Sports Injury Info

Question - ACL Surgery and Numbness

by MF

I had a complete tear to my ACL and Meniscus. I had surgery on July 3, 2008 and had a hamstring harvest for the repair. I had severe pain for the first 3 weeks. I am able to walk now and I am doing well. The problem is that I have complete numbness from under my knee to my ankle. It is on the left side of my leg.

I feel like I am getting shocks and needles all day long. I can not feel anything except for pressure and the pain feels like it is in my bone. It is especially painful at night. When I went to my post-op appointment at 4 weeks my doctor said it was normal, blew off my concerns and gave me nerve meds. Now I can sleep but the complete numbness is still there.

When I asked the DR how long this would last he said I have a thick leg and it may take some time. I feel like his answers are not good enough. Do you think I should visit a neurologist? It had been over 6 weeks and nothing has changed?

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Question - ACL Surgery and Numbness

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Aug 18, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Continued follow up...
by: Bart - SII

Numbness and abnormal sensations are sometimes side effects of ACL reconstruction. Unfortunately, these symptoms can take several months to subside. I would recommend keeping both your therapist and your physician aware of your status - even if that means calling your doctors office every week or two to let them know you still have numbness.

If you don't start seeing improvements or if things get worse, it might be a good idea to ask for further diagnostics or a referral, especially if you feel like your surgeon is not taking your concerns seriously.

Bart
Aug 27, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		ACL reconstruction
by: Anonymous

I had ACL reconstruction 2 weeks ago from my knee to ankle down the shin is still numb I am due to see the surgeon tomorrow and report the feedback.
Nov 08, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		numbness in shin
by: Duke

I had surgery on my right ACL and am numb from my knee to my ankle on the inside of my shin. I have been told by many people that the numbness should go away eventually. My doctor seems to think it will only be temporary. I am trying to be optimistic but it is strange when you can pluck hairs off your shin and feel absolutely nothing.
Nov 08, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Numbness since July
by: MF

Welcome to my world! I had surgery July 3rd. and I still have so feeling from my knee to my ankle. I have went to several doctors with my most recent being a neurologist for testing. I keep getting...give it time. I was told to give it up to a year. I don't know about you...but a year is a long time to walk around with a dead limb! I am on 1800 MG. of neurontin to help with the nerve pain. It has helped me to sleep at night. Hang in there and I guess patience may be the answer even though mine are running real thin.

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