Why does my leg go numb from hip to knee and what to do?
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Loss of sensation or paralysis of the leg from hip to knee can have many causes, and a consultation with a doctor and additional medical tests are required for an accurate diagnosis.
To determine the exact cause of the loss of sensation and paralysis in the leg, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor, possibly with the use of additional research methods such as MRI, CT scan, electromyography, etc. The doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Causes of the numbness in the leg from hip to knee
The following are some of the possible causes of these symptoms:
- Nerve damage: Trauma, nerve compression or other mechanical damage can cause loss of sensation or paralysis in certain areas of the leg.
- Spinal cord compression: Spinal problems such as herniated discs, osteochondrosis or other abnormalities can compress the spinal cord and cause symptoms of sensory loss and paralysis.
- Neurological diseases: Various neurological diseases such as brain herniation, stroke, multiple sclerosis and others can cause paralysis or loss of sensation in the leg.
- Vascular problems: Problems with the blood supply to the lower extremities, such as thrombosis or embolism, can cause symptoms including loss of sensation.
- Inflammatory or infectious processes: Some infections or inflammatory diseases, such as vasculitis or hepatitis encephalopathy, can cause neurologic symptoms.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can cause damage to peripheral nerves, resulting in loss of sensation and paralysis in the legs.
- Toxic Exposure: Exposure to toxic substances, including chemicals and medications, can cause neurological symptoms.
- Other causes: There are many other conditions and causes that can cause symptoms like the ones you described.
Symptoms
Loss of sensation or dumbness in the leg from hip to knee can be caused by a variety of medical conditions or problems. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Here are some of the common symptoms that may accompany this situation:
- Loss of feeling (anesthesia): One of the main symptoms is a lack of or decreased sensation in the leg. This means you may not feel touch, pain, or temperature in the area.
- Paralysis: In some cases, leg dumbness may be accompanied by partial or complete paralysis of the leg muscles, making it impossible or difficult to move that leg.
- Tingling and burning: Some people may experience tingling, burning or "goosebumps" in the leg along with loss of sensation.
- Swelling: You may experience swelling (swelling) in the hip or knee area, which may be due to impaired circulation or lymphatic drainage.
- Pain: Some people may experience pain in the leg despite loss of sensation.
- Coordination and balance problems: Loss of sensation and paralysis in the leg can cause problems with balance and coordination of movement.
It is important to note that loss of sensation in the leg from hip to knee is a serious symptom that can be caused by a variety of medical conditions such as nerve compression, spinal cord injury, neurological disease, or vascular problems.
Who to contact?
Diagnostics of the numbness in the leg from hip to knee
Symptoms such as numbness in the leg from hip to knee can be caused by a variety of reasons, including neurological, medical, and surgical conditions. Diagnosis will depend on the suspected causes and may include the following steps:
- Medical history: The doctor will interview the patient and learn about the nature of the symptoms, how long they have been present, possible triggering factors, and other medical history.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will perform a physical examination, including evaluation of strength, sensation and reflexes in the leg. This will help identify obvious abnormalities and point out possible causes.
- Instrumental Investigations:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) can be used to visualize spinal structures and soft tissues to detect nerve compression, tumors or other pathologies.
- Electromyography (EMG) and neuromuscular conduction (NMC) can help evaluate nerve and muscle function and identify neurologic abnormalities.
- Laboratory tests: Blood tests may be performed to rule out inflammatory or infectious conditions.
- Consultation with specialists: Depending on the results of the initial diagnosis, consultations with specialists such as a neurologist, orthopedist, neurosurgeon or others may be required to more accurately determine the cause and further treatment plan.
Treatment of the numbness in the leg from hip to knee
Treatment for numbness in the leg from hip to knee depends on the underlying cause of the condition. It is important to be examined and diagnosed by a physician such as a neurologist, orthopedist, or neurosurgeon to determine the proper treatment. The following are common treatment approaches that can be used in a variety of cases:
- Treating the underlying condition: If the numbness is caused by a specific disease or condition such as a herniated disc, diabetes, arthritis, or others, treating that underlying condition will be an important step in eliminating the numbness.
- Physical therapyand exercise: Physical therapy exercises can help strengthen muscles, improve circulation and restore normal nerve function. A physiotherapist will develop an individualized rehabilitation program.
- Medication: Depending on the diagnosis and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, diabetes management medications, and others.
- Lifestyle changes: It is important to monitor your lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, controlling blood sugar levels (if you have diabetes), being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, especially if the numbness is caused by mechanical compression of nerve structures, such as a herniated disc.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to improve blood flow and nerve function, as well as to manage pain and inflammation.
Treatment of numbness in the leg from hip to knee using medication depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Medications may be prescribed by a doctor and may include the following categories:
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Anti-inflammatory medications: If the numbness is due to inflammation, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as:
These medications will help reduce inflammation and associated pain.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
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Analgesics: Anal gesics such as:
These medications can help reduce pain.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
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Medications to manage an underlying condition: If the numbness is caused by an underlying condition, such as diabetes or arthritis, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat that condition.
- Myorelaxants: If the numbness is due to muscle tension or spasms, myorelaxants may be prescribed to relax the muscles.
- Vitamins and supplements: In some cases, your doctor may recommend vitamin preparations or supplements that can help repair nerve tissue and improve nerve function.
- Medications to improve circulation: If poor circulation is the cause of numbness, your doctor may prescribe medications to improve circulation in the leg.