Problems Following Total Hip Replacement

[bruce5755]

Hi all. Since undergoing total hip replacement surgery seven months ago, I have been experiencing cramping in my legs/feet, and lower back pain. For my hip surgery I was given an epidural and these problems have only occurred since then. My G.P. has referred me to a neurologist for this. My feet have been feeling very cold/icy and I get painful waves of cramp and numbness in them, so bad now that I am having trouble getting to sleep. Whenever I walk I get cramp in my calves and my leg muscles are very weak. I also suffer with lower back pain after standing any more than five minutes.
After some research I think I may be suffering with a condition called "arachnoiditis", it's the only thing that matches all my symptoms!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

bruce5755

[Sqad]

Well bruce.......this is going to be a short answer.

I cannot think of a better diagnosis.......arachnoiditis.

Not a common neurological disease and there may well be other alternatives completely disassociated from your epidural.

One of course would have to know if you were on any medication that could cause cramps e.g statins and one would need like to exclude intermittent claudication ( arterial blockage) as a cause of your leg cramps.

I look forward to further medical reports.

[marje]

Hi, I had a hip replacement over 2 years ago and still suffer with cramp, mainly in that leg and foot, although it's not as bad as it first was. I also get jabbing pains on the outside of that thigh muscle in one particular spot. Telling my GP and the surgeon gets me nowhere! I'm told it's just muscular. Hope you get some improvement.

[bruce5755]

Thanks for your help.

[ruthreynolds193]

Hi Bruce,

Did you consult your orthopedic surgeon about your condition? I think it is the best answer to your questions. In addition, he will prescribe medicines which may help ease the pain. It’s the best thing to do right now. By the way, I’ve heard from my friend who undergo cheap oxinium total knee replacement surgery in Chennai India (through the assistance of Placidway) said that cramps is normal after the operation.

Good luck!

[bruce5755]

Thank you for all your help, my condition has now been diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy by a neurologist, and no definite reason has been given. I'm told it is idiopathic which basically means they haven't got a clue. I've been put on a course of Amitriptyline which doesn't really help, but it's off to my G.P. in two days time so hopefully he might help.

P.S. ruthreynolds193, My consultant thinks there's no problem!!

Thanks again