Numbness in the legs

Numbness of the legs is a feeling of discomfort that occurs due to impaired sensitivity. This sensation is often accompanied by burning, tingling, crawling and a cold sensation in the extremities. This symptom appears in the case of a problem with the passage of nerve impulses to the brain, or a violation of the patency of the vessels of the lower extremities.

[ 1 ]

Causes leg numbness

There are several different causes of leg numbness:

• Diseases of the spine most often become a factor causing the appearance of numbness. Often this is a sign of the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbosacral region. As a result of compression of the endings of nerve receptors, involuntary compression of tissues occurs;
• Systemic pathologies – for example, diabetes mellitus, various tumors, etc.;
• The so-called tunnel syndrome - its development (a burning sensation along with numbness in the legs) usually occurs in people who are constantly engaged in monotonous work;
• Multiple sclerosis, in which the membranes around neurons are destroyed;
• Problems with blood circulation (with Raynaud's syndrome) - in this case, numbness occurs in attacks and is combined with sharp pain;
• Arthritis, in which, due to deformation of the joints, the nerve endings are compressed, which leads to loss of sensitivity;
• Pregnancy, due to changes occurring in the woman's body during this period. The state of numbness may appear due to the presence of excess fluid in the body. If this condition is a rare occurrence, treatment is not required.

If your legs go numb rarely and unsystematically, the problem may be prolonged improper positioning of the body, a deficiency of vitamin B12 or trace elements in the body, and in addition, drug or alcohol abuse.

[ 2 ]

Symptoms leg numbness

In case of numbness of the legs, other discomfort sensations often arise, which are a consequence of the disturbance of their sensitivity – such as pain, tingling, burning. If numbness is caused by a stroke, speech and movement disorders may also occur.

The duration of this condition depends on what caused it - if it is a consequence of an awkward body position, then the numbness will pass very quickly. If the condition is chronic, it is a sign of nervous disorders due to some diseases. In case of numbness in the groin area, as well as intestinal and bladder disorders, or if there are symptoms of paralysis, clouding of consciousness, speech problems, you should immediately seek help from a doctor.

Symptoms that accompany this condition include:

• Feeling of anxiety.
• Itching, tingling, and burning.
• Pain in the lumbar region.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• The feeling of tingling or numbness in the leg increases when walking.
• Muscle spasms.
• Pain in the neck and other parts of the body.
• The appearance of a rash.
• Increased sensitivity to any touch.

Numbness of the limbs in combination with some other signs, which are listed below, can be a symptom of a serious illness. Such signs are the following:

• Brief loss of consciousness or lethargy;
• Problems with breathing or vision;
• Difficulty walking;
• Involuntary defecation or urination;
• Dizziness;
• The neck, head and back area goes numb;
• Speech problems;
• Feeling of general weakness;
• Paralysis.

Numbness in toes

Numbness of the toes can be caused by various reasons. For example, it can be caused by radiculoneuritis or metabolic disorders. In addition, this condition can be caused by spinal osteochondrosis, which narrows the intervertebral spaces. Also, the occurrence of this sensation can be affected by spinal tuberculosis, vascular disorders, and in some cases, the development of cancer.

Oncological pathology can provoke numbness of the fingers, because a tumor grows inside or outside the spinal cord, causing pressure, which in turn provokes a state of numbness. This process is not capable of depriving a person of the ability to walk, but if the tumor develops specifically in the lower limbs, such a risk, on the contrary, will be very high.

Numbness of arms and legs

If you feel numbness in your legs and arms at the same time, this may be a manifestation of a very serious pathology. This is usually associated with disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as with orthopedic or neurological disorders.

If the condition is related to the cardiovascular system, the problem may be a disruption of the blood circulation process in a certain area of the body. This situation may arise due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), obliterating thromboangiitis, frostbite, Raynaud's syndrome, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), or peripheral arterial disease.

Numbness sometimes occurs due to orthopedic disorders – in this case, even the most minor problems can trigger the development of this condition. Numbness can occur due to a bone fracture, whiplash injury in the cervical spine, carpal tunnel syndrome, intervertebral hernia, osteoporosis and tunnel nerve entrapment.

Numbness in the left leg

The left leg can go numb for very serious reasons, such as osteochondrosis, circulatory problems, intervertebral hernia, migraine, prolonged vitamin deficiency (especially B vitamins), as well as minerals and magnesium, diabetes, ischemia, damage to the nerve endings due to rheumatoid arthritis (or another disease in which the joints are deformed), compression of the nerve in the groin area.

Numbness in the left leg may also indicate the presence of cancer or multiple sclerosis, so if you experience this sensation quite often, you should pay close attention to this symptom and consult a doctor.

Numbness in the right leg

Numbness of the right leg can occur due to various factors that provoke a violation of blood circulation or innervation. The entire leg can go numb, as well as its individual areas - the thigh, the part below/above the knee, the foot, the heel, the toes. You can find out what caused it depending on the strength of the pain and other symptoms.

In about 90% of all cases, this condition develops due to complicated osteochondrosis of the spine (in the lumbar region), as a result of which the nerve endings are irritated and neurological syndromes develop. It can also occur due to vascular diseases (thrombosis, varicose veins), systemic pathologies (polyneuropathy), lumbosciatica, or post-traumatic syndromes.

During pregnancy, legs may become numb due to increased stress on the spine, as well as pressure from the growing uterus, which pinches the nerve endings.

Numbness in the feet

Numbness of the foot occurs due to the bending of blood vessels or nerve endings, due to which sensitivity in this area partially or completely disappears. It usually develops as a result of a violation of the blood circulation process or due to diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system. Oncological diseases can also be the cause. An accompanying symptom is a slight tingling or pain in the foot.

Numbness of the thigh of the leg

When the thigh part of the leg becomes numb, sensitivity is lost in the area from the knee to the groin. Symptoms are paroxysmal and occur after prolonged sitting, as well as walking or sleeping; in the case of pressing the thigh to the stomach.

Most often, this condition is diagnosed with:

• Lumbar hernia or protrusion of the intervertebral disc, which develops due to lumbar osteochondrosis;
• Radicular syndrome (radiculitis);
• Inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica);
• Paresthetic meralgia Bernhardt-Roth or other tunnel syndromes;
• Spinal stenosis developing due to degenerative-dystrophic disorders.

Weakness and numbness in the legs

Along with numbness, weakness in the legs may also occur – this complicates motor function, reduces muscle strength, and also makes the limb insensitive. This condition is not an independent pathology, but it can be a symptom of other diseases.

Numbness in the legs up to the knee

Legs below the knee usually go numb due to a sedentary/inactive lifestyle, as this causes problems in the blood vessels and nerve roots that innervate the legs.

This condition is often seen in people of working age. It is accompanied by tingling in the numb area. In addition, in some cases, the following symptoms may occur:

• burning sensation in the area of numbness;
• the skin loses sensitivity;
• my legs feel cold.

Lower back pain and numbness in legs

Pain in the lower back that radiates to the legs is a typical sign of the development of lumboschialgia, which occurs as a result of hypothermia or heavy physical exertion unusual for the body. Similar symptoms are also observed in the case of radiculitis, which is a consequence of osteochondrosis, a congenital defect or anomalies in the formation of the skeletal system. Growing bone tissue deforms adjacent tissues, causing severe pain. Inflammation develops as a result of pathological injury to the nerve roots due to an intervertebral hernia.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Numbness of legs at night and after sleep

During sleep, we take a horizontal position in which the muscles of the body relax, but this position is dangerous because blood circulation in the vessels of the lower extremities can weaken.

Since in this position the necessary blood circulation is not carried out, the nutrition of the tissues of the lower extremities is impaired, which causes pain with tingling, and even cramps may occur.

If the numbness disappears after changing the position, then there is no reason to worry, but if this is a constant symptom, which also disrupts sleep, and is accompanied by cramps and pain syndrome - this is evidence of some kind of disorder in the body. In this case, you should consult a doctor to undergo an examination of the internal organs - the spine, blood vessels, and heart.

Leg cramps and numbness

A cramp is a reflex contraction of muscles, which causes sharp, severe pain. This phenomenon can be isolated or periodic (depending on what caused it). There are quite a few provoking factors, including muscle fatigue, stress, hypothermia, calcium deficiency, flat feet, prolonged starvation, varicose veins. A cramp with numbness can also occur during sleep - due to an incorrect sleeping position.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Numbness in legs when walking

Numbness of the legs when walking is a symptom of the development of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis.

Dizziness and numbness in the legs

Dizziness along with numbness of the legs can occur with TIA (transient ischemic attack). It occurs due to a thrombus that temporarily blocks a cerebral vessel. This happens because cholesterol plaques, which are a pathological sign of atherosclerosis, narrow the lumen. Such attacks occur constantly, and are also accompanied by the following symptoms: numbness of the face and/or arm (usually on one side), general weakness, slow speech, and the appearance of a feeling of "double vision." The set of symptoms will depend on which specific vessel was blocked.

[ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Numbness in the calves of the legs

With a lack of sodium, magnesium, vitamin D, and potassium in the blood, the conductivity of impulses through nerve receptors will be reduced to a minimum. The absence of these substances does not allow the central nervous system and blood vessels to function properly.

The calves may also go numb due to problems with blood circulation in the leg muscles. For normal blood circulation, full muscle contraction is necessary. Problems with this process may arise due to the following factors:

• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Age-related changes;
• Development of varicose veins;
• Thrombophlebitis.

As a result of one of these factors, blood flow is disrupted - the blood begins to stagnate, which causes a feeling of numbness in the calves, as well as cramps.

Numbness in the leg due to a hernia

In the case of a spinal hernia, the legs go numb due to the pressure of the hernia on the nerve endings - this is the most common cause of the development of such a condition. There is also another option for the development of numbness - an intervertebral hernia causes an involuntary spasm in the leg muscles. As a result, they are overstrained, which causes a feeling of numbness. In this case, a person usually feels tingling, "goosebumps", painful spasms or cramps.

Numbness in legs due to diabetes

In diabetes, legs usually go numb as a result of damage to nerve fibers and receptors, impaired blood flow, and deterioration of the process of impulse transmission along nerve endings. As a result, sensitivity, as well as the restorative and regenerative function of tissues in this area, decreases.

Among the manifestations are discomfort in the legs, the appearance of goosebumps and tingling, burning with pain, and numbness. In some cases, a feeling of cold appears or, on the contrary, the foot or the entire leg begins to burn. Basically, this condition develops over several years, but there are cases of very rapid development of this condition in diabetes - this happens in a few months.

Numbness in the leg due to sciatica

Sciatica is a disease whose symptom is pain in the sciatic nerve. The appearance of this symptom is due to the fact that the nerve receptors of the spinal cord, which are located in the lumbar region, begin to be compressed. Numbness usually occurs on the side where the inflammation or pinching of the nerve occurred. It mainly appears in the foot area and on the lateral surface of the shin.

Numbness in legs due to varicose veins

Numbness with varicose veins is a muscle spasm that occurs in a relaxed state (usually at night, causing awakening). The reason in this case is that a person spends too much time standing. People who spend a lot of time sitting suffer much less from numbness in the legs with varicose veins.

Numbness in legs during pregnancy

During pregnancy, legs go numb quite often, so women generally do not pay special attention to such symptoms. But it should be taken into account that, although there are still some differences, the reasons for this sensation are similar to the appearance of this symptom in other groups of patients. Therefore, if numbness occurs often, and is accompanied by other symptoms, the expectant mother should definitely consult a doctor.

Complications and consequences

Numbness in the legs can result in various problems, from circulatory disorders to partial gangrene. Everything depends on what caused this condition. In any case, regardless of the provoking factors, if numbness is a frequent symptom, it means that there are problems with the functioning of the blood vessels and blood circulation in the legs. This fact signals the presence of a serious disease, so you should undergo an examination to identify the pathology and prevent the development of dangerous consequences.

[ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Diagnostics leg numbness

At the first appointment, the doctor asks the patient about the symptoms that occur with numbness, the frequency and time of its occurrence. This helps to determine the further nature of the diagnosis - whether tests are needed, whether additional instrumental diagnostics are required, etc.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ]

Tests

A complete blood count may be ordered, as well as a blood test for lipoproteins, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The tests are done to determine the general and biochemical composition of the blood, as well as the glucose level. If doctors suspect the development of arthritis, a urine test may be ordered.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ], [ 22 ]

Instrumental diagnostics

The cause of numbness in the legs can be identified using instrumental diagnostic methods:

• X-ray of the spine;
• computed tomography, as well as MRI;
• electromyography procedure;
• Ultrasound.

To determine the condition of the vessels when the legs are numb, duplex scanning methods or angiography are used. They allow us to identify diseases such as atherosclerosis or chronic arterial/venous insufficiency, Raynaud's disease and arteriosclerosis.

Treatment leg numbness

To get rid of numbness in the legs, it is necessary to determine the specific cause that caused this symptom. Therefore, first you need to diagnose the disease that caused the numbness, and then begin the therapy process. Each of the diseases is treated with different methods, using various medications.

Medicines

Among the medications used to eliminate numbness are NSAIDs, sometimes steroid drugs (especially if there are severe symptoms of a herniated disc). Painkillers, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, mineral and vitamin complexes, and in addition, medications that improve blood circulation can also be prescribed.

Ointment for numbness of legs

In case of numbness, you can use camphor ointment. Rub the affected area with it until it is red, preferably in the evening, before going to bed. After the procedure, put on woolen socks on your feet.

Vitamins

The diet should include foods that contain B vitamins, including cyanocobalamin and vitamin B6. These include milk, meat, liver, as well as egg yolk, cereals, legumes, fish and brown rice.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapeutic treatment methods include the use of ultrasound, magnetic therapy, microcurrents, low-intensity laser radiation, phonophoresis and electrophoresis. All these methods allow activating the process of tissue restoration after hypoxic disorders that have arisen in them.

Folk remedies

Among the alternative methods there are folk remedies, but they can only be used with the permission of a doctor:

Wraps using honey - treat the numb parts of the legs with honey, then wrap them in natural fabric. It is necessary to carry out 3-4 such procedures;

Alcohol-based solution - rub this product into the numb area with massage movements at night. The solution consists of the following elements: camphor alcohol (50 g), water (1 l) and ammonia solution (100 g);

Rubbing - half a glass of any vegetable fat, which must be mixed with the same amount of sugar (until a homogeneous mixture is obtained). Then apply this product to the numb area - with spiral movements, pressing a little. Then you need to make baths using warm water and sea salt (1 liter of water and 2 teaspoons of salt). The procedure should last 10-20 minutes;

Vodka compress – take 0.5 l of vodka and 50 g of lilac and leave them for 2 weeks. Soak a cloth in the resulting infusion and apply it to the affected areas. The course of treatment should last 2 weeks.

[ 23 ]

Exercises for numbness in legs

In case of numbness of the legs, you can do special exercises (they are especially suitable for numbness of the toes). They should be done immediately after sleep, and then repeated 2-3 times during the day (if the pain is very strong, you need to do the exercise 6-8 times).

Bend your fingers until you feel a crunch in them. Repeat the procedure about 80 times.

Stand next to the wall, face it, raise your arms up and rise up on your toes. You need to stand in this position for 1 minute (you can count to 60 to make it easier to navigate). Repeat this exercise 6-8 times.

When the numbness passes, you need to repeat these exercises once a day.

Prevention

To prevent numbness, you should follow these rules: avoid various injuries or hypothermia, try to move more, lead an active and healthy life, get rid of bad habits, including smoking. And if alarming signs arise, contact specialists without delay to prevent possible complications.

[ 24 ], [ 25 ], [ 26 ], [ 27 ]

Forecast

Numbness of the legs will have a favorable prognosis only if treatment is started in a timely manner. Of course, in some cases such a symptom may arise due to ordinary fatigue, but often it is a consequence of some serious pathology, the treatment of which cannot be delayed.

You can't let the problems in the spinal section take their course, as this can only worsen the situation. Sometimes the situation reaches the point where the only way to get rid of the problem is through surgery. That is why it is not recommended to ignore this symptom and see a doctor as soon as possible.

[ 28 ], [ 29 ]