Calf and foot pain 12 months post op from knee surgery

[adiggles]

Hi there.  Twelve months ago I had surgery for a lateral meniscal tear.  I also had a meniscal cyst, which has since resolved on its own (as far as we can tell the surgeon did not go near it during the surgery).  After recovering from the surgery and getting back into things I started to develop problems with the lower part of that leg.  These are: pain, burning and tingling down my calf right into my foot, some sensitivity directly behind my knee, and a hot, swollen, throbbing feeling in my foot.  These symptoms increase when I am on my feet for longish periods and can become unbearable.  The pain reduces if I take my weight off my leg and put my leg/foot up.  My Dr thinks that this is Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction and that scar tissue or something is irritating the nerve, and has me on Neurontin (which seems to take the edge off it).  But I cannot understand how the CPN would have been effected by the surgery or cyst.  I have had nerve conduction studies, a MRI of the knee joint (post surgery) and Ultrasound which are all fine.  I have tried acupuncture, deep tissue massage and none of them have helped.   I have done lots of research on the net, all to no avail.  The only possibilities left that I can think of are RSD or sciatica (though I dont have a sore back).  It has been one year since my surgery and the chronic pain depresses me especially because I am travelling the world for 6 months in March next year and I will be on my feet. Please help.

[adiggles]

I live in Tasmania, Australia.  How would I find a Neurologist/academic centre that specialises in neuromuscular disorders?  I think I would have to go to mainland Australia.  Is a normal Neurologist not adequate?  My current Dr is a Sports Physician.  There are about 4 Neurologists in the Phone book here, and I have already been to one for nerve conduction studies but not a proper consultation.  What is the difference between a Neurologist and a Neurosurgeon?  Thanks.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Without examining you I can not determine where the problem is. This could be a problem with a peripheral nerve, such as the common peroneal nerve, or a problem in the lumbar spine. What I would recommend, since you have a trip coming in the future, is that you travel to a large academic center for a second opinion. I would recommend seeing a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders. They will be able to review your exam and testing and then make recommendations. I wish I could provide more information, but your examination is essential to generate a list of possibilities. Good luck.

[adiggles]

PS I am on 600mg of Neurontin per night only, have no grinding or catching problems in the knee, and am a otherwise healthy 23 year old female.