Introduction:
Numbness is a sensation that has been lost, decreased, or dulled in a specific body location. Leg numbness or tingling might affect the entire leg, the area below the knee, or some parts of the foot. An individual's posture is usually the cause of temporary numbness, which goes away on its own. On the other hand, persistent numbness could indicate an underlying medical issue. The course of treatment will be determined by what causes numbness in the legs and feet.
What Are the Causes of Numbness in Legs and Feet?
There are numerous causes of leg and foot numbness. Some of them are explained below.
1. Diabetic Neuropathy
A category of nerve diseases known as diabetic neuropathies is brought on by diabetes-related damage to the nerves. The legs and feet are among the body parts that these neuropathies might impact. One of the most common initial symptoms for many patients with diabetic nerve damage is numbness or tingling in the feet. Other typical signs of this diabetic peripheral neuropathy include cramping or acute pains, excessive touch sensitivity, and imbalance. Because of the numbness, blisters and sores may not be noticed, leading to infections. Moreover, diabetes may cause reduced blood circulation, which further leads to amputation.
2. Fibromyalgia:
In the legs and feet, numbness or tingling is frequently caused by fibromyalgia. This ailment, known as paresthesia, can also cause numbness and tingling (prickling feeling) in the hands and arms.
Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include:
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Generalized pain in the muscles.
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Tiredness.
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Having trouble sleeping.
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Memory issues.
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Mood problems.
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Fibro fog - The foggy feeling that some people experience is called "fibro fog" or "brain fog." Fibrofog symptoms include memory loss, trouble focusing, and difficulty remaining mindful.
Fibromyalgia is unlikely to cause numbness in the legs and feet when it has no association with other symptoms or is not persistent.
3. Multiple Sclerosis:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic illness that most likely becomes worse with time. While many people with this disorder see a steady worsening of symptoms, most people will go through periods of remission followed by relapses. MS frequently manifests as tingling and numbness. Each of these sensations could be minor or strong enough to make it difficult to walk or stand. Without medical intervention, numbness and tingling in MS patients typically go into remission.
4. Nerve Pressure:
Numbness can be caused by excessive use of the nerves or by an injury that puts excessive stress on them. Excessive pressure on the nerves can be caused by many factors, such as:
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Muscles that are tight or twitchy.
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Wearing excessively tight shoes.
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Ankle or foot injuries.
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Spending too much time resting on the foot.
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Herniated or slipped discs.
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Other nerve-tightening back issues.
5. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):
Narrowing of the peripheral arteries due to the deposition of plaque results in poor blood and oxygen supply to the various body parts. Both the legs and the feet may go numb as a result of PAD. Additionally, it may make such places more susceptible to infection. PAD may cause gangrene or necessitate amputation when it is too severe.
6. Cancers or Other Unusual Growths:
Benign (non-cancerous) growths, cysts, abscesses, and tumors can compress the brain, spinal cord, or any portion of the legs and feet. This pressure may impede blood flow to the feet and legs, resulting in numbness.
When the posterior tibial nerve, which runs along the inside of the heel, is compressed or injured, it results in tarsal tunnel syndrome. This can cause symptoms, such as tingling and numbness throughout the foot, to radiate from the ankle to the foot.
How Can the Cause of Leg and Foot Numbness Be Diagnosed?
Everyone has occasionally experienced tingling or numbness in their legs. In certain instances, tingling and numbness in the legs may indicate an alarming illness. Schedule an appointment with the physician if suffering from persistent or recurrent episodes of numbness in the legs.
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History and Physical Examination: One must include information about recent injuries, vaccines, supplemental drugs, and other medications for any other illness.
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Laboratory Tests: Tests for thyroid function, toxicology, vitamin levels, nerve conduction investigations, lumbar punctures (spinal taps, which remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back), and blood work may be part of this.
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Imaging Tests: To conclude the diagnosis, imaging tests like CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will be taken.
How Is Numbness in the Legs Treated?
The course of treatment will be determined by the underlying cause of leg tingling and numbness, which might have numerous roots. Treatment for leg numbness resulting from a chronic illness will concentrate on symptom management and decreasing disease activity. For instance, controlling the blood sugar levels is crucial to preventing further impairment if neuropathy is caused by diabetes. Treatment for leg numbness resulting from an acute injury or ailment (severe and abrupt onset) will concentrate on repairing and rehabilitation.
1. Medical Interventions:
Numerous drugs can assist in reducing the pain caused by different neuropathies. Some are as follows:
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Gabapentin.
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Pregabalin.
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Topiramate.
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Nortriptyline.
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Duloxetine.
2. Home Remedies:
Natural home treatments may provide individuals with some short relief from numbness and tingling.
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Rest: If a back or leg injury is the cause of the numbness and nerve pain, be cautious not to put weight on the affected area of the body.
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Ice: In some instances, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome or injuries, applying ice to the affected area might help lessen discomfort and numbness. An ice pack should never be used for longer than 20 minutes at a time.
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Braces: Braces can assist in easing pressure on the nerves, causing too much pain and numbness. Orthotic gadgets are also beneficial.
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Apply Massage: Massage improves the nerves' function, helps stimulate them, and boosts blood flow.
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Foot Soaks: Symptom relief may be achieved by immersing the feet in Epsom salts.
Conclusion:
Numerous factors can contribute to tingling or numbness in the legs, such as prolonged sitting or standing, neurological disorders or injuries, or long-term medical illnesses like fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis. If experiencing regular or persistent bouts of tingling or numbness in their legs, visit a doctor. Simple therapies may address specific causes of numbness in the lower legs, but longer-term care and medical attention are necessary for others.
