Numbness and tingling of the left leg

Probably everyone is familiar with the sensation of numbness of any part of the body.

Certain areas of the skin seem to contract, there is an unpleasant tingling, a temporary loss of sensitivity, a feeling of "running goosebumps," a slight itch and heaviness.

[1]

Causes of the numbness of the left leg

It's one thing when numbness is a consequence of an uncomfortable posture. In this case, all disturbing sensations take place within ten minutes and are quickly forgotten, it is enough just to change the pose.

However, the causes of numbness of the left leg can be much more serious - migraine, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, circulatory problems of the extremities, diabetes mellitus, protracted deficiency of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins B and magnesium, ischemia and osteochondrosis, nerve congestion in the groin area, damage nerve as a result of diseases that deform the joints (rheumatoid arthritis, for example). Multiple sclerosis and oncological diseases of the spine lead to a feeling of numbness in the toes and the entire limb. As you can see, this seemingly innocuous symptom should be paid attention. Especially if the numbness of the left leg occurs to you several times a day. A separate group are pregnant women. They have numbness and cramps of the left and right legs, and also of the hands can be the result of fetal pressure and clamping of the nerve roots.

[2],

Pathogenesis

Due to damage to the nerves or blood vessels in a specific area of the body, the patient complains of a periodic decrease in sensitivity, tingling, numbness of the left arm and leg, a temporary loss of ability to act as a limb. With the aggravation of the disease, the symptoms progress, and unpleasant sensations can accompany the patient throughout the waking period. Sometimes the feeling of numbness of the foot of the left leg is accompanied by sharp pains, which take place within a few minutes. The process of recovery is long. The complex of therapeutic measures is aimed at removing the cause of damage to nerves and tissues.

[3]

Symptoms of the numbness of the left leg

First, the lungs, then the ever increasing sensations of compression, squeezing, tightening the skin, "running goosebumps", tickling. Complete or partial temporary inability to control the limb. Feeling of heaviness and "impossibility". Loss of sensitivity and numbness of the fingers of the left leg, ankles, knee. Reduced reaction to mechanical stimuli. There are cases when numbness of the extremities occurs in a state of fear and shock. In this case, the person has frequent, shortness of breath and light cramps of the calf muscles. Frequent complaints of patients with such symptoms often sound like this:

• "I woke up from severe pain in my leg. Within half an hour the entire left leg, from the knee to the groin, was numb. "
• "Cramps and numbness of the calf of the left leg every evening do not give rest."
• "It hurts the left leg from the heel to the buttocks. When I lie down, the pain increases and my leg grows numb. "
• "Often the soles of the feet go numb and even burn"
• "Fingers grow numb, beginning with the little fingers of the left and right feet. When I look like, it goes away. "

Complications and consequences

The consequences of numbness of the limbs are quite serious.

If you do not pay attention to this seemingly innocuous symptom, then the case may end sadly - from circulatory disorders to partial gangrene. Whatever it was, do not forget that numbness of the fingers of the left leg, ankles, knee - this is always a consequence of impaired innervation and poor blood circulation. And this is a serious reason to undergo a survey.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Diagnostics of the numbness of the left leg

When a person comes to the clinic and complains about the numbness of the little finger of the left leg with the subsequent embracing of the whole limb, for a good doctor it is an occasion to write a direction for MRI, a spine X-ray in the lumbar and sacral departments, and ultrasound. With these methods of research, it is possible to detect the most common causes of unpleasant sensations - intervertebral hernia, poor vessel state or latent tissue damage. If these methods do not reveal the cause, then complex analyzes are done to identify diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis of the spine or oncology. To diagnose only on the basis of subjective sensations and complaints of the patient is impossible, that is why a wide range of diagnostic methods is used.

[9], [10], [11], [12]

Treatment of the numbness of the left leg

Treatment of numbness of the extremities is aimed at eliminating the cause of the symptoms and is performed according to the established diagnosis. In some cases, surgery is indicated - with intervertebral hernias and tumors.

In the nonoperative treatment of herniated discs, the use of non-steroidal (and, in severe cases, steroidal) anti-inflammatory drugs can be of considerable relief. For example, "Voltaren" in the form of tablets. This drug quickly removes inflammation around the affected area, reduces pain and is well proven in the treatment of people with diseases of the spine and joints. Contraindications to the use of this drug is peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines, as well as chronic kidney damage. As an ointment that removes unpleasant sensations in the limbs and improves microcirculation in tissues, use "Ibuprofen". The active substances of the ointment quickly penetrate deep into the tissue and exert an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Ointments should be used with caution in the tendency to allergies. When rashes on the skin, psoriasis - a specialist consultation is necessary.

A good effect is provided by contrasting baths. To do this, prepare two convenient containers of sufficient depth. In one of them pour the tolerably hot water, the other - as cold as possible, one that can tolerate. Alternately, lower your legs into one or another container, holding them for 20-30 seconds. Repeat procedure 5 times. At the end, lubricate the feet with turpentine ointment and wear warm woolen socks. As a result, the sensitivity will be restored, and the pain sensations will decrease.

Sports activities improve blood circulation and can significantly alleviate the condition of the patient. However, in any case it is necessary to consult with the doctor in charge - with diseases and spinal injuries physical activity of a special kind is required.

You will greatly help your vessels if you completely stop smoking. The use of alcohol, strong tea and coffee must be reduced. The condition of the vessels will improve due to the fact that their walls will cease to be thin and brittle. At the same time, it is recommended to take Ascorutin tablets - they have a positive effect on the elasticity of capillaries.

In the diet, you must enter a sufficient number of foods containing B vitamins - turkey meat, cottage cheese, liver, broccoli, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Wiping with a damp wool fabric will also help cope with the unpleasant sensations of tingling and numbness of the lower leg and right leg. This involves the use of nerve endings and improves blood circulation.

Forecast

It is necessary to carefully follow the course of treatment, which is appointed by the attending physician. In this case, the prognosis of recovery is favorable.

[13], [14]