This outpatient procedure numbs the ankle and foot with an injection of local anesthesia. Typically, it is used for surgery on the foot. The block requires a series of injections that will numb up to five nerves in the ankle.
The patient lies with the foot elevated. The foot and ankle are cleaned and sterilized.
A series of three to five injections are administered at various points around the ankle, bathing the nerves with anesthetic. This temporarily blocks every sensation in the ankle and foot.
The numbing sensation will last for several hours after the injection. Painkillers may be needed to alleviate any pain from the procedure after the anesthesia wears off.
