Numbness is a complaint that expresses the loss of feeling in any part of a person's body. This symptom can occur in only one part of the body, or it can affect several parts of the body at the same time. The complaint of numbness in the legs is a very common complaint and can occur as a result of many different conditions such as neurological damage or sensory disorders. Some cases of numbness may be a precursor to conditions that require immediate medical attention, such as a stroke.
What is Leg Numbness?
Leg numbness is usually followed by actions such as sitting for a long time or crossing the leg. It is an uncomfortable complaint that occurs due to pressure on the nerves or interruption of blood flow.
Besides these simple reasons, it is recommended to be conscious as important health problems can cause numbness in the legs. Long-term numbness and accompanying tingling complaint may be a symptom of vascular diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes mellitus (diabetes), peripheral artery disease or pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia.
The complaint of numbness in the leg may occur in the thigh, calf or the entire leg. Along with numbness, some people may also have complaints such as muscle weakness or impaired leg movement functions. In addition to these symptoms, other symptoms such as tingling, burning and sensitivity to touch are among the complaints that may occur with the numbness symptom.
Leg Numbness Causes?
Leg numbness usually occurs as a temporary condition caused by staying in the same position for a long time. However, long-term and persistent leg numbness can be a symptom of an important health problem.
The causes of numbness in the leg can be summarized as follows:
Posture
Leg pain caused by postural (posture) is a temporary cause of numbness in the leg caused by pressure on nerves or veins. Postural-induced upper leg numbness, called transient paresthesia, is also the most common cause of this complaint. Do not cross your legs, sit for long periods of time, sit on your feet, wear very tight trousers, socks or shoes. As a result of some habits, postural leg numbness may occur. In case of sleeping in unsuitable positions, the complaint of leg numbness may also occur. Muscle strains that occur during exercise or trauma can cause right or left leg numbness, depending on the affected area, in addition to pain. Constantly high blood sugar can damage nerve fibers over time, causing complaints such as loss of sensation and numbness in various parts of the body. The complaint of loss of sensation in the legs caused by diabetes usually starts in the legs and feet and then spreads to other parts of the body. it could be. The sciatic nerve is a very long nerve that leaves the lumbar region and continues along the leg. Problems involving this nerve may cause complaints such as left or right leg numbness, tingling and muscle weakness, depending on which side of the spinal cord is affected.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel is a narrow canal structure located in the inner part of the wrist region. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by the compression, crushing or damage of the nerve passing through this region in the canal, may cause complaints such as leg numbness and pain, tingling or burning. It is a condition that causes narrowing of the veins and thus interruption of blood flow. Legs are among the most commonly affected limbs due to these diseases.
People with peripheral artery disease complain of symptoms such as pain and cramping in the leg and hip regions during activities such as climbing stairs or walking. In some people, as a result of peripheral artery disease, Other symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the legs may also occur. Typically, when symptoms appear in people with this condition, resting will result in relief from symptoms.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by pain and discomfort throughout the body. Some people with this condition may also complain of numbness in their hands and legs. Significant stiffness development during the daytime and after sleep without any reason, chronic fatigue, problems in cognitive functions such as memory, and restless legs syndrome are among the symptoms that may occur in individuals with fibromyalgia. These are symptoms that persist for at least 3 months. In addition to the complaint of numbness in the legs, it is recommended to evaluate fibromyalgia among the possible diagnoses in people who have long-standing pain in other parts of the body. Although the numbness that occurs with MS disease is usually a short-term condition, if it lasts for a long time, it can prevent the person from doing their normal activities.
Stroke
Life-threatening conditions such as stroke can cause brain damage and disrupt the communication between nerve cells. Following the development of this condition, the complaint of numbness in the leg may occur temporarily or for a long time.
How Does Leg Numbness Work?
The treatment for leg numbness varies according to the underlying condition. Antidepressant derivative drugs may be effective in cases of psychological leg numbness or fibromyalgia-induced leg numbness. While corticosteroid-derived drugs are used in inflammatory conditions, drugs containing gabapentin and pregabalin can be prescribed for the treatment of numbness caused by nerve damage such as MS or diabetic neuropathy. are also available. Resting, massaging the affected area, ensuring sleep patterns, following a balanced and healthy diet, and drinking alcohol Applications such as limiting or terminating the consumption are among the methods that can be effective in controlling the complaint of numbness in the legs.
In case of a blunt pain sensation in the numb area at the same time, the spread of this pain from the leg to the groin, and severe complaints such as difficulty in walking and speaking, emergency medical intervention may be required.
For the Treatment of Numbness in the Legs. Which Department to Go to?
The department to go to for leg numbness varies depending on the discomfort caused by the numbness complaint. Neurology specialists can help in MS and other nerve-related problems, neurosurgeon physicians in advanced hernia and brain structure disorders, and physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists in trauma or fibromyalgia-related diseases.
The complaint of numbness in the legs and feet is a very common symptom, and if it continues for a long time, it may indicate various underlying health problems, so it is recommended to seek support from specialist physicians by applying to health institutions. It is recommended to apply to health institutions, especially if the symptom of numbness is not caused by any obvious reason, occurs frequently, continues for a long time, is painful and restricts daily activities.
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