi. 2 Years ago I had spine surgury that fused me from the top of my spine and to the bottom of my spine. Also I had 7"screws inserted into the bottom of the spine drilling into both sides of Pelvic.. Last year and into the present I have had swelling in my ankles and my knees to the point I cannot walk. Last night I began to have even my fingers filled with edema and have problems with lack of urine. Doctors are begining to just think of names for it just to get me out of their office.. But I need help and am tired of chronic pain...any advice..I did take lasix, but still no results.

Jul 19, 2010
Rating

weight bearing after oats 14 weeks post op
by: Pat

burning pins needles.walking on rocks.so much pain in ankle joint now. fine all before no pain. now dr. said healed now walk, What is he crazt. my family are pushing me to walk what am i to do.how long to bear weighy without excrueating pain HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jul 01, 2010
Rating

same problem
by: dbug74

I just had a L5-S1 laminectomy on June 14th. I was supposed to have a microdiscectomy but because the herniated buldge was hardened, my surgeon opted to shave the bone and loosen the nerves. Apparently it was a successful surgery (for the most part) but I'm still suffering from leg and foot weakness and numbness. I do have some deep pain in the back of my left thigh and calf and I'm still hobbeling around but now that I've returned to work (2 weeks after the surgery) I'm noticing that my left ankle is swelling and calf is kind of getting red. Should I be concerned?

Sep 21, 2009
Rating

Leg/foot problems - post back surgery
by: Jerry Lapple

2 1/2 months after back surgery/fusion. Foot numbness, swelling ankle, swollen soles sometime cause instability...slightly improving.
Leg stiffness continues but is lessening. Hamstring swelling pulling on partial knee replacement (1 1/2 yr ago) large problem. After
arising AM leg/hammy/knee pretty good however tire
throughout the day. Sitting aggrevates hammy causing increased knee discomfort and stiffness, condition is improving and I'm now walking fairly confident with less pains. Lower back pains lessening (almost tolerable), knifelike, sharp,
disabling pains are all but gone. Dull to annoying pains still sometimes linger. Recuperation is a long slow process. I have a friend who had same surgery, he and others all say it "takes a year". In the meantime I work out 6 days with 1 day off per week and the improvement is obvious. I do 3 "sets" as follows: 10 minutes stationary bike (0 resistance). 100 compresses on hand springs. 35 frontal leg lifts (35 lbs). 35 Bench presses (lying on bench)(40 lbs.) Make sure to stretch out legs and arms before starting. Drink water between "sets". Being patient is sometime difficult but it's working for me.

Aug 14, 2009
Rating

Your problem
by: Anonymous

Five months isn't very long for healing. With my experience of 4 shoulder surgeries, 1 knee surgery and 2 carpal tunnels, it takes just about a year to fully heal. I would just give it more time. My foot Dr had told me that the swelling is the last part to go away. Just my opinion. I'm not an expert.

Aug 14, 2009
Rating

PAIN & SWELLING 5 MONTHS AFTER FOOT SURGERY
by: Anonymous

I had foot surgery, Mortons neuroma & hammertoe repair in March 09. It's now August and my foot & leg swells daily. By the end of the day I have elephant ankles and the skin feels like it will pop. The foot dr. took xrays and said it's part of the healing process.
Sounds like a bunch of bull to me. My foot hurts more now that before the surgery.
Any thoughts?
ps, the leg feels cool like the other one to touch but the top of the foot feels warm

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.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

HONESTe Online Member Seal
Click to verify - Before you buy!

I've been doing some aggressive research lately (it's how I found your incredible website) and realize now that my symptoms are not consistant with the diagnosis.

Jennifer

Hunterville, NC

….after reviewing your amazing site (great for the avg. jill). So thank you very much!!!

Liesbeth

NY

I am really, really impressed with your plain-speak explanations for the various conditions.

Jacqueline

NJ

This was an extremely helpful site. I have an appointment on the 18th and your info. Was right on target…..

Jack

Fla

A well organized site containing much information written in a manner that the average reader can comprehend.

Jean

Ontario, Canada

I found your website and articles most interesting.

Andrew

Fla.

Thank you for a quick response. I think your site is the best information site on foot pain and I have viewed many.

Judy

(location unknown)

I came to your website, footspecialist.net via www.foot-pain explained .com which I think is also your website? I thought explanations for different types of problems were well addressed and thoughtfully stated for the patient in mind.

L.W.

New York

You have an amazing and extremely informative site. I enjoyed looking through all of the data and stats.

Yvette

Memphis, TN

Thanks again so much for the information in the article. Very interesting.

Anna

Scotland

Great article. I have had plantar fasciitis since I was in high school……..

J. Simmons

(location unknown)

Dear Dr. Mitnick, The orthotics arrived four days ago and I slipped them into my shoes immediately. I was skeptical as to the usefulness of the item, they really didn't look very exotic. I have to say though, after using them for just four days, I have experienced grand relief from my foot pain. Even the very first day, I was able to do a lot of work while on my feet with at least a 75% reduction of pain. It has only gotten better every day, and I go nowhere without my shoes with the orthotics. I had been experiencing extreme heel and sole pain for about six months and had to take extended breaks off my feet many times a day as well as regular doses of Ibuprofen. Since getting the orthotics, my life has returned to normal and I feel good again. Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation for a very effective item, I had no idea what a change this item could affect.

Yours truly,

J.C. Forbes

Tennessee

Thanks for the Response, you hit it on the head.

Steve

Redondo Beach, CA

Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)

First, thanks for putting together this website. Its the most informative site I have found dealing with foot problems. Last June I started having pain and swelling at …….

Joe

(location unknown)

First of all, thank you for having all this useful information available in one place. I've been through most of your website and based on my research, pain and evaluations I think I've narrowed things down quite a bit.

Pete M.

(location unknown)

Thank you for the best site I have found when researching foot pain.

Glenda B.

Madison, Alabama

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

Carol

Denison, TX

Dr. Marc, Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!" Thanks Very Much,

Dawn

West lafayette, IN

Dear sir...no doubt you get positive comments re your site...May I please be added to the list of your admirers. In all of my years of web surfing I would say your site is right there with the very best. Thank you for taking the time to write the terrific info you provide and for putting things into laymen terms for us mere mortals. I pray you have much on going success and thank you again for a deed well done. As for me I did not find much help for my symptoms and will continue on my quest. Were you anywhere in the South I would make and appointment...Thanks again dear sir...m.e.

Michael E.

Tampa, Florida 33624

Hi. This is a great site! I'm a healthy middle aged woman who is in good health, but.....

Kelly

Texas

Just a wee word of thanks for your wonderful website...It is a terrific service...Thank you for providing your knowledge and help...With highest regards, m ebeling

Michael D. Ebeling

Tampa, Florida 33624

Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot.

Steve

Dear Dr.Mitnick

I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain.

I thank you for putting together this incredible website.

Regards,

Dragica W.

Edmonton,Canada

....I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE!

Roxy

South Africa

You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Thank you for that.

Matthew W.

Mansfield Ctr, CT

First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you.

Steve

Placentia, California

First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.)

Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

Ric J.

Unknown location

I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. And your site is so intelligently arranged.

Ron R.

Pacific Grove, CA

I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Again, I want to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. It was so great to get to your site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed EASILY and QUICKLY! Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really appreciate it.

All the best,

Victoria

Alameda, California

By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Kudos to you!

Anonymous

Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!

Anonymous

Hi. I come to your site often looking for information. It is really informative and I appreciate it very much. I have RA and have been having considerable amount of foot pain...... Dee RN

Thanks very much for the wonderful informative site.

Catherine

New Zealand

Thank You for my answer! I have been schedule for a bone density scan, allingment, and I am in the process of getting orthotics made, and checking out the natural remedies. Thank again! What a great web site!

Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Cindy H.

Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

Anna

Poland

Thank you so much for your response. I will let you know how I am doing if you would like. Your website is awesome!

M P

South Carolina

Hello! I want to thank you for such an informative website! I found you based on my ankle pain search and am happy to realize that there may be a relatively simple cause and solution....

Natalie

unknown location

...Thanks for your fantastic service.

Gary

Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA

Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

Glen

location unknown

I have been experiencing foot pain of various sorts and am working to figure out what it is. I found this site and can only say BRAVO!! What an excellent site! The time it must have taken to put all this together must've been a daunting task! I am sure it has helped so many people. Thank you so very much for doing this.

Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous

Staying at home after hallux surgery I spend quite a lot of time seaching info useful for avoiding problems which might come back. Today I found your site and I am .... delighted it happened. It's one of the best site I found last days.

Anna

Poland

Thanks for taking time to read and answer so many questions. It is truly a public service!

Esh

Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!!

Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

location unknown

Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

foot, ankle pain, numbness swelling after back surgery and broken foot

Comments for foot, ankle pain, numbness swelling after back surgery and broken foot

conditions

additional information

Recent Articles

Vitamin D impact on health

Foods to speed up healing

Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes

Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain?

shin splints

Whats new in skin cancer?

Causes and risk factors of warts

Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily?

Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes

Outcome stats from Scarf bunionectomy