Instructions for Patients with Single-Shot Lower
Extremity (Leg, Knee, Foot) Peripheral Nerve Block
WHAT IS A PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCK?
A peripheral nerve block is an injection of numbing medicine next to nerves that supply feeling (sensation) and movement (motion) to the surgical area. The purpose of the nerve block you received from your Anesthesiologist is to assist with pain control in your leg/knee/foot.
FEELING (SENSATION) AND MOVEMENT (MOTOR FUNCTION)
It is important to remember that blocking a nerve for pain control affects both feeling (sensation) and movement (motion). Depending on the type of block you received, varying levels of feeling and movement is to be expected. Feeling can be decreased or completely numb, and movement can be weak or without the ability to voluntarily move your leg/knee/foot. Because of this altered state of feeling and movement in your leg/knee/foot, walking without help places you at risk for falling. It is very important to not walk without help until the block has worn off completely and the feeling and strength have returned to normal. Until this occurs, walking should only occur with crutches, a walker, and with the assistance of a caregiver. Unless directed by your provider, avoid placing hot or cold items on the leg/knee/foot to avoid burns or injury.
HOW LONG WILL THE NERVE BLOCK LAST?
The nerve block will provide pain relief for approximately 12-16 hours after surgery. As the numbing medicine wears off, you will have a gradual return of feeling and movement to the surgical site and the effected leg/knee/foot. The sensation of the nerve block wearing off often feels like your leg/knee/foot is “waking up” or tingling.
ORAL (BY MOUTH) PAIN MEDICATION
When your nerve block begins to wear off and you begin to regain feeling, start taking the prescribed oral (by mouth) pain medication. If you anticipate the block wearing off while you are sleeping for the night, you can take the pain medication before going to sleep. While some pain is to be expected, being proactive is the best way to avoid a sudden onset of severe pain upon waking up. Your pain will then be managed by the oral medications prescribed by your surgeon.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Anesthesiology pager.
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Dial 913-917-5050
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After the voice prompt, please dial the number you would like to be reached at (including area code) followed by the “#” sign.
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A member of the Anesthesiology Team will return your page at the earliest availability.
If unable to reach the above phone number, please call the main phone for The University of Kansas Health System at (913)-588-5000 and ask for the on-call Anesthesiologist at any time.