Hi Moses,
Thank you for reaching out to Ask a Health Professional at the Stroke Foundation of Australia.
Sensory changes post stroke can occur. You can read more about this below. However, swelling at your knee is not something we would expect and the associated burning sensation at your ankle and calf if new is a concern. We would recommend urgent medical assessment to rule out clinically alarming conditions. If you cannot see your regular doctor today, please present to your local emergency department.
Regarding your knee giving way we’d recommend seeing a Neurological physiotherapist. This health professional focuses on assessing and treating people with difficulties that have resulted from brain injury or disease after they experience a stroke or other neurological event. Neurological physiotherapists are experts in analyzing movements, which areas to treat, and addressing a wide range of impairments. They also assess the impairments that result from a neurological condition, and how this impacts function. Impairments can include muscle weakness, sensory changes, loss of balance, loss of function and loss of independence. A neurological physiotherapist can empower individuals through rehabilitation and education to maximise their potential and quality of life using evidence-based rehabilitation.
To find a physiotherapist near you, I would start by asking your GP as they may know someone in your area. They can also assess you for your eligibility to access a chronic conditions plan which can reduced your out of pocket costs. If you have private insurance you might also be able to access physiotherapy at a reduced rate. You can search for a private physiotherapist at Find a physio - Choose physio | Australian Physiotherapy Association. You can search for a physio who specialises in neurological issues by using the search function topic of neurology.
Neuropathic Pain After Stroke
Neuropathic pain occurs when the brain's pain-processing pathways are damaged by a stroke. Unlike pain caused by an injury or physical damage to the body, this type of pain originates from changes within the brain itself. It is commonly referred to as Central Post-Stroke Pain (CPSP) or nerve pain.
CPSP is more common in people who experience reduced sensation following a stroke. The brain is accustomed to receiving normal sensory information, and when these signals are disrupted, it can sometimes generate pain sensations on its own.
People experiencing CPSP may describe the pain as:
- Burning
- Stabbing or shooting
- Prickling or tingling
- Numbness accompanied by discomfort
The pain most often affects the side of the body impacted by the stroke. It may be worsened by touch, movement, changes in temperature, or contact with water. Symptoms can develop shortly after a stroke or may not appear until months or even years later.
For more information about managing pain after stroke, please visit our EnableMe resource on Pain Management here. You may also find Pain Australia helpful. Pain Australia is the national peak advocacy organisation for people living with pain and provides a range of educational resources and support options.
Additional Resources
If you have ongoing concerns about pain after stroke, we encourage you to discuss these symptoms with your GP, neurologist or treating healthcare team, as they can assess your individual situation and discuss appropriate treatment and management options. It is also important to get a medical assessment if this is new, to ensure there isn’t another cause for the sensory change.
Kind regards,
Bec (StrokeLine)
