Post-Car Accident: Managing Persistent Leg Pain and Nerve Issues

Numbness and pain in the calf following a car accident?

Hello Dr.
Chen: It has been 3 months since my car accident.
I underwent surgery on the outer side of my ankle to have a plate inserted, and the accident also impacted my right tibia.
The orthopedic surgeon only addressed the ankle, but I am still experiencing numbness and tingling in the right side of my tibia since the accident.
Should I see a neurosurgeon or a neurologist? Are there any methods that can help with nerve repair? Thank you very much!

Fei Fei, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/01

Dr. Chen Weida reply Neurology

Hello Fei Fei! Regarding your inquiry about the numbness and pain on the right side of your lower leg tibia, I recommend that you return for a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic physician for evaluation and recommendations for further treatment.
If it is determined that your condition requires care from another specialist, please visit a neurology clinic.
Wishing you health and safety, thank you.

Reply Date: 2024/05/01

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you are dealing with a challenging situation following your car accident. Persistent pain and nerve issues after an injury can be quite distressing, and it’s important to address them appropriately.

From your description, it seems that you have undergone surgery on your ankle and are experiencing ongoing symptoms in your lower leg, specifically on the right side of your tibia. The sensations of numbness and pain can be indicative of nerve involvement, which is not uncommon after traumatic injuries.

Understanding Nerve Pain
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, can occur when nerves are damaged or compressed. In your case, the trauma from the accident could have affected the nerves in your leg, leading to the symptoms you are experiencing. This can happen due to direct injury to the nerve, swelling from the injury, or even scar tissue formation after surgery.

Which Specialist to See?
Given your symptoms, it would be beneficial to consult with a neurologist (neurology specialist) first. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of your nerves. If they determine that there is a structural issue, such as a nerve entrapment or compression, they may refer you to a neurosurgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be very beneficial. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program tailored to your needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles around the affected area, improving range of motion, and addressing any functional limitations.

2. Medications: Depending on the severity of your symptoms, medications may be prescribed. These can include:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.

- Neuropathic pain medications: Drugs such as gabapentin or pregabalin are often used to treat nerve pain and may provide relief.

- Topical treatments: Creams containing capsaicin or lidocaine can be applied to the skin over the painful area.

3. Nerve Blocks: In some cases, a nerve block may be considered. This involves injecting a local anesthetic near the nerve to interrupt pain signals.

4. Surgery: If there is a significant structural issue causing nerve compression, surgical intervention may be necessary. This would typically be determined after thorough evaluation by a specialist.

5. Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. While these should be approached with caution and discussed with your healthcare provider, they may complement traditional treatments.

Conclusion
It’s crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding your ongoing symptoms. Persistent pain and nerve issues should not be ignored, as they can significantly impact your quality of life. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek the appropriate care.
Make sure to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare team, and keep track of any changes in your condition. With the right approach, you can work towards managing your pain and improving your overall function. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

Similar Q&A

Managing Post-Car Accident Symptoms: Effective Treatments for Pain Relief

I was involved in a car accident in mid-July last year when I was stopped at a red light and was rear-ended. At that moment, my knees hit the trunk of the car, resulting in a blunt injury to my lower back. The next day, my knees were bruised, and after some examinations and medic...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. Lower back pain and leg numbness are suspected to be related to lumbar spine conditions. 2. There is a herniation at the fifth lumbar intervertebral disc, and water-cooled radiofrequency treatment could be considered. However, it is recommended to seek medical attention...

Managing Post-Car Accident Orthopedic Issues: Pain Relief Strategies

I was in a car accident yesterday, and I don't remember how I fell. When I woke up, I was able to get up and ride my bike to work. After that, I immediately went to the emergency room, where I had an X-ray, and the doctor said everything was fine. However, my bones were seve...

Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, injuries caused by a car accident typically result in contusions or sprains. Muscles, tendons, and soft tissues may experience bruising or microvascular hematomas or bleeding, usually leading to pain and weakness within 48 to 72 hours. Based o...

Managing Persistent Pain After Leg Injury: Treatment and Specialist Guidance

I was injured in a car accident, and I have a deep wound on my left calf with a large affected area. The wound has healed for over six months, but recently I occasionally experience mild pain while walking. (The pain is not severe, but I am concerned about potential long-term eff...

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Due to the large and deep area of injury at that time, although the wound has healed, some superficial sensory nerves in the skin have been damaged to varying degrees, making recovery difficult. As a result, changes in weather (such as alternating temperatures and humidity) can e...

Managing Nerve Pain After ACL Surgery and Compartment Syndrome

Hello Doctor, I had a bicycle accident 5 weeks ago, resulting in a fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament in my left knee, for which I underwent reduction surgery. Subsequently, a vascular rupture was discovered, leading to another vascular reconstruction surgery. Three days...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
In principle, the neurology department is responsible for the standard treatment of your current neurological impairment. If the physician chooses alternative treatment methods that still do not lead to improvement, you may be referred to a pain management specialist, which is ty...