Leg Pain and Numbness

Numbness is a tingling sensation or a loss of sensation that can occur due to various reasons. If it is observed frequently, it can be a symptom of an underlying health condition.

One of the most common causes of numbness and pain in the leg is sitting cross-legged or with the foot under the body for a long time. This is not a serious condition, however, sitting in the similar position frequently for a longer time can result in the damage of the peroneal nerve.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome arises when the tarsal nerve is inflamed, impinged or compressed in the tarsal tunnel. It is similar to the carpal tunnel syndrome observed in hands. Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, incorrect sports activities, etc., can give rise to this syndrome. Symptoms include pain and burning sensation in the leg or toes, swelling in feet, etc.

Sciatica occurs due to compression of the sciatic or the ischiatic nerve that arises from the lower back and runs down the leg. Disc herniation, injury, or trauma are the common causes of sciatica. Pain that arises in the lower back and runs down in one leg is its classic symptom.

Apart from that, burning and tingling sensation in the thigh and leg are the other symptoms. This is also one of the major causes of leg pain and numbness during pregnancy.

Spinal stenosis is caused due to narrowing of certain areas in the spine that result in compression of the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. If the nerves of the lower back get compressed, one experiences pain and burning or tingling sensation in the leg. Spinal tumor, spinal injuries, osteoarthritis, etc., are the common causes of spinal stenosis.

Injury or fracture in the leg is another possible cause. Injury can occur due to a variety of reasons which can sometimes, even lead to broken leg. Pain, tenderness, cramps, numbness, swelling are the symptoms of a broken leg or fracture in the bones of the leg.

Apart from these, severe arthritis, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, etc., are the other causes of pain accompanied with numbness in feet. As mentioned earlier, these are quite serious conditions, and hence, one needs to consult the doctor if these symptoms are observed.

Primarily, in case of tarsal tunnel syndrome, medications may be administered to ease the pain and swelling. Secondly, doctors may even advice physiotherapy to treat the condition. However, if none of these treatment methods work, the patient may be required to undergo a surgery.

The treatment for sciatica includes bed rest, physiotherapy, medications to relieve pain, etc. Similar to the earlier cases, spinal stenosis is also treated with the help of medications, therapy, and surgery (only in extreme cases). The treatment of injury completely depends on the severity of the condition and varies accordingly.

One should remember that the aforementioned conditions can be treated effectively if timely treatment is undertaken. Therefore, it is advised to not to ignore these symptoms, but, to heed to them immediately. Take care!

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.