The Common Causes of Leg Numbness You Should Know About

Everyone experiences leg numbness at one point or another.  It usually comes in the form of a bland feeling or a tingling sensation that feels like a pinch from pins and needles. 

Oftentimes, it's a result of your bad sitting posture. It only lasts for a while and disappears after you've corrected your posture. 

However, if your situation seems to be more intense than necessary, then there may be an underlying health condition triggering it. 

Sometimes, the numbness begins in your legs and then travels to other parts of your body. This isn't usual, and your next course of action should be to consult a doctor.

In this article, we're focused on enlightening you about the common underlying causes of leg numbness. Here are the primary culprits:

Diabetes

Diabetes, if not adequately managed, can trigger your blood levels to reach an all-time high. This is referred to as neuropathy. When this happens, your nerves bear the brunt. You'll first feel the numbness in your toes, and slowly, it'll travel upward.

When your nerves get affected, the chances of them getting cured are slim; however, you can manage the symptoms with diet, medication, and exercise.

Peripheral Artery Disease

When your arteries become narrowed, the blood flow to your arms and legs will be cut short. This will cause you to feel pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation whenever you walk. This condition is known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

PAD can be very dangerous if left untreated. You stand a higher chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack, especially if you engage in habits such as smoking, eating junk food, and not exercising. If you suspect that you have PAD, visit the nearest hospital.

Tumors

A tumor can develop within your legs and press the nerves that control your movement. This will, of course, cause numbness and sometimes pain. If ignored, it can spiral out of control and affect your ability to walk.

Not every tumor is cancerous. If the one in your leg is benign, that's a sign that it is free from cancer. Your doctor, after assessing the tumor, will prescribe the best course of treatment for you. They may subject you to drugs and physiotherapy if it is not critical. If it is, you may have to undergo surgery.

Stroke 

Anyone can suffer from a stroke, regardless of their age. The primary symptoms of stroke often include slurred speech, weakness, and paralysis, but sometimes numbness can be an indicator.

If you suffer from numbness that won't go away, seek medical help right away. If you have a history of smoking or drinking, you have a higher chance of a stroke.

Multiple Sclerosis 

We do not know the exact cause of multiple sclerosis. What we do know is that when it appears, it attacks the sheath of your nerve cells. Once the sheath is down, you'll begin to feel an overwhelming numbness in your legs as well as other body parts.

Some health experts say that this disease can be transmitted through genetics. Medication and physical therapy are the recommended treatment methods for multiple sclerosis.

Lupus 

Lupus is the bad guy that comes into your body system to attack all your healthy cells. Once your immune system is down, it will induce several health conditions in your body to beat down your nervous system. 

Your blood vessels suffer the most. They are likely to get inflamed or damaged, thereby leading to other postural defects.

It is also a primary cause of neuropathy, which in turn causes numbness in the limbs.

Wrapping Up

Most people are quick to write off leg numbness as 'nothing to worry about'. It usually is, but if you notice that yours won't go away after a short while, that's definitely something to worry about.

A doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis; in the meantime, practice healthy habits and have a great exercise routine to stimulate blood flow in your legs. This should help you feel better.

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