Numbness and tingling in the left leg

Probably everyone is familiar with the feeling of numbness in some part of the body.

Certain areas of the skin feel as if they are being pulled tight, there is an unpleasant tingling sensation, temporary loss of sensitivity, a feeling of “running ants”, slight itching and heaviness.

[ 1 ]

Causes numbness in the left leg

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

However, the causes of numbness in the left leg can be much more serious - migraine, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias, problems with blood circulation in the extremities, diabetes, prolonged deficiency of vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins and magnesium, ischemia and osteochondrosis, compression of the nerve in the groin area, nerve damage 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 we can see, such a seemingly harmless symptom is worth paying attention to. Especially if numbness in the left leg occurs several times a day. A separate group is pregnant women. In them, numbness and cramps of the left and right legs, as well as arms, can be a consequence of pressure from the fetus and compression of the nerve roots.

[ 2 ]

Pathogenesis

Due to damage to nerves or blood vessels in a certain area of the body, the patient complains of periodic loss of sensitivity, tingling, numbness of the left arm and leg, temporary loss of the ability to use the limb. As the disease worsens, the symptoms progress, and unpleasant sensations can accompany the patient throughout the entire period of wakefulness. Sometimes the feeling of numbness in the left foot is accompanied by sharp pains that pass within a few minutes. The recovery process is long. A set of therapeutic measures is aimed at eliminating the cause of damage to nerves and tissues.

[ 3 ]

Symptoms numbness in the left leg

At first, slight, then increasing sensations of compression, squeezing, tightening of the skin, "goosebumps running through", tickling. Complete or partial temporary inability to control the limb. A feeling of heaviness and "unbearableness". Loss of sensitivity and numbness of the fingers of the left foot, ankle, knee. Reduced response to mechanical stimuli. There are cases when numbness of the limbs occurs in a state of fear and shock. In this case, the person has rapid, difficult breathing and slight cramps in the calf muscles. Frequent complaints of patients with such symptoms often sound like this:

• "I woke up with severe pain in my leg. Within half an hour, my entire left leg went numb - from the knee to the groin."
• “Cramps and numbness in the calf of my left leg don’t give me any rest every evening.”
• "My left leg hurts a lot from the heel to the buttocks. When I lie down, the pain gets worse and my leg goes numb."
• “The soles of my feet often go numb and even feel like they’re burning.”
• "My fingers are going numb, starting with the little toes of my left and right feet. When I walk, it goes away."

Complications and consequences

The consequences of numbness in the limbs are quite serious.

If you do not pay attention to this seemingly harmless symptom, then the matter may end sadly - from circulatory disorders to partial gangrene. Whatever the case, do not forget that numbness of the toes of the left foot, ankle, knee is always a consequence of impaired innervation and poor blood circulation. And this is a serious reason to undergo an examination.

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

Diagnostics numbness in the left leg

When a person comes to the clinic and complains of numbness in the little finger of the left foot, which then spreads to the entire limb, for a good doctor this is a reason to write a referral for MRI, X-ray of the spine in the lumbar and sacral regions, ultrasound. With these methods of examination, it is possible to detect the most common causes of discomfort - intervertebral hernias, poor vascular condition or hidden tissue damage. If these methods do not reveal the cause, then complex tests are done to identify diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis of the spine or oncology. It is impossible to make a diagnosis based only on the patient's subjective sensations and complaints, which is why a wide range of diagnostic methods are used.

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

Treatment numbness in the left leg

Treatment of numbness of the extremities is aimed at eliminating the cause of the symptoms and is carried out according to the established diagnosis. In some cases, surgical intervention is indicated - for intervertebral hernias and tumors.

In non-surgical treatment of intervertebral disc herniation, significant relief can be provided by the use of non-steroidal (and in severe cases, steroidal) anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, Voltaren in tablet form. This drug quickly relieves inflammation around the affected area, reduces pain, and has proven itself to be excellent in the treatment of people with diseases of the spine and joints. Contraindications to the use of this drug are gastric and intestinal ulcers, as well as chronic kidney disease. Ibuprofen is used as an ointment that will relieve discomfort in the limb and improve microcirculation in the tissues. The active ingredients of the ointment quickly penetrate deep into the tissue and have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Ointments should be used with caution if you are prone to allergies. In case of skin rashes, psoriasis, a specialist consultation is required.

Contrast baths give a good effect. To do this, prepare two convenient containers of sufficient depth. Pour tolerably hot water into one of them, and the coldest water you can tolerate into the other. Alternately lower your feet into one container, then into the other, holding them for 20-30 seconds. Repeat the procedure 5 times. After finishing, lubricate your feet with turpentine ointment and put on warm woolen socks. As a result, sensitivity will be restored, and pain will decrease.

Sports activities improve blood circulation and can significantly alleviate the patient's condition. However, in any case, it is necessary to consult with the attending physician - diseases and injuries of the spine require a special kind of physical activity.

You will greatly help your blood vessels if you completely give up smoking. You should reduce the consumption of alcohol, strong tea and coffee. The condition of the blood vessels will improve due to the fact that their walls will no longer be thin and brittle. At the same time, it is recommended to take Ascorutin tablets - they have a positive effect on the elasticity of the capillaries.

It is necessary to include in your diet a sufficient amount of foods containing B vitamins – turkey meat, cottage cheese, liver, broccoli, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Rubbing with a damp woolen cloth will also help to cope with the unpleasant sensations of tingling and numbness in the shins of the left and right legs. This activates the nerve endings and improves blood circulation.

Forecast

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

[ 13 ], [ 14 ]