Numb legs will annoy you and typically mean that there are underlying health issues. Sitting for long periods will numb your legs temporarily, but ongoing or frequent numbness could mean something is wrong. The following are six health risks that result in numb legs:
1. Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes tops the list as the reason for peripheral neuropathy, an illness in which high blood sugar ruins nerves. Diabetes will over time damage blood supply and nerve function that causes numb, and sometimes painful, legs and feet. To prevent neuropathy, diabetics must control their blood sugar and lead healthy lives.
2. Vitamin deficiencies
Forgetting about essential vitamin B12 will ruin nerves and result in numb legs. This vitamin is necessary in maintaining healthy nerves. When you are not consuming enough, you might experience tingling, muscle weakness, and dizziness. You can avoid deficiency by consuming a healthy diet or supplements if your physician recommends it.
3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
According to Dr. Manish Gupta, Associate Director, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, “Multiple Sclerosis targets the nervous system. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that destroys the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers. When nerve messages are disrupted, people feel numb or weak. They may be unable to move their legs. To treat symptoms and slow down how fast MS progresses, physicians must diagnose it and begin treatment.”
4. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD occurs when arteries become clogged and restrict blood to the limbs. Inadequate circulation could lead to numbness, weakness, and cramping in the legs when in motion. Lifestyle modification, medication, and in some people, surgery could treat PAD and improve blood supply.
5. Sciatica and herniated discs
Sciatica occurs when something irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your legs. The most frequent cause of this is a bulging or herniated disc in your spine. Nerve compression may result in pain and numbness in one or both legs. Medication can heal symptoms, as well as physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery.
6. Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)
Numbness or weakness in your legs can be caused by a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA). This occurs when your brain is not receiving enough blood flow. If you have numbness in your legs and difficulty speaking, are dizzy, or have a drooping face, go to the hospital immediately. Immediate treatment can prevent future issues and lead to faster recovery.
Do not ignore numb legs if they are persistent or with other problems. Having knowledge of the cause is necessary in order to fix it and make it not occur again. If your legs are often numb or it is severe, go visit a doctor to figure out what to do next. Finding and fixing the problem can prevent other problems from occurring and lead to good overall health.
