Among the numerous problems associated with the lower extremities, one should highlight the situation when the legs go numb. A general practitioner hears such complaints almost every day, not to mention more specialized specialists. And this brings nothing to patients except inconvenience and anxiety about their health. To get rid of such sensations, you should first find out their cause and do everything exactly as the doctor recommends.
The most common numbness in the legs is below the knees. This is due to the fact that the legs and feet, firstly, are subject to significant load, bearing the weight of the entire body, and secondly, they are as far as possible from the central organs of the vascular and nervous systems. Such conditions create the prerequisites for the development of conditions that are characterized not only by local disturbances, but also by damage at a distance. These include:
Thus, the problem may lie not only in the peripheral parts of the limbs, but also much higher - in the spine and even the head. You can find out why your legs go numb from the hip to the foot through a careful differential diagnosis, taking into account all conditions with a similar clinical picture.
The causes of numbness in the legs are quite diverse; the same symptom can indicate a completely different pathology.
To determine the symptoms of the disease, the doctor conducts a clinical examination. It includes subjective information received from the patient (complaints), as well as objective data revealed during examination. All symptoms are subjected to maximum detail and subsequent analysis in order to form a holistic view of the disease.
Unpleasant symptoms can be felt in various parts of the limb: thigh, lower leg or foot. Their localization will often tell a lot about the location of the main pathological focus. However, numbness in the legs is unlikely to be the only sign of pathology - most often there are other manifestations, sometimes more significant.
A common cause of numbness in the legs below the knee is polyneuropathy. In most cases, it occurs due to metabolic disorders in the body (diabetes, thyroid diseases, kidney failure, various intoxications). Disorders are not limited to numbness, but include the following symptoms:
In addition to the lower extremities, nerves in other parts of the body may be affected, since the process is multiple. Polyneuropathy necessarily occurs against the background of an underlying disease, which has its own characteristic features.
If your legs below the knees are numb, then first of all it is necessary to consider the issue of multiple nerve damage - polyneuropathy.
Numbness in the legs from the hip to the foot can be the result of vascular problems. For sensory disturbances to develop, a long course of the disease is required, so acute conditions should not be taken into account. As a rule, such a symptom is considered as a sign of endarteritis, atherosclerosis or varicose veins of the lower extremities. Along with it, the following complaints can be noted:
In most cases, there is bilateral damage to the arteries or veins. If you do not pay attention to the signs of the disease in time, especially with endarteritis and atherosclerosis, you will have to expect a significant increase in ischemia, which in the future can cause gangrene.
When symptoms of vascular pathology of the lower extremities appear, in order to avoid complications, you should consult a doctor in time.
The cause of numbness in the lower extremities often lies in diseases of the lumbar region - osteochondrosis or disc herniation. In this case, compression of the spinal roots that give rise to the sciatic nerve occurs, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
Compression of the root most often occurs on one side, but damage to both nerves is possible. Upon examination, tension in the back muscles and pain in the paravertebral points are revealed. Therefore, when your leg goes numb, you must definitely pay attention to the condition of the spine.
If numbness in the legs occurs in a specific area, then we can assume compression of the corresponding nerve in the canal formed by bones, tendons and muscles. This is observed at various levels, starting from the inguinal fold and is provoked by injuries, hematomas, and tumors.
When the right leg goes numb along the outer surface of the thigh, above its middle, Roth's disease can be assumed. In other words, it is neuropathy of the external cutaneous nerve, which is located very superficially and can be compressed by a belt or objects located in pockets. Only local sensory disorders are characteristic. Numbness on the inside of the leg indicates damage to the femoral nerve. At the same time, movement disorders are also observed:
And if, for example, the left leg goes numb on the outside of the shin and along the dorsum of the foot, then you need to think about compression of the peroneal nerve. Patients complain of pain below the knee, crawling “goosebumps”. The extension of the foot and fingers is impaired, causing walking to suffer.
Any numbness in the lower extremities should be considered a sign of pathology, the nature of which must be determined by the doctor.
Once it becomes known why the patient’s legs are numb, treatment should be started immediately. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of this condition, be it compression of a nerve, occlusion of a vessel, or a violation of metabolic processes in the body. Only after the elimination of the main pathological process can we talk about the restoration of sensitivity in certain parts of the lower limb.
In most cases, the disease that causes numbness in the legs is treated with medication. The doctor selects the optimal drugs that are indicated for the identified pathology, and the patient only needs to follow his recommendations. Depending on the clinical situation, the following medications may be used:
Treatment will be more effective if it is carried out in stages - first using injectable forms of drugs, and then tablets.
Physiotherapy methods help improve nerve conduction and blood circulation. Such treatment includes local and general procedures, which are carried out under the supervision of a specialist. For numbness in the extremities above or below the knees, the following methods may be indicated:
The physiotherapist will create an optimal program consisting of the most effective procedures. In combination with other methods, this will be a good impetus for recovery.
When the left leg goes numb after an injury or similar symptoms appear due to osteochondrosis, certain exercises are required that will not only restore the motor function of the limb, but also help normalize sensitivity. You need to do gymnastics regularly, starting in a hospital setting and under the supervision of a doctor, and continuing at home. But such exercises are justified only after the pain syndrome has been eliminated.
In some cases, adequate treatment is only possible through surgery. This happens with serious injuries, severe vascular pathology, tumors, and intervertebral hernias. The main goal of surgery is to eliminate pathological formations that cause compression of nerve fibers or disruption of blood flow through the vessels. Recently, endoscopic and microsurgical techniques have been used, which are less traumatic compared to open operations and do not require long recovery.
If there is numbness in the lower extremities, you should first find out why this symptom appears. A correct diagnosis allows you to effectively treat the disease, which gives hope for a speedy recovery.
In this article we will try to figure out why a person’s legs go numb. Numbness of the legs is not an independent disease, but a symptom of various diseases that cause damage to the vascular or nervous systems of the body. Most often, in 70% of cases, numbness in the legs appears due to osteochondrosis, a very common disease that affects about 65-75% of people to one degree or another. With osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the spine, which gradually lead to compression of the spinal nerves, and even to compression of the spinal cord. People of almost any age who lead an inactive and sedentary lifestyle suffer from this disease. Sports and massage help to cope well with osteochondrosis, especially in the early stages.
Numbness in the legs can be a symptom of an intervertebral hernia - displacement of the core of the intervertebral disc, as a result of rupture of the fibrous ring. A herniated disc can occur in a person of any age. In addition to numbness in the legs, this disease can be accompanied by dizziness and severe pain in the spine, radiating to the limbs. The appearance of an intervertebral hernia can lead to: scoliosis, progressive osteochondrosis and previous vertebral injuries. In some cases, patients experience self-healing, but in most cases, treatment of intervertebral hernia requires serious measures, including surgery. Special massage and acupuncture therapy help a lot with this disease.
Quite often, numbness in the legs is caused by insufficient blood circulation resulting from ischemia of the lower extremities, which is based on atherosclerosis - pathological narrowing of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is also accompanied by increased weakness, fatigue and pain in the limbs. Most often, people over 50 years old suffer from atherosclerosis, but it can also appear in a relatively young person. This disease is predisposed by the presence of bad habits (smoking, addiction to alcohol), obesity, poor diet (eating foods high in cholesterol). Treatment and prevention of this disease includes: giving up bad habits, including foods high in vitamins in the diet, and moderate exercise.
The answer to the question why my legs go numb may be the following. Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, can also be accompanied by numbness in the legs. With this disease, the joints are usually misshapen, which puts pressure on the nerves and causes numbness. This disease can occur as a complication after suffering severe infectious diseases. The hereditary factor also plays a role in it. It is very difficult to completely cure rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment is mainly aimed at reducing inflammation in the joints. In extreme cases, it is necessary to resort to surgical intervention.
Numbness in the legs, especially in the feet, can be a symptom of a serious disease that has not yet been fully studied by medicine - Raynaud's disease. This rather rare disease is characterized by a progressive circulatory disorder in the extremities, ultimately leading to their complete atrophy and gangrene. Numbness occurs in the form of attacks and is accompanied by severe paleness of the limbs and pain in them. The disease lasts for years and is almost impossible to cure. Prevention of this disease includes avoiding hypothermia and nervous stress.
Neuropathy - damage to the nerves of the extremities - can also be accompanied by a feeling of numbness in the legs, as well as a burning sensation and pain. Neuropathy often develops in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, etc.
As you can see, numbness in the legs can occur with very different diseases. Therefore, in order to get rid of this unpleasant symptom, you must first treat the underlying disease. What disease causes this symptom in a particular case, and why the legs go numb - only a doctor can determine by conducting a comprehensive examination of the patient and prescribing appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis. Take care of yourself!
Numbness in the legs is a symptom of various diseases, primarily characteristic of the spinal column. Often it is paresthesia the feeling of numbness and goosebumps on the skin is called in medicine , that becomes the first sign of pathology, far ahead of other symptoms. Therefore, with regular paresthesia, it is recommended to undergo an examination to identify why the legs are numb, the causes of this phenomenon and possible diseases.
Among the reasons that cause systematic numbness of the extremities - arms and legs - there are several of the most common:
oncology; diabetes; spinal tuberculosis; Raynaud's disease; tunnel syndrome; osteochondrosis; intervertebral hernia; rheumatoid arthritis, polyneuritis, phlebitis; atherosclerosis; multiple sclerosis.
Despite the differences in the causes and course of these diseases, in all cases, numbness of the limbs is associated with disturbances present in the functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems.
The most common cause of the problem is
. For example, numbness of the lower extremities is a pronounced sign of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. Moreover, the symptom may directly indicate the cause - paresthesia usually develops only on one leg. Even in the initial stage of the pathology, the symptom is pronounced.
Osteochondrosis and intervertebral hernias are accompanied by compression of the nerve roots, which leads to reflex vasoconstriction and tissue compression.
The patient in this case complains of coldness in the legs, pain, “cottoniness” of the lower extremities and the presence of “goosebumps”. The clinical picture intensifies if a person spends a long time in a static position, lying or sitting.
If your big toes are numb, most likely the cause is in the lumbar spine, which is responsible for their innervation. If it is in the area of 4-5 lumbar vertebrae that there is a hernia or protrusion of the discs, then numbness of the big toes is likely.
Systemic diseases such as
diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors and spinal tuberculosis
also contribute to the manifestations of paresthesia. This is due to the destruction of blood vessels and nerve fibers.
characteristic of people engaged in the same type of work, maintaining a static posture for a long time. For example, an office clerk sits at her desk with her legs crossed. This position leads to compression of the nerves located in the popliteal region. Even prolonged sitting in a soft chair can cause weakness in the foot and numbness of the left or right leg below the knee due to compression of the nerve trunk.
, a disease caused by the destruction of neuron membranes. Numbness of the limbs and face is one of the main symptoms of the pathology. Lower extremity paresthesia can range widely from mild symptoms to severe difficulty walking.
, a disease that has not been fully studied, often ends in atrophy, as well as gangrene of the lower extremities as a result of impaired blood flow. This disease causes paroxysmal numbness in the legs, and the numbness may be accompanied by painful sensations, pallor or bluishness of the skin of the toes. Raynaud's disease manifests itself similarly in
Paresthesia can also lead to
, in which deformation of the joints occurs, which entails compression of the nerve fibers. Most often, the disease manifests itself as a complication after a severe infection.
Discomfort may result from
, provoked by a characteristic narrowing of blood vessels, atherosclerosis. This pathology often occurs in elderly patients. But in recent years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of atherosclerosis in fairly young people due to the presence of bad habits and an unbalanced diet, which increase the risk of cholesterol deposits.
Since the causes of the pathology are quite diverse, the optimal methods of treatment are determined only after a detailed diagnosis.
The patient should describe his sensations in detail, since based on the nature of the numbness, the doctor can make a preliminary conclusion and much more quickly identify the exact cause of the discomfort.
It is necessary to establish the cause of the pathology in the shortest possible time, since many diseases accompanied by dysfunction of the nervous and circulatory systems can rapidly progress, leading to the development of thrombosis, irreversible destruction of the peripheral nervous system, and the growth of a malignant tumor.
Diagnosis of numbness in the legs is carried out using modern hardware techniques:
Dopplerography of blood vessels; radiography of the spinal column; magnetic resonance imaging; electromyography; computed tomography.
However, the beginning of the examination involves taking a blood sample to perform a clinical test, which includes determining:
general blood composition; aneosinophilia, which makes it possible to detect a decrease in the number of aneosinophils, blood elements that destroy foreign protein; glucose level; increasing the erythrocyte sedimentation rate; biochemical composition.
If reactive arthritis is suspected, for example, a scraping from the urethra is taken to test for chlamydia. Confirmation of oncology occurs through testing for tumor markers. Rheumatoid arthritis is detected by serological analysis, and bone puncture makes it possible to diagnose osteomyelitis or tuberculosis.
Angiography and duplex scanning allow you to determine the condition of the vessels. Thus, duplex scanning reveals atherosclerosis and chronic venous insufficiency.
Rheovasography of arteries is a reliable method for diagnosing chronic arterial insufficiency. During the procedure, a high-frequency current is applied to an area of the patient's body while resistance readings are taken. The result is recorded in the form of a curve, the nature of which can be used to judge changes in the vessels.
Using MRI and CT, it is possible to determine disorders in the patient’s nervous system.
In metastatic forms of oncology, it is recommended to use skeletal scintigraphy. The device, powered by gamma rays, allows you to take a series of images, determining the presence of affected areas in the initial stages of oncology. Externally, the method resembles computer or magnetic resonance imaging, but has much greater accuracy.
A decrease in the ankle pressure index characterizes the narrowing of the arteries in the legs. The brachial-ankle index is the ratio of arm systolic pressure to ankle systolic pressure. Normally, the coefficient should not go beyond 0.9 - 1.45.
Numbness in the legs is a common symptom that is characteristic of many neurological diseases. It is also often found in orthopedic and traumatology practices.
Numbness in the legs often indicates a neurological disease
The causes of this pathological condition can be very different: from banal compression of nerve endings during sleep to malignant tumors that lead to disruption of the normal functioning of the nerves and vessels innervating the lower extremities.
Most often in medical practice, numbness of the legs is diagnosed in their distal parts and is accompanied by pain, changes in temperature and tactile sensitivity, paresthesia, the appearance of phantom sensations and much more. Why do my legs go numb below the knees and how to get rid of this problem?
The main reason why legs go numb is diseases of the spine, which are accompanied by compression of sensitive nerve roots.
The development of such a pathological condition can be caused by severe osteochondrosis of the spinal column with severe degeneration of the intervertebral discs and their protrusion.
Compression of the nerve roots of the spine is the main cause of numbness in the legs
Often, compression of the nerve roots occurs during the formation and growth of osteophytes.
Much less frequently, the reasons why the legs below the knees, feet and other parts of the lower extremities go numb are as follows:
You will learn more about the causes of numbness in the legs from the video:
How to determine the reason why your toes go numb and what to do if the sensitivity of the skin in the lower extremities is impaired? Naturally, it is advisable to eliminate pathological symptoms in the shortest possible time, before the underlying disease begins to rapidly progress.
If the disease is not identified in time, then the sick person risks completely losing sensation in the limbs or encountering a problem such as thrombosis, embolism, etc.
Diagnosis of conditions that are accompanied by numbness of the leg from the buttocks to the foot and toes is carried out using a number of modern techniques:
In addition to the results of instrumental studies, the doctor will necessarily collect a history of the disease from the patient, inquire about his complaints and conduct an objective examination.
To accurately diagnose the cause of numbness in the legs, the doctor will collect a complete medical history of the patient and conduct the necessary examinations.
This is necessary to find out the reasons why the leg from the hip to the knee goes numb. A detailed diagnosis will allow the specialist to determine directions in the treatment of the disease and ways to eliminate its main symptoms.
Read more about hardware methods for diagnosing joint pathologies in this article...
Only an experienced specialist can explain the causes and treatment of numbness in the toes, as well as other parts of the lower extremities.
That is why you should not delay a visit to a specialist if the patient experiences symptoms such as:
If you notice alarming symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor
What to do if your leg is numb and won’t go away?
Such a symptom is an absolute indication for visiting a specialist’s office, as it may represent one of the manifestations of various diseases associated with damage to nerve fibers.
Regardless of whether the left leg goes numb or the right leg goes numb, it happens often or sporadically over a very short period of time, attacks occur after physical exertion or during sleep, doctors strongly recommend seeking advice when the first signs of the disease develop.
The fact is that such symptoms are often a tiny tip of a huge problem, the treatment of which should not be delayed.
Impaired sensitivity in the lower extremities, when the leg goes numb from the hip to the foot, which is accompanied by paresthesia (burning sensation, crawling, tingling, etc.), is treated depending on the causes of this pathological condition.
Most often, doctors use techniques such as:
Medical correction of numbness in the legs comes down to the prescription of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs that improve blood circulation and reduce tissue swelling.
If we are talking about protrusion of intervertebral discs or numbness as a result of severe forms of osteochondrosis, then the doctor may decide on the advisability of using steroid drugs in a particular case.
Steroid drugs are prescribed in case of serious degenerative changes in the spine
In addition, patients are recommended to take analgesics for severe pain, as well as muscle relaxants to eliminate muscle spasms in the affected area.
Many patients who have personally encountered this problem ask doctors how to treat the causes of numbness in the legs below the knees.
It all depends on the main etiological factor that provoked the occurrence of pathological symptoms of sensory impairment in the lower extremities.
In most clinical cases, when the leg goes numb from the knee to the foot. A sick person is offered physiotherapeutic treatment in the form of therapeutic massage with rubbing of soft tissues, exercise therapy complexes, ultrasound and microcurrent procedures, magnetic therapy, phonophoresis and the like.
Modern doctors do not deny that some methods of alternative medicine are quite an effective way to combat numbness in the legs, as they act on nerve endings and stimulate the regeneration of nervous tissue. Among such methods, it is worth highlighting reflexology, acupuncture, and manual therapy.
Alternative medicine techniques will help get rid of numbness in the legs
Surgical treatment of numbness of the lower extremities is a last resort measure, which is indicated for patients with active tumor growth that interferes with the normal functioning of the nerve fibers innervating the soft tissues of the legs. Surgical correction can be used in combination with radiation and chemotherapy when it comes to the treatment of malignant tumors.
As you know, it is always easier to prevent all pathological conditions than to get rid of them later.
Numbness of the legs is no exception, so its prevention is an important point in the process of treating underlying diseases that are likely to trigger the development of this problem.
Prevention of numbness in the legs includes the following:
It is important to remember that the first symptoms of the disease cannot be ignored. Therefore, if signs of numbness in the lower extremities appear, you should immediately visit a doctor's office.
Which doctor should I go to?
Foot diseases sometimes occur suddenly (trauma, fracture), sometimes they develop gradually (flat feet, foot deformities). And sometimes a person gets lost and doesn’t know what kind of doctors there are, which specialist he should contact with his problem.
You can take a difficult path - first you go to your local therapist, he examines you and refers you to a specialist. But why go to the therapist again? If you know exactly the name of the doctor who will cure you, you should go to him immediately...
So, let’s figure out what kind of doctors there are and who specifically will help you.
Vascular surgeons treat veins and arteries
A vascular surgeon deals with the vessels of the legs. This doctor will perform surgery on varicose veins and tell you what medications to take if the vascular wall is weak. And the hated “stars” on the legs are also treated by vascular surgeons.
But among vascular surgeons there is a narrower specialization - phlebologists, they deal only with veins (from the word “phlebos” - vein). They treat varicose veins, venous “stars” - in general, all diseases of the veins.
There are a wide variety of leg injuries:
So, with any injury, the first thing you do is go to a traumatologist. Traumatologists reduce dislocations, apply plaster for fractures, and perform complex operations on bones and joints.
This is a doctor who treats various foot deformities (bumps on the feet), which, without treatment, lead children to flat feet and club feet.
An orthopedist treats deforming diseases of the feet and injuries to the legs and arms in adults and children.
With a dislocation of the hip joint, they also turn to an orthopedist.
Often, a doctor who combines all these methods of treating limbs (therapeutic and conservative) is called an orthopedic traumatologist.
Skin diseases of the legs are treated, of course, by a dermatologist. But fungus on your nails and feet will be cured by a mycologist - a specialist in fungal diseases. But it will be difficult for you to immediately determine that it is a fungus, so if you have skin diseases, you should first contact a dermatologist.
Rashes on the legs may be a manifestation of allergies, then an allergist will take care of you, but again after consulting a dermatologist. By the way, allergies often occur in people with low self-esteem, and here a psychotherapist will help you.
This doctor will also help with heavy sweating. And vascular networks on the thighs are often the result of a hormonal imbalance in the female body, and not varicose veins, as many people think.
This is where a gynecologist-endocrinologist will come to the rescue. Perhaps you are taking oral contraceptives (OC), then you need to know that they do not have a very good effect on the venous wall and can cause dilation of intradermal vessels. Pregnancy and gynecological diseases can also lead to this problem. The doctor will tell you how to preserve the beauty and health of your feet.
Now you know what kind of doctors there are and what leg diseases they treat, which means it will be easier for you to navigate the complex medical world.
Numbness of the feet is a process of complete or partial loss of sensitivity caused by compression of nerve trunks or endings, vascular formations. Loss of sensation in the legs (paresthesia) is caused by poor circulation in the body, pathology of the musculoskeletal system, and malignant neoplasms. Numbness of the foot may be accompanied by pain and a tingling sensation in the feet.
Numbness of the foot is a symptom accompanied by a huge number of diseases. The causes of numbness need to be diagnosed as quickly as possible. More often it appears in people over 30 years of age. Behind simple numbness in the foot there can be a serious illness, and if left untreated, it can harm your health. Repeated numbness of the feet is a serious reason to see a doctor; perhaps this is an SOS signal sent by the body so that you pay attention to it.
Numbness develops with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the presence of a blood clot in large vessels, heel spurs, diabetes mellitus and other pathologies. Only a doctor can determine the cause and say what causes paresthesia after collecting an anamnesis and examination. Treatment and self-diagnosis for numbness in the feet can be hazardous to health. Don't hesitate to see a doctor.
Numbness and pain - a feeling of discomfort and unpleasant tingling of the feet, legs or arms, causes - prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position when a nerve is pinched, passes quickly after the pinching is removed. Prolonged or frequently recurring numbness in the foot is a reason to consult a specialist. Treatment of numbness should be comprehensive and aimed at eliminating the cause. Prescribed medications, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture and other treatment methods are prescribed.
Numbness and pain in the legs in the area of the feet develops mainly in able-bodied and fairly young people, and carries a great danger. Numbness is accompanied by tingling in the left or right leg, burning, complete loss of sensitivity, and pain.
Common causes of numbness in the feet:
Neuropathy is a disease characterized by damage to the nerve endings in the lower extremities. Rarely occurs in isolation, in most cases it is a syndrome of diabetes mellitus or multiple sclerosis.
Neuropathy in the legs
Osteochondrosis – in 70% of cases it is the cause of numbness in the legs of any location, depending on which part of the spine is affected. Damage to the feet is observed when the lumbar spine is affected by osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is a disease in which dystrophic disorders occur in the structure of the cartilaginous tissue of the joint, nerve endings are pinched, the normal functioning of the nervous system and innervation of the legs are disrupted. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which blood clots form in the vessels - atherosclerotic plaques, representing accumulations of cholesterol and fatty acids. Plaques attach to the walls of blood vessels and partially close their lumen, which reduces the amount of blood passing through the vessels. Ischemia and oxygen starvation occur in the feet, and sensitivity disorders occur. Atherosclerosis is characterized by increased fatigue and pain. Diabetes mellitus. Often causes disturbances in trophism and blood circulation in the lower extremities, up to gangrene. Therefore, numbness of the foot in diabetes mellitus should immediately bring the patient to the doctor, since this is an alarming symptom of incipient gangrene. Multiple sclerosis. A disease in which nervous tissue is replaced by connective tissue, a serious disruption of trophism occurs. A feeling of numbness is the initial warning symptom of the disease.
Intervertebral hernia is the result of a violation of the structure and location of the intervertebral root of the spinal cord. When formed in the lumbosacral region it will lead to numbness of the feet. In the initial stage, a feeling of numbness in the feet may be replaced by general weakness, increased fatigue, and pain in the lower extremities. Violations of the functions of the pelvic organs and urination are often detected. Spondylosis is a disease of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by deformation of the vertebral bones; various outgrowths and spines form on them. As a result, the spinal cord and nerve roots are pinched, which causes disruption of the innervation of the feet. Manifests itself in the form of back pain and deterioration of the patient’s general condition. Obliterating endarteritis is obliteration (narrowing) of the lumen of arterial vessels as a result of various factors. This leads to a decrease in blood supply to the legs and the development of numbness in the feet. The disease is very dangerous, as it can lead to complete closure of the lumen of the vessel. Impaired blood supply to the brain. A number of factors can cause problems with blood flow to the brain. Causes: chronic alcoholism, vitamin deficiency, heart attacks, strokes. Under conditions of reduced oxygen supply to the brain, the generation and transmission of nerve signals is disrupted. Ischemic stroke, localized in the vertebral, inferior cerebellar artery, becomes a common cause of numbness. Thanks to intense numbness, it is possible to diagnose a stroke in the early stages of the disease.
Neoplasms. Tumor growth is atypical for the body, so it can give different symptoms. Numbness in the feet occurs due to tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Numbness of the feet in this case will not be the only symptom. Severe headaches occur and coordination of movements is impaired. Particular concern should be caused by the feeling of difficulty when it is necessary to distinguish warm water from cold. Raynaud's disease is a circulatory disorder that occurs spontaneously and in attacks. It leads to disruption of the blood supply to the feet and hands; these areas of the skin become very cold and may acquire a bluish cyanotic tint. Raynaud's disease occurs after an infectious disease, sometimes as a result of severe hypothermia. An attack of the disease rarely occurs spontaneously, usually provoked by an external factor: alcohol or drug intoxication, hypothermia, stress. Doctors talk about a hereditary predisposition to the disease. Vitamin deficiency. A lack of certain vitamins in the body contributes to the development of numbness in the feet. More often - vitamin B12. It is an important participant in the functioning of the nervous system. Absence causes rapid fatigue, feelings of weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, and increased irritability.
Having found out all the possible reasons for the development of numbness, having definitely found out that there is no serious pathology, you can begin treatment yourself at home. But do not start self-medication without preliminary diagnosis and advice from a doctor.
If the cause of numbness is the wrong position, change it and try not to stay in one position for a long time. Rubbing the skin in the area of numbness will help, which will quickly restore blood flow. Do not neglect sports activities - run, do exercises, dance. Do not make sudden movements. If numbness in the legs occurs suddenly, and is also accompanied by numbness in any other parts of the body, then immediately call an ambulance, as this may be a symptom of a developing cerebral stroke brain. Perhaps numbness in the feet is an age-related reaction to coffee, alcohol or strong tea. In this case, you need to give up these products. Switch to proper nutrition: various porridges - buckwheat, rice, oatmeal. Don't forget about vitamins. Try to avoid excessive sun exposure and hypothermia.
Contrast foot baths can be a good help in treating numbness. Take two vessels: one with warm water, the other with cold. Place your legs in each of them one by one for a few minutes. The manipulation must be carried out twice a day - in the morning and before bedtime. After the baths, lubricate your feet with rich cream and put on warm socks. Honey wraps. Honey is the best medicine for all diseases. In addition to honey, you will need a piece of cloth; you can take a piece of plastic bag or cling film. Places that often go numb are smeared with honey, wrapped with a piece of cloth on top so as not to stain socks or the bed, wrap a bag on top - this will prevent honey from leaking, put on socks. For a liter of water, take 10 grams of ammonia and 50 grams of camphor alcohol. Apply the mixture to your skin before going to bed. You can make massage movements so that the mixture is better absorbed. Garlic, or rather the tincture, will quickly help get rid of the feeling of numbness. Take 5 heads and push them through. Pour vodka over the garlic. Place the vessel in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. After this, take 2 times a day for at least a month. Take any vegetable fat and sugar, approximately half a glass. Mix them. Rub this mixture into areas prone to numbness. Afterwards, prepare a bath of 2 teaspoons of sea salt and warm water. Steam your feet in this bath for about 10-15 minutes.
December 07, 2015
Why do feet go numb? What treatment is used? Traditional methods of treatment Numbness in the legs is a dangerous phenomenon
A common disease in people is numbness of the feet, the causes and treatment of which have many different options. Symptoms of this disease usually appear in people over 30 years of age. Numbness of the feet is a rather dangerous disease, because it is usually a consequence of other serious diseases of the body. Therefore, you should not treat this disease negligently.
Some people do not pay special attention to numbness in the feet and often mistakenly think that the disease will go away on its own. If you feel pain and numbness in your legs, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Often this disease is caused by a disorder of the musculoskeletal system. It can also be a consequence of other reasons:
The presence of thrombus formations. Formation of spurs on the heel. Diabetes mellitus.
Only a doctor can determine why a person has numbness in the foot after a special examination of the patient. When carrying out treatment, you should follow all the doctor’s instructions and do not try to cure yourself.
A disease in which the feet go numb creates some discomfort and brings inconvenience. Most people know that the causes of foot numbness are usually caused by a short-term pinched nerve. This can happen, for example, if a person sits for a long time with one leg tucked under him or takes an uncomfortable position lying or standing. You can get rid of this uncomfortable feeling by simply changing the position or posture of the body, after which sensitivity reappears. But not all people are aware that numbness in the legs, which occurs for quite a long time, can be the cause of a more serious illness, and therefore, to correctly diagnose the disease, you should seek the help of a doctor.
There are only a few reasons why legs become numb. This may be due to osteochondrosis or disc herniation. To confirm their assumptions, the patient should visit a neurologist. When examining the patient, reasons will be established that will either confirm or refute the presence of this disease. The diagnosis can be confirmed by examining the patient’s spine using an ultrasound or X-ray machine. If necessary, the doctor may order an MRI.
One of the common causes of numbness in the feet is the appearance of spurs on the heel. If a problem of this kind arises, the patient should seek the help of an orthopedic traumatologist. After the diagnosis is completed, the doctor prescribes all the necessary medications to the patient, and sometimes may even prescribe the wearing of special therapeutic insoles.
The causes of numbness in a person’s legs are varied. These include microthrombi of the veins of the foot. Due to the presence of blood clots in the veins of the foot, blood circulation in the foot is impaired, resulting in numbness in the legs. In order to obtain an accurate confirmation of the diagnosis, the patient must consult a phlebologist or surgeon. The specialist will conduct Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities. In case of a mild stage of the disease, treatment will be carried out with medication, without any surgical interventions.
Another reason for a numb foot may be diabetes. If there are symptoms of the disease, the patient must undergo a test that will show the sugar level. If the leg is numb, this may be a sign of tuberculosis or cancer.
In order to establish the causes of the disease, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis. Nowadays, there are quite a lot of modern examination methods that accurately establish a diagnosis in the shortest possible time and help to detect the causes of numbness in the patient’s legs. Treatment time for this disease can take from several weeks to six months. With numbness of the feet, the patient must understand that an unfair attitude towards this type of disease can lead to its aggravation, then the treatment of numbness will take much longer.
The treatment process is often carried out in a hospital setting. First of all, doctors begin with a comprehensive diagnosis. The diagnosis of the patient is carried out by several doctors. Most often, the following doctors are able to determine the cause:
Neurologist. Orthopedist-traumatologist. Vertebrologist.
After passing the examination by all of the above doctors, the patient proceeds to the next part of the examination, which includes:
Donating blood for analysis. Ultrasound examination of blood vessels. X-ray of the area where the numbness occurs. Ultrasound of the vertebra.
Having completed the second stage of the examination, the doctor prescribes treatment based on the patient’s diagnostic results.
Kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy can be used to treat this disease.
Laser therapy and injections are also widespread.
Before starting to treat foot numbness with folk remedies, the patient should consult a doctor and find out from him whether it is possible to use this method of treatment. There are quite a lot of different methods of traditional treatment. Let's look at a few recipes.
To prepare the first recipe you will need a pinch of dry sweet clover herb. It must be placed in a glass and pour boiling water, then leave for a while. Use this infusion for two days. The dosage of the decoction is two to three glasses per day. The second method, which is no worse in its effect, is a contrast bath. This type of treatment involves immersing the legs alternately in cold and hot water. Afterwards, a warming ointment is applied to this area and a bandage made of warm material is applied for several hours. Another method that doctors recommend using is finger exercises. The patient needs to stretch his legs forward and bend and straighten his toes eighty times. This will allow the patient to feel improvement much faster in the area where there was numbness.
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This disease is dangerous because when it occurs, a person loses the ability to walk fully. Very often, many patients experience pain in the feet the next day after numbness, which leads to difficulty walking for the patient.
If the numbness of the feet was caused by a dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system (for example, the cause was osteochondrosis), then in this case the patient will need qualified help from specialists, which will make it possible to block the further development of the disease.
If we look at cases of cancer, they also make it difficult for a person to walk. This happens because the existing tumor begins to increase in size during its development, which in turn leads to numbness of the feet. This disease has quite a lot of unpleasant moments that bring pain and discomfort to the patient. In this case, you need to immediately see a doctor. A timely visit will allow doctors to cure this disease in the early stages, which will significantly reduce the treatment time and prevent the disease from progressing further.
Often people who suffer from numb feet have no idea what treatment should be. To do this, the patient must make an appointment with any specialist involved in the treatment of such diseases. The main point that should be remembered and not forgotten is timeliness in treatment.
After all, the state of your health will depend on how quickly you seek help. Therefore, by visiting a qualified specialist and undergoing a comprehensive examination, the patient will be able to save his time, money, and most importantly, will not allow the disease to progress further. Such actions will prevent the disease from developing into a more severe form.