Getting numbness in your legs can be unsettling and worrying. This feeling can be felt in the whole leg or just some areas of your foot. This can be caused by various things, like simply sitting for too long or something more serious, like an underlying medical condition.
While some causes are harmless, sometimes you may require medical intervention. Keep reading to learn more about what leads to numbness in legs to help you determine whether you need to change your lifestyle or consult your doctor.
1. Restricted Blood Circulation
The most common cause of numbness is poor circulation. It can be due to sitting too long, crossing your legs, kneeling, or wearing tight shoes and socks. This leads to a feeling people describe as ‘pins and needles’ or your leg falling asleep.
However, sometimes poor circulation can be a sign of serious issues like peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes chronic numbness. PAD happens when your arteries are narrowed or blocked because of buildup, thus reducing blood flow to the legs. People with PAD may also experience weakness and pain in the legs when walking.
2. Nerve Compression or Damage
Nerve compression also causes numbness. Some nerve-related issues include:
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the back of each leg. When this nerve gets compressed or pinched, it can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the legs.
People who are pregnant, have a lifestyle with little activity or have diabetes are more likely to suffer from sciatica.
Herniated Disc and Spinal Stenosis
A herniated disc is when a spinal disc presses the nearby nerves, causing numbness or weakness in your legs. Spinal stenosis is similar and caused by the spinal column narrowing and putting pressure on the spinal cord.
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3. Diabetic Neuropathy
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing a condition called diabetic neuropathy, where high blood sugar damages the nerves over time. Around a third of people with diabetes suffer from neuropathy.
This often affects your legs and feet, causing numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. If left untreated, diabetic neuropathy can cause more severe complications, including infections and ulcers.
4. Vitamin Deficiencies
Certain vitamin deficiencies can lead to nerve-related symptoms, which include numbness. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium play a role in muscle and nerve function. Once low, it could lead to cramps and muscle weakness. Chronic alcohol use is linked to lower vitamin B levels, leading to numbness.
5. Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can cause numbness in the legs as a symptom of other neurological or vascular issues. A condition like multiple sclerosis affects the nervous symptoms, hence disrupting signals in your body and causing numbness.
A stroke or transient ischemic attack can cause numbness in one part of the body. Therefore, if numbness is accompanied by difficulty speaking, confusion, and face drooping, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Leg numbness can be due to many issues. If the numbness resolves quickly, it may not be a cause for concern. However, if the issue persists, the issue should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out any complications.
