Persistent Numbness a Week After Nerve Block Surgery
Greetings everyone, I am reaching out for some insights. I am a 28-year-old female who hasn't taken medication in the last 72 hours. Seven days ago, I underwent skin graft surgery on both of my feet due to severe third-degree burns on my ankles and feet. Before the operation, a nerve block was administered in both legs. However, a week later, I continue to experience significant numbness in my left leg, specifically beneath the knee in the soft area of my calf and along my shin. This situation has me feeling a bit anxious. I was informed that the effects of the nerve block would typically wear off within about 72 hours, leading to the full restoration of sensation. I am able to stand and hop on that leg, and I possess sufficient feeling to keep my balance. Nevertheless, when I am seated or touch the area, the sensation resembles that of a limb that has fallen asleep. I intend to discuss this issue during my follow-up appointment in a few days, but I have encountered mixed information and personal accounts online and thought it might be prudent to seek advice here as well. Post-operation, I did not encounter any complications. This was my first surgery, and my doctors considered me a generally healthy individual apart from the current situation and my blood pressure being slightly low. I hope this context is relevant. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 1:20:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about persistent numbness after your recent surgery and nerve block. While it’s common for nerve blocks to wear off within a few days, some individuals may experience lingering effects for longer, particularly if the area was affected by trauma, as in your case with the skin graft surgery.
Explanation:
Numbness in the affected area can occur due to several reasons:
- Residual Effects of Nerve Block: Sometimes, the numbing effect can last longer than expected.
- Nerve Irritation or Injury: The surgery and procedures involved can lead to temporary nerve irritation or injury, which may result in numbness or altered sensation.
- Swelling or Inflammation: Post-surgical swelling around the nerves could also be contributing to these symptoms.
Given that you’re able to stand and maintain balance, it suggests that while there is diminished feeling, your motor function appears intact, which is a positive sign.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your numbness, documenting any changes. Note if it improves, worsens, or if you develop new symptoms like pain or weakness.
- Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle movements and stretches of your leg to promote circulation, ensuring not to overexert yourself.
- Position Awareness: When seated, change positions frequently to encourage blood flow and prevent prolonged pressure on any nerves.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Prioritize discussing your symptoms with your doctor during your upcoming appointment. Be specific about the numbness and any other sensations you experience.
If you notice any worsening of symptoms or develop new concerning signs like severe pain, changes in movement, or swelling, be sure to bring these up with your healthcare provider immediately. Remember that communication with your medical team is key to managing your recovery.
Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
Related Questions
Concern Over Bright Red Vomit
19F. Earlier this evening, I indulged in some marijuana and subsequently experienced a strong urge to eat, leading me to consume more food than is healthy, resulting in nausea. I often struggle with the habit of overeating and, in such situations, I typically induce vomiting to alleviate my discomfort. During this episode, I noticed that a substantial amount of what I expelled was bright red in color. Now, I’m feeling anxious about the possibility of internal bleeding. My upper stomach feels somewhat strange, but I’m uncertain whether this discomfort stems from anxiety, being overly full, or a more serious health concern. I intend to consult a doctor about this, but I’m also eager to determine whether this situation warrants an immediate visit to the emergency room.
Three Weeks After Appendectomy: Seeking Advice
I am a 28-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 158 pounds. I don't smoke or drink alcohol. Three weeks have passed since my appendectomy, and I've been feeling discomfort in my mid-abdomen for the past five hours. The pain has also radiated down to my right leg, and I began experiencing nausea about an hour ago. Earlier tonight, I took an 800 mg ibuprofen at around 9:30 PM, but now, at 12:33 AM, my pain level has reached a 7 out of 10. I am contemplating whether I should head to the emergency room; however, I am unsure if this is indicative of a complication. I'm seeking any guidance at this moment—should I consider a trip to the ER, or would it be sufficient to just take another dose of ibuprofen? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Concerns Regarding Numb and Hardened Fingertips
Age: 25, Weight: 125 lbs, Height: 5’5” Currently, I’m on lamictal, topiramate, prazosin, omeprazole, and reglan. For the last few months, I have been experiencing troubling symptoms in my hands, which seem to be worsening over time. Initially, I felt joint discomfort that soon progressed to a loss of sensitivity in my fingertips, particularly at the very ends. This lack of feeling has led to several minor injuries, as I’ve inadvertently scraped my fingers due to diminished sensation. I even noticed a small, plaque-like hardened area develop on my index finger, which I ultimately removed myself. In recent weeks, I’ve observed that my fingertips are becoming increasingly rigid and the skin is noticeably thickening. The severity varies among my fingers, yet I am anxious about the potential for this condition to deteriorate. Additionally, my hands are experiencing unprecedented dryness; the skin on my palms feels incredibly taut, making it somewhat uncomfortable to spread my hand fully, although I can still manage it. Despite applying moisturizer frequently, it only somewhat alleviates the tightness in the rest of my skin, while my fingertips seem unresponsive to any hydration efforts. My primary care physician has conducted several tests, which revealed normal results across the board, including the ANA test. Initially, he speculated that it might be autoimmune-related, but the absence of abnormalities suggests otherwise. I am seeking insight into what might be causing these symptoms and recommendations on how to address the condition of my hands.
Should I Be Concerned?
As a newly minted 18-year-old with a background of anxiety, I've undergone multiple ECG tests in the past year, along with a blood test, all of which returned normal results. Lately, I've been struggling with intense back pain. To be honest, I recently slept on the floor due to renovations in my room, and I've also been engaging in calisthenics. However, I've been bombarded with videos about cancer lately, which really adds to my stress. I learned that lower back pain could potentially be linked to cancer, and for the first time in quite a while, I’m feeling anxious about it. I really dislike admitting this. Is there a possibility that this discomfort might be cancer-related, or should I try to dismiss these worries?
Potential Arm Injury
20 AFAB - While at my workplace, a large Lego box weighing around 6 to 7 pounds fell from a height of approximately 5 feet, landing squarely on my arm just above my wrist. At the moment, the area is bruised and extremely sensitive when touched. There's an unusual bump that makes me wonder if there might be something wrong with the bone itself. I’m uncertain about how to explain it further. What might be the cause of these symptoms? Any insights would be appreciated. Thank you.