Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Numbness In Leg After Recovering From Shingles?
Question: I have shingles in my vaginal area on one side that extend up my right buttock and a little ways down my right thigh. I have had shingles for three weeks and the sores and blisters have cleared up. But I am left with numbness and strange sensations in my right leg and foot. My foot feels like I'm wearing a tight sock and when I walk it feels like something us stuck to the bottom of my foot. It's very uncomfortable! I'm taking Valtrax, Lyrica, and Hydrocodone. Do you think these strange sensations are common after shingles? How long will this last? Will they go away?
Brief Answer:
Post-herpetic neuralgia can last for months.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Post-herpetic neuralgia is a common symptom after a outbreak of shingles.
It can last for months, in most people improves with time and it results from nerve damage by the virus.
There is no definitive cure to treat this condition, but symptomatic treatment is possible and includes: Lidocaine skin patches applied on painful area, anticonvulsants ( Lyrica, Neurontin), opioid painkillers and in some cases antidepressants ( Amytriptiline).
In people over 50 years herpes zoster vaccine is recommended regardless they had shingles in the past, and reduces risk of shingles about 70%.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Post-herpetic neuralgia can last for months.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Post-herpetic neuralgia is a common symptom after a outbreak of shingles.
It can last for months, in most people improves with time and it results from nerve damage by the virus.
There is no definitive cure to treat this condition, but symptomatic treatment is possible and includes: Lidocaine skin patches applied on painful area, anticonvulsants ( Lyrica, Neurontin), opioid painkillers and in some cases antidepressants ( Amytriptiline).
In people over 50 years herpes zoster vaccine is recommended regardless they had shingles in the past, and reduces risk of shingles about 70%.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I had the shingles vaccine, but I still got Shingles.
I don't exactly have pain in the numb areas. It just feels so strange that it gets on my nerves. My foot feels like there's something tight around it and is binding my foot. I can't stop focusing on it. The strange sensations in the back of my leg don't bother me so much. How long does it take for Lyrica to kick in?
I don't exactly have pain in the numb areas. It just feels so strange that it gets on my nerves. My foot feels like there's something tight around it and is binding my foot. I can't stop focusing on it. The strange sensations in the back of my leg don't bother me so much. How long does it take for Lyrica to kick in?
Brief Answer:
Lyrica needs about two weeks to XXXXXXX effect.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking back.
The recommended dose of Lyrica in postherpethic neuropathy is generally 300 mg/day, started gradually from 100 or 150 mg/ day. ( in correlation with kidney function).
The efficacy of Lyrica dosage should be evaluated after two weeks of use, if no satisfactory results then dose should be raised.
Symptoms you describe are related to nerve disfunction and should improve with time.
Hope this helps. If you have further questions feel free to ask.
Lyrica needs about two weeks to XXXXXXX effect.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking back.
The recommended dose of Lyrica in postherpethic neuropathy is generally 300 mg/day, started gradually from 100 or 150 mg/ day. ( in correlation with kidney function).
The efficacy of Lyrica dosage should be evaluated after two weeks of use, if no satisfactory results then dose should be raised.
Symptoms you describe are related to nerve disfunction and should improve with time.
Hope this helps. If you have further questions feel free to ask.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
