What Causes Numbness in Legs?
March 13, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Numbness in the legs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Nerve compression or damage: Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica can compress or damage the nerves that supply sensation to the legs, leading to numbness.
- Peripheral neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, which can result from diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, or exposure to toxins. Peripheral neuropathy often causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs and feet.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow to the legs due to conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), blood clots, or atherosclerosis can cause numbness or tingling sensations.
- Injuries: Trauma or injuries to the legs, spine, or nerves can lead to temporary or permanent numbness.
- Infections and inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as Lyme disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or lupus can affect the nerves and cause numbness in the legs.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect, leading to numbness in the legs.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, or folate can cause nerve damage and result in numbness or tingling sensations in the legs.
- Other health conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or certain types of cancer can sometimes lead to numbness in the legs as a secondary symptom.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe numbness in your legs, as it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.