title: Bilateral Heel Numbness due to External Compression during Obstetric Epidural Analgesia.
abstract: We describe the case of a 32-year-old woman who developed bilateral heel numbness after obstetric epidural analgesia. We diagnosed her with bilateral neuropathy of the medial calcaneal nerve, most likely due to longstanding pressure on both heels. Risk factors for the development of this neuropathy were prolonged labour with spinal analgesia and a continuation of analgesia during episiotomy. Padded footrests decrease pressure and can possibly prevent this neuropathy.
authors: Department of Neurology, Hagaziekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands ; Department of Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors: Vivian P
authors: VP
authors: Kamphuis
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hagaziekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands.
authors: Marie P A
authors: MP
authors: Zegers
authors: Department of Neurology, Hagaziekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands.
authors: Hille
authors: H
authors: Koppen
keywords: Heel numbness; Neuropathy; Spinal analgesia; Vaginal delivery