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What Causes Numbness Around Heel Post Laser Surgery?
Question: Hello,
As discussed with you a few days back - I had been diagnosed of vericose veins and I have already had a laser surgery for this on my right leg from Dr XXXXXXX Kamerkar at XXXXXXX Hall Clinic, XXXXXXX
Post this surgery, immediately on the same day night - I started feeling numbness around my heel and the outerside of my foot. After discussing this with the doctor, he confirmed that this is due to some damage to the nerves around the SSV which has been ablated by laser and the problem will go away by itself over a period time.
After 4-5 days from the surgery - I started feeling burning feeling in the same region where I have numbness on my foot and many times it feels like needle pricks anywhere in the numb area. The feeling is not unbearable however is quite annoying and it stays for the whole day.
I have few questions:
1. As the doctor said the numbness problem will go away - does that mean the nerve will repair fully and the burning/needlepricking sensation go away along with it?
2. How many days does it take typically for this pain to go away?
3. Why am I getting this sensation? Can you explain technically - briefly?
-Thanks
XXXXXXX
As discussed with you a few days back - I had been diagnosed of vericose veins and I have already had a laser surgery for this on my right leg from Dr XXXXXXX Kamerkar at XXXXXXX Hall Clinic, XXXXXXX
Post this surgery, immediately on the same day night - I started feeling numbness around my heel and the outerside of my foot. After discussing this with the doctor, he confirmed that this is due to some damage to the nerves around the SSV which has been ablated by laser and the problem will go away by itself over a period time.
After 4-5 days from the surgery - I started feeling burning feeling in the same region where I have numbness on my foot and many times it feels like needle pricks anywhere in the numb area. The feeling is not unbearable however is quite annoying and it stays for the whole day.
I have few questions:
1. As the doctor said the numbness problem will go away - does that mean the nerve will repair fully and the burning/needlepricking sensation go away along with it?
2. How many days does it take typically for this pain to go away?
3. Why am I getting this sensation? Can you explain technically - briefly?
-Thanks
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
A few months to a year.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Glad to hear from you again.
The repair of a nerve depends upon the degree of damage. A total damage is not repairable by itself. While minor injuries can get repaired.
As there was initially numbness and now there is burning/needle pricking sensation, it means that the nerve is slowly regaining its function. So its a good sign.
It may take a few months to a year for a complete recovery, as nerves heal at a very very slow pace.
As the nerve repairs itself the pain fibers are the first to recover, so you are having this sensation. Then comes the pressure and finally the touch sensation.
But there is also a rare possibility that these sensations might persist for ever, if the nerves fail to repair themselves beyond this point. This is not to discourage you, but just to keep you informed.
But as your nerves are showing a good recovery in a weeks time, so going by this, you should recover completely, as the damage seems to be on the lesser side.
Hope I have answered all your queries. If you have any further queries, I would be glad to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
A few months to a year.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Glad to hear from you again.
The repair of a nerve depends upon the degree of damage. A total damage is not repairable by itself. While minor injuries can get repaired.
As there was initially numbness and now there is burning/needle pricking sensation, it means that the nerve is slowly regaining its function. So its a good sign.
It may take a few months to a year for a complete recovery, as nerves heal at a very very slow pace.
As the nerve repairs itself the pain fibers are the first to recover, so you are having this sensation. Then comes the pressure and finally the touch sensation.
But there is also a rare possibility that these sensations might persist for ever, if the nerves fail to repair themselves beyond this point. This is not to discourage you, but just to keep you informed.
But as your nerves are showing a good recovery in a weeks time, so going by this, you should recover completely, as the damage seems to be on the lesser side.
Hope I have answered all your queries. If you have any further queries, I would be glad to answer them.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
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