Severe burning in foot 14 days after ankle surgery

Hi there.. sorry to hear you are going through this. I've been through the same thing. Please look up CRPS and ask your doctor about this. Hope the pain lessens soon 😊

Thanks so much for the advice! After researching it a little, everything is making sense. I've schedule an appointment with my doctor today. Hopefully I will get some help! Again, thank you!

Well I had my cast off today and whilst I was full of excitement as I was my ankle has fused well, my foot is still out of alignment and I can't have a boot as my heel won't go flat. I have experienced a whole new world of pain today I wasn't expecting when they trying to see if my leg would go in it. The nerves in my feet are like glass and I can't bear even a sock on.

After twelve years of walking with a twisted foot and ankle my spine and posture in general is twisted. I put my legs together for the first time in 12 years and it looked like I was trying to be a contortionist

Have to wait for my heel inserts to arrive before I can try the boot again.

Julie...I can't imagine the journey you have been on : \ I wish you the very best when you get that boot on. Visit #3 to my surgeon is tomorrow. From my readings here and recent experiences, I have several educated questions for him. I can't express enough how helpful and mentally supportive communication with "like kind" people has been. I hope this stage passes for you quickly...remember ice is cheap and plentiful. All the best.

Thanks Mark

I hope it goes well for you would love to hear your progress.

It is comforting when we get to talk to people who understand what it's like.

On the upside today I washed my leg in the bath.. heaven ?

Julie..any upside is good. A shower or bath sounds wonderful😉...still using the sponge clean here... I've found its the little GOOD things that help. Sunday night I slept great...(upside)...still in the recliner though. It may not be wise, but I am backing off the pain meds to see where I am at with this...I need little goals and benchmarks. As you have probably gathered, patience is not my strong point. I will let you know about the surgeon and possible boot! My venture is minor I'm thinking, but you all have been great. Thank too again.

Casey...google "Bed Cradle".  I used one for three months to keep the covers off my foot in bed.  I couldn't stand a sheet even touching it during the night.  It was a life-saver!  I only removed it a couple of weeks ago and my surgery was November 18th.  Worth every penny.  

Julie, Cyd, Millie and all.. Yesterday I told the surgeon about the awful burning pain... He told me that was good. (!) He said that was normal decompression of the nerves that were compressed from the swelling and inflammation caused by surgery...the time frame of 6 to 14 days post surgery is when it normally occurs. He also said it may last up to 6 months but don't panic, it will subside over time. Also it is worse at the time of day that you consiously AND subconsciously relax for the day...I guess that explains my 11 to 12 p.m. burn..wow and good luck to all

Mark...thanks for the info!  I'm going into my fifth month, and no more burning and stinging.  I still have the prickling and hypersensitivity and am thinking of asking for a nerve block at my next follow up.  My surgeon said the step after that would be to actually cut the nerve (yikes!)...but I'm no where near that stage.  I wouldn't consider a permanent solution like that for at least a year or two.  But I am interested to know what affect a nerve block would have, and how long it would last.

HAS ANYONE EVER HAD A NERVE BLOCK?  If so, can you tell me a bit about it please?  Thanks! 

Cyd. I'm thinking that there are "healing" pains. But still pain is pain is pain. Period. Although it surprised me, I was glad to hear the surgeon say "good". At least in my mind I know I'm not going backwards. I'll be watching for the nerve block replies. Continued good luck to you and talk later.

Hi mark glad you are ok

I'm now partial weight in aircast but struggling as my nerves in my foot feel like I'm walking on a ball of fluid and glass. My foot is still not flat so waiting for heel insert to help. Consultant said I should try and get rid of boot asap and try and put weight on the ankle and foot. Start my physio 12/4.

Feeling more positive than earlier in the week.

I'd say six months seems about right from other comments I've seen for things to subside. I managed to get in the bath and massaging in hot water made a huge difference to sensitivity to under side of foot.

Hi Julie..I now have a large heavy air boot and can go 50% weight...I'm still way jumpy but I'm moving forward. I feel more positive too now. Just putting the foot on the floor was exciting. I'm going to stay around 10% weight for a day or two... I will let you know when I get the courage to try 50%..haha. The thought of regressing is unthinkable at this point.

Hi. I don't want to concern you but the burning is a trade mark of Complex regional pain syndrome. Please look it up. It's serious and can result from surgery and nerve damage. I am currently suffering from it and I'm on nerve medication 24/7. It needs to be treated early. If it's very sensitive to touch, especially from others, and goes red or purple and blotchy compared to your good foot then I'd suggest requesting a referral to a pain team. A standard orthopedic consultant generally won't have enough knowledge to help.

Finally someone who's mentioned CRPS! I think there's loads of potential sufferers on here reading the posts. Early treatment is the key. I have a lumbar sympathectomy in 10 days and then a referral for a spinal cord stimulator

I'm having a lumbar sympathectomy which is similar I think. An injection of steroid ms and anaesthetic into my spine. It encourages blood flow to my leg and foot and also helps pain. Doesn't last long though (a few days) mine is to test whether a spinal cord stimulator would work. So if the injection helps, they'll stick an implant in my spine and I'll get an iPad to control my pain...!!!

Julie, So good to hear things are going well for you. I hope the rest of our budds here are progressing also. Debbie just hang in there..,it gets better

I am going back to work tomorrow..I am nervous but slowly doing full weight in the boot...almost in shoes again...tougher than I expected. Cheers to all that have made it through and prayers to those dealing with the pain. I will never forget this period in my life.. Time does help : )

Congratulations Mark. That's great news.

Yes I'm at similar stage. I went back to work the other day only on short hours and shoes are a challenge. I'm almost equal weight bearing and off crutches pretty much.

I'm not driving yet. I tried to practice pushing the clutch the other day and wasn't the best idea lol. Few more weeks yet I think. Have you yawned and experienced a weird sensation of not stretching your leg? It's really odd 🙈

Julie, I really turned the corner about two weeks ago...The first six weeks was one thing after another. with pain and such from a new place daily : \ I'm driving and just about everything but walking in shoes now.., what a trip huh? I am still jumpy with it though...the surgeon said to trust my ankle...haha. Yes I've had that yawn experience! I'm five PT sessions in...three to go. June 1 is my personal put this thing on the shelf date. 😉 guess I'll see..C'mon summer

Yeah it's certainly a trip. But one of those holidays where you think you won't go back to lol.

I purchased some mbt rocker sole trainers to help get my leg moving properly but I found they were expensive crap and it's best to go with whatever you are comfortable with. I'm wearing a pair of cheap gola trainers but for some reason they work a treat. Work shoes are a nightmare but I'm sure I will be wearing something more normal looking soon. The end of foot and toes are extremely sensitive still. The under side of foot on the pads feels alien and numb but powering through! Good luck moving forward 👍

Thanks Julie, I have permission to wear tennis shoes and do whatever to get back to work for now...dress shoes will come later ; ) All the best to you too! I will check back after I get this week in. I think getting back to work will help turn the page on this adventure...ha You take care of yourself...