Numbness in the legs or feet is not an unusual phenomenon. Often when we sit or stand in the same position for prolonged time, we experience a similar kind of sensation. However, long-term numbness or a tingling feeling in the lower part of the body can be due to more concerning reasons. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Supriya Roy, Loop's in-house medical advisor, Pune, shares some of the possible causes of the condition.
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Possible Causes Of Leg Numbness
Peripheral Neuropathy
Leg numbness can be caused by peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. Diseases like diabetes can hurt your leg nerves, leading to a sensation of numbness, along with other symptoms including weakness and pain.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Also called a bulging, protruding, or ruptured disc, lumbar herniated disc can be an outcome of ageing or a severe injury to the back. If a disc in your lower back gets dislodged, it may result in a numbing leg feeling, says Dr Roy.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space inside the backbone is too small, causing strain on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. This can lead to symptoms, such as numbness, tingling or weakness in a hand, leg, foot or arm. You may also experience problems with walking and balance.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT takes place when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, particularly in the lower part of the body. If left untreated, it can lead to throbbing pain, swelling in one led, causing pain and changes in skin colour. A blood clot nestled deep within a leg vein could provoke a sense of numbness.
Poor Circulation
Poor blood circulation can disrupt blood flow to various parts of the body. Impaired blood flow, often due to issues like blocked arteries, may lead to loss of feeling in your leg.
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Sciatica
Sciatica is caused due to injury to the sciatic nerves. Such pressure or irritation on the nerve extending down your leg can lead to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg.
Multiple Sclerosis
This disease, where your body wrongly targets its own nerves, can provoke a sensation of numbness in your legs.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
According to Dr Roy, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can impact nerve health. This can lead to several symptoms including vision problems, pins and needles, and can cause peripheral neuropathy, affecting the limbs and impacting movement.
Alcohol Abuse
Have you heard of alcoholic neuropathy? It is when excess drinking starts to damage the peripheral nerves, causing tingling sensations in the limbs.
When Should You Visit A Doctor?
Numbness in the legs are usually nothing, unless they:
- occur for long periods of time
- are not related to lifestyle factors or unhealthy posture
- are accompanied by chronic symptoms
- affect the colour, size, and shape of the legs and feet
Bottomline
If you experience persistent numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, consult a healthcare professional to receive proper diagnosis and timely treatment. In certain cases, the cause can be serious and if left untreated, can cause further damage and complications.