Numbness in Foot After Epidural Delivery: Causes & Recovery

Question
Daughter-in-law just had a baby with epidural. Born 6-6-07. today 6-8-07, one foot is a little numb the other is has no feeling. this si the only place that has this problem. Neurologist says it could be nerve damage behind the knee. More tests are being done but DR says it could be up to 6 Months IF She gets use of her foot back. And they say that they have never seen anything like this???? Do you have any idea. Three hours pushing with legs held by other people.  

Answer
It sounds like she may have some nerve damage from the epidural.  Her pushing position alone would not have caused this problem (although that particular position can cause a host of other problems).  Unfortunately, this is a risk everybody runs when they accept epidural anesthesia for routine childbirth.  As with all spinal nerve damage, healing is very uncertain.  I wish her the best of luck.