Foot Pain After Stroke

by Kathy
(Riverside,ca usa)

Question My husband has severe foot pain after having a hemorrhagic stroke. Walking is difficult and the foot slides and is rubbed as he says "raw". There is no visual indication of skin being rubbed raw. It looks normal just the same as his other foot. Please help us with an answer.

Answer: Your husband may have what is called post stroke pain or central pain syndrome that is characterized by a deep burning and/or pins and needles sensation. Post stroke pain can be difficult to manage and may or may not respond to medication. I would have your husband visit a pain clinic where he can find a MD that specializes in dealing with pain disorders. Some treatments used include medication, injections, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or deep brain stimulation.

Sometimes pain can be caused by spasticity or muscle spasms. If that is the case then you can ask your husband's neurologist to prescribe medication or consider injections to decrease the spasticity or tightness.

Numbness following stroke

by Tony Lodge
(Renfrewshire, UK)

Question: I have difficulty sleeping due to numbness and burning sensation in my right foot and leg. My stroke was 10 years ago on my left side.

Is there anything I can do to give me relief from this condition particularly at nightime?

Thanks

Answer: Unfortunately, pain after stroke can be difficult to manage. Some current treatment techniques involve medications (antidepressants and anticonvulsants have been helpful for some), deep brain stimulation, and motor cortex stimulation. One thing to consider since you are having an increase in pain at night is to make sure having the sheet or covers on your feet is not causing the pain. After stroke, stimuli that normally wouldn't bother someone can cause pain. I've worked with patients that have neuropathy that can't tolerate a sheet on their feet so that is something to consider.

It can sometime take meeting with several physicians before you find one that listens and is dedicated to helping you control your pain. As noted in the question above, I strongly encourage you to visit a pain clinic and MD that specializes in working with nerve pain.