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What Causes Numbness In Legs And Feet?

What Causes Numbness In Legs And Feet?

 

What Causes Numbness In Legs And Feet?

There are several reasons why someone might be experiencing leg and feet numbness in Lynnwood. It is essential that you are able to pinpoint the cause, especially if this is something that seems to be unexplained or it lasts for a long period of time. In some cases, it could be a sign that there is some sort of underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

When talking to your podiatrist, you can go over all of the symptoms that you have been having so that there is a clearer picture of what may be the issue. Some of the medical conditions that could lead to numbness in the legs and/or feet can include fibromyalgia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral artery disease. This is a sensation that might be felt below the knee, throughout the entire leg, or in different areas of one or both feet.

Potential Causes

There are times when your legs or feet may go numb temporarily due to posture or sitting for too long. However, when you have long-lasting or chronic numbness and tingling, there could be other issues. Some of the more common conditions include:

Posture – Certain postural habits can put a bit of pressure or your nerves or cut back on the flow of blood to your lower limbs. Some postural habits that can lead to numbness include crossing your legs for too long, sitting on your feet, kneeling or sitting for an extended period of time, or wearing socks, shoes, or pants that are too tight.

Injury – Certain injuries to your ankles, feet, hips, spine, legs, and torso can put pressure on your nerves. If this happens, you may experience numbness in your feet and legs.

 

Lower Back Problems – Issues with your lower back, such as a herniation or breakdown in your spinal discs, can lead to nerve compression. Sciatica is a common issue where the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, and it can cause tingling and numbness in the feet and legs.

Diabetes – Some patients that have diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage. This can lead to tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet and sometimes legs.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – This is a condition that happens when the nerves running down the back of your leg and throughout the inside of the ankle to the foot gets damaged, squeezed, or compressed. People who develop tarsal tunnel syndrome will often have burning, tingling, numbness and shooting pain that goes throughout their feet, heel, and ankle.

Peripheral Artery Disease – Also known as PAD, peripheral artery disease is when there is a narrowing of the peripheral blood arteries in the stomach, legs, and arms. If this happens, there is a restriction in blood flow and it can lead to numbness and pain or cramping while walking or climbing stairs.

Alcohol Use – Some patients who have an excessive or chronic drinking problem can start to develop nerve damage in their feet and legs that brings on numbness. This type of damage is also linked to a reduction in important vitamins like B12, B1, and B9.

Stroke – A mini-stroke or stroke can lead to brain damage that might hinder nerve signals in the body. There are some patients who may develop temporary or long-term numbness in the legs, feet, or other areas of the body when this happens.

Other Health Conditions – There are several other health conditions that could lead to numbness in the feet and legs, including abnormal growths and tumors, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and more. Working with a podiatrist and your general practitioner will help you to learn more about the potential issues you are dealing with and how to address them.

Know The Symptoms

Just one of the symptoms that a patient may feel is numbness, while others may experience a mixture of signs and symptoms. You could have one or more of the signs, including:

  • Itching
  • Tingling
  • Tickling
  • Burning
  • A feeling similar to crawling under the skin

Treating Numbness In The Legs And Feet

When you work with a podiatrist in Lynnwood, you can learn more about your potential treatment options. Some of the medical options may include corticosteroids to help cut back on numbness and inflammation. Pregabalin or Gabapentin might also be suggested to change or block nerve signaling. Additionally, certain antidepressants like Milnacipran or Duloxetine can be used to help with the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic can help if you are dealing with leg and feet numbness in Lynnwood. Call Dr. Hall at (425) 482-6663.