Can Knee Replacement Cause Foot Problems?

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective treatments for severe arthritis and chronic knee pain. It helps restore mobility, improve joint function, and significantly enhance quality of life. However, some patients experience unexpected side effects such as foot pain, nerve discomfort, or changes in gait after surgery. A common concern is — “Can knee replacement cause foot problems?”

According to Dr. Aashish Arbat, the best orthopedic doctor in Pune and a renowned knee replacement doctor in Pune, foot problems after knee surgery are not uncommon but are usually temporary and manageable with proper care. Let’s understand why these issues occur and how they can be treated effectively.

Understanding the Connection Between the Knee and the Foot

The knee and foot are part of a kinetic chain — meaning, any changes in knee alignment or movement can affect the ankle and foot. During knee replacement surgery, the alignment of the leg is corrected, and this new alignment can shift the way pressure is distributed on your feet. This adjustment may initially lead to discomfort or imbalance.

Dr. Aashish Arbat, an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Pune, explains that mild ankle and foot pain after total knee replacement is a normal phase of recovery as the body adapts to its new biomechanics.

Common Foot Problems After Knee Replacement

Here below find… common foot problems after knee replacement…

1. Nerve Pain in Foot After Knee Surgery

One possible reason for nerve pain in the foot after knee surgery is irritation or stretching of nerves near the surgical site. Sometimes, swelling or scar tissue can put temporary pressure on these nerves. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the lower leg or foot.

2. Ankle and Foot Pain After Total Knee Replacement

When your knee is realigned during surgery, the shift in leg mechanics can affect the ankle joint. This may lead to ankle and foot pain after total knee replacement, especially if there was pre-existing arthritis or muscle imbalance. Regular physiotherapy and strengthening exercises help in restoring proper alignment and relieving this pain.

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3. Top of Foot Pain After Knee Replacement

Patients sometimes report top of foot pain after knee replacement. This can occur due to swelling in the lower leg or tightness in the calf muscles post-surgery. Elevating your leg, gentle massage, and guided exercises from a physiotherapist can help ease the pressure.

4. Poor Circulation in Foot After Knee Surgery

Swelling after knee surgery can temporarily restrict blood flow, leading to poor circulation in the foot after knee surgery. Symptoms include coldness, pale skin, or tingling in the toes. Simple exercises, compression stockings, and early movement can promote better circulation.

5. Shin and Ankle Pain After Knee Replacement

Shin or ankle pain often happens as your walking pattern changes post-surgery. As you start using the knee joint properly again, the muscles and ligaments of the lower leg adjust to new movement patterns. Stretching and strengthening these muscles, under the guidance of an expert orthopedic doctor in Pune, can minimize this discomfort.

Why Does My Foot Turn Out After Knee Replacement?

Some patients notice that their foot turns out after knee replacement. This is usually due to muscle imbalance or improper gait retraining during recovery. When your leg alignment changes, the hip and ankle muscles must readjust to the new knee position. Physical therapy helps correct posture and walking style, preventing long-term deformities.

Dr. Aashish Arbat, a leading knee replacement surgeon in Pune, advises patients to undergo a supervised rehabilitation program to retrain their walking mechanics and restore proper balance.

Symptoms of Nerve Damage After Knee Surgery

While uncommon, nerve irritation or damage can occur during surgery, especially around the peroneal or tibial nerves. Symptoms of nerve damage after knee surgery may include numbness, weakness in the foot, or difficulty lifting the toes. Early medical evaluation is crucial to avoid permanent nerve complications.

At DSkinova’s orthopedic partner centers, Dr. Aashish Arbat, the most trusted orthopedic surgeon in Pune, uses advanced minimally invasive and robotic techniques that significantly reduce the risk of such nerve complications.

Ball of Foot Pain After Knee Surgery

The ball of foot pain after knee surgery often arises due to altered weight-bearing patterns. When your new knee joint shifts your leg’s angle, pressure distribution on the feet changes. Supportive footwear and orthotic insoles can help balance this pressure and relieve discomfort.

How to Treat Knee Injury From Falling Before or After Surgery

Sometimes, patients who have undergone knee surgery may fall accidentally, leading to renewed pain and inflammation. In such cases, Dr. Aashish Arbat, the best knee replacement doctor in Pune, recommends immediate evaluation to rule out damage to the implant or surrounding tissues.

Treatment may include ice packs, rest, compression, and elevation. In severe cases, imaging like X-rays or MRIs may be needed to ensure the implant’s integrity.

Preventing Foot Problems After Knee Replacement

To reduce the risk of foot issues after knee surgery, Dr. Aashish Arbat, an expert joint replacement doctor in Pune, suggests the following tips:

• Follow post-surgery physiotherapy diligently. It strengthens the leg muscles and restores balance.
• Wear supportive footwear to align your new joint properly.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods to prevent swelling.
• Perform gentle stretching exercises to keep your ankle and calf muscles flexible.
• Monitor nerve sensations — report any tingling or numbness to your doctor promptly.

When to Consult a Doctor

Persistent or worsening foot pain after knee surgery should never be ignored. Visit your orthopedic doctor in Pune immediately if you experience swelling, severe pain, color changes in the foot, or inability to walk comfortably. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications.

Conclusion

So, can knee replacement cause foot problems? In most cases, foot pain or discomfort after surgery is temporary and part of the natural adjustment process. With expert medical care from Dr. Aashish Arbat, the best orthopedic and knee replacement doctor in Pune, these issues can be effectively managed.

His expertise in robotic and minimally invasive knee replacement ensures faster recovery, precise alignment, and minimal complications — helping you regain pain-free mobility and an active lifestyle.

If you experience ankle and foot pain after total knee replacement, or any related symptoms, consult Dr. Aashish Arbat, the trusted knee replacement surgeon in Pune, for comprehensive diagnosis and personalized care.