You had a popliteal nerve block on Thurs for your foot fusion surgery How long should you feel numb before Icall your doc?

Answer 1

The answer depends upon whether the anesthesiologist or anesthetist chose a particular type, concentration and volume of local anesthetic for the purpose of only preventing the pain of the surgery itself, say one to three hours, or if the purpose of the block was also to prevent postoperative surgical pain for as long as possible after the surgery as well. In the latter case, 24 to 48 hours, rarely 72 hours may pass before all of the sensation and full strength returns to the lower leg. Usually, however, depending on the above mentioned factors, as well as specifics of the technique used such as the location(s) and number of injections, the training and experience of the person performing the block, 18 to 24 hours is more typical. After four days, if part of the lower leg or foot remains numb or weak, your doctor or anesthesia provider should probably be notified.