Burning pain and numbness in right thigh

[Disneyman]

Long story short, I was hit by a car at the age of 18 in 1991.  I have had three surgies on my right knee, the last of which was a full knee replacement.  Ever since the second knee surgery I have had this intense burning sensation on the right side of my right thigh.  This area is also numb to the touch, though that has been numb since my first knee surgery in 2000.  None of my doctors or surgeons have really take the time to determine the root cause of the pain, and it is very frustrating.  The pain is coming more frequently know.  I also have some low-level back pain, though I cannot remember what my condition is called.  I know my surgeon calls it the Steve Nash Syndrom (my doc is team physician for the Phoenix Suns NBA Franchise).  If anyone has any ideas on how to manage the pain I am all ears!

Darius

[Harley_rider]

Hello,

I am suffering from the same type of problem. The intense burning, numbness etc. I feel like my thigh is literally on fire. I was describing this to an orthopedic surgeon I work with and he said it was Meralgia paresthetica. You can look it up on the web to get some info on it.

Harley Rider

[Tuckamore]

Scar tissue can cause pain and limit motion. Burning and numbness can be associated with scar tissue but it usually has to be pretty large amounts of scar tissue.

An early Welcome to Wisconsin, the Frozen Tundra. We have some great physicians and Medical Centers here. I am about 2 hours northwest of Milwaukee but my husband is originally from that area. It is very expensive to live in this state. The last I knew it was the third highest taxed in the nation. We'll be relocating to FL before the deep freeze sets back in.

Be sure to let us know who the PT works for you. And of course how it goes with your new physician. We all learn from one another. I'll look forward to hearing from you again.
Peace, Tuck

[Disneyman]

Oh and small world, I am moving to Milwaukee from Arizona in a few months!

[Disneyman]

Thanks for the input.  No one has tried any type of medication as of yet.  I will seek out another specialist in the field and see if I can get some additional help with this.  And it turns out that I build up scar tissue and an accelerated rate, so I have had to have multiple procedures to break loose the scar tissue to assist with physical therapy.  So at some point something is going to have to be done with regards to that knee since it has not improved much in the two years since the operation.  Again thanks for your help, it is much appreciated!

[Tuckamore]

Hello Darius,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum of MedHelp. I am very glad that you found us but sorry to hear about your pain.

I am not a physician and this is just a guess but the burning and numbness in your knee area sounds like nerve damage or inflammation to me. Often following surgery and/or trauma nerve pain can become an issue. Have your physicians tried a medication directed at reducing your nerve pain such as Neurontin? Many of our members are on this medication or a similar nerve medication and claim varying degrees of pain relief.

I've done a bit of research of the Steve Nash Syndrome. Nash’s congenital back condition, Spondylolisthesis, has been well-publicized, but it has been kept at bay due to the technical work that Nash has performed during his summers. I am guessing that your physician is referring to Spondylolosthesis. There are different types and degrees of Spondylolisthesis. It is the forward movement of one of the vertebrae of the spine in relation to an adjacent vertebra. Symptoms and signs can include lordosis (swayback), pain in the lower back, thighs and buttocks, stiffness, muscle tightness, and tenderness in the slipped area. Pressure on nerve roots may cause changes in sensation and pain radiating down the legs.

Treatment often consists of a short rest period (two to three days) followed by a physical therapy program by a registered physical therapist who has an understanding of spondylolisthesis. There should be restriction of heavy lifting, excessive bending, twisting or stooping and avoidance of any work or recreational activities that causes stress to the lumbar spine.

If you are not satisfied with your physician(s) than it may be time to look for a new physician that will provide you with answers that you more definitive. You have a right to expect that your pain will be recognized and treated. Remember that physicians are to provide a service, just like a plumber or other service related professionals. If they are not providing the service that you are paying for it is time to locate one that will. In my opinion you should have some type of treatment for your back condition and the knee pain and burning.

Best of luck to you. Please keep us updated on your progress. We are here to support you. I will look forward to your next post. Take care, Tuck