Staying in one position for a long time sometimes causes such an unpleasant sensation as numbness of the limb. Just remember what happens when you sit for a long time in the “leg to leg” position without changing legs or with one leg bent under you. The leg simply goes numb, feels like cotton wool with a noticeable or slight tingling sensation. It is very difficult to even stand on it. This is due to a completely understandable reason – pinched nerves and poor circulation. It is enough to actively stretch the muscle, and everything returns to normal. But what if the loss of sensitivity in the limbs, for example, numbness of the right leg, occurs for no apparent reason?
We have already discussed one of the reasons. This is an awkward position for the right leg while sitting. Numbness of the leg can also occur in a standing position if the right leg is used as a support leg for a long time. Sometimes men like to squat and lean their hand on their right leg bent at an angle of 90 ° C in the knee area. This can also cause loss of sensation in that leg for a period of time. Many people have already become accustomed to these causes of numbness in the limbs.
But the sensitivity of the leg can also be affected by other reasons, associated with the development of certain diseases, the presence or manifestations of which you did not even suspect. Numbness in the right leg may be one of the symptoms of these diseases, so in any case, a complete or partial examination of the body is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
Diseases accompanied by loss of sensation in the right leg include:
Numbness of the limbs can be one of the manifestations of multiple sclerosis, which affects the younger population, as well as a consequence of various injuries to the spine and limbs or frostbite.
Impaired sensitivity of the lower extremities can also be observed in pregnant women, especially at longer periods, due to the pressure of the fetus on the nerve endings and the increased load on the spinal area. The cause of numbness can even be the usual long-term lack of necessary vitamins and minerals in the body, as well as a state of severe fear.
Damage or strong mechanical stress to blood vessels or nerves located in a certain area of the body can cause numbness in the right leg. In this case, patients complain of a decrease in the sensitivity of the limb, a feeling of heaviness in it, limited functioning (the leg is difficult to bend or lift, it is almost impossible to stand on it, it is difficult for it to take a certain position). At first, these symptoms occur occasionally, but with the development of the disease that caused the numbness of the limb, these symptoms appear more often and their effect becomes longer lasting.
In severe and acute forms of some diseases, loss of sensation in the right lower limb can occur throughout the entire period of wakefulness, intensifying with active movement or prolonged adoption of a static state. In some cases, numbness of the leg may be accompanied by acute pain, both in the limb itself and in the lumbar or hip joints. The pain usually lasts for a few minutes and then subsides.
If the numbness of the right leg is caused by temporary compression of the nerve endings when sitting or standing and does not have deeper causes associated with the presence of certain diseases, it does not require special treatment and goes away on its own within 2-5 minutes when the limb takes a comfortable position and doesn't feel pressure.
If the loss of sensitivity is associated with the presence of concomitant diseases, then treatment of this condition may take a long period, since it comes down to eradicating the cause of the numbness of the limb, i.e. treatment of a disease that has caused damage to nerves or blood vessels.
The development and spread of the condition with loss of sensation in the limbs is associated with an increase in the number of patients with diseases that cause numbness in the arms and legs, as well as with the “rejuvenation” of some diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, etc., occurring at a younger and even young age .
The process of loss of sensation in the leg begins with unusual sensations, as if the limb is being squeezed or squeezed. There is an imaginary feeling that the skin is greatly stretched, and the leg increases in size and swells.
At first these sensations seem insignificant, then they intensify. Pronounced neurological reactions appear: a slight tingling sensation, which becomes more noticeable over time, “goosebumps” begin to run across the skin, and slight itching (tickling) occurs, especially in the foot area.
A person cannot, as usual, easily control a limb, which suddenly becomes “heavier” and becomes “wobbly.” The mobility of the joints is not impaired, but the ability to control it is temporarily lost. It is difficult to bend and move your leg.
The skin does not react well to touch. At first she feels nothing, and then unpleasant sensations of vibration appear inside the muscles. Numbness of the right leg, as well as the left, can be accompanied by cramps and pain, especially at night.
If numbness is caused by severe fear, shock or stress, it may be accompanied by frequent difficulty breathing, as well as cramps in the calf muscles.
It is very rare to encounter situations where the entire leg as a whole goes numb. Typically, numbness affects some part of the leg: foot, thigh, lower leg, toes. It is the localization of the symptoms of numbness that may indicate the possible cause of this unpleasant condition.
Numbness of the toes of the right foot (big, 2 and 3 fingers) may indicate the development of a lumbar hernia. The 5th nerve root of the spine, located in the lumbar region, is responsible for providing the fingers with nerves (innervation) and their functioning, which means that it is in this area that an intervertebral hernia can occur. The sensation may extend to the first 3 toes and the outer part of the lower leg.
Numbness in the little toe of the right foot may also indicate the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, but in a different place. The 1st nerve root of the sacrum is responsible for the innervation of the little finger and some part of the 4th toe, which means the hernia is located within the 1st sacral and 5th lumbar disc of the spine. In this case, numbness is felt throughout the little finger and can radiate to the heel.
If numbness of the right leg in the toe area is accompanied by swelling, redness, and a significant decrease in mobility, this may indicate the presence of diseases such as sciatica, spinal osteochondrosis, spondylitis, spondylosis, heel spur, etc. This may be a manifestation of Raynaud’s disease, arthritis, or indicate thermal tissue damage (burn, frostbite).
Numbness in the right foot most often indicates a heel spur. But osteochondrosis of the spine, intervertebral hernia, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, spondylosis (deformation of the vertebrae), inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and neuropathy of the tibial nerves can manifest themselves in the same way. In this case, the symptoms become more pronounced with active movements. Tingling and numbness in the legs can also occur at night. Walking on your heels becomes impossible due to pain.
Numbness in the lower leg of the right leg is most often observed on the outside of the lower leg itself. Patients complain of difficulty bending forward, putting on shoes, and raising a straight leg. Impaired sensitivity in this area most likely indicates various lesions of the spinal discs. Numbness in the calf area of the right leg, especially if it is accompanied by pain, cramps and muscle weakness, may be manifestations of various tunnel syndromes that appear due to compression of peripheral nerves in the canals.
Numbness in the thigh of the right leg can be caused by both vascular diseases and lesions of the vertebral discs. The thigh of the leg is the area from the knee to the hip joint, bounded by the groin line. There are many blood vessels, lymph nodes and nerve fibers passing through here, which means that numbness in the thigh can be caused by disorders and inflammatory processes in them.
Loss of sensation on the outside of the thigh in the upper part may indicate tunnel syndromes, a prime example of which is Bernhardt-Roth disease, intervertebral herniation in the area of 1-4 discs, and the presence of tumors in the area of nerve endings.
If the thigh goes numb inside the lower part, closer to the knee, this may indicate a violation of the femoral nerve in insufficiently wide canals and cause acute throbbing pain in a sitting position.
It's no secret that any disease is most easily treated and corrected at the initial stage, and advanced forms, if they do not develop into more serious conditions, then become chronic. If you do not take into account the temporary loss of sensation in the lower extremities due to an uncomfortable posture, lack of vitamins or pregnancy, this condition is evidence of serious disorders in the body, which means it must be treated with full responsibility.
If the frequently recurring numbness of the right leg is not given due importance, you may waste time and not diagnose a dangerous disease in time. And the consequences will depend on the course and degree of neglect of the disease, the symptom of which was the loss of sensation in the leg.
Over time, the sensations themselves may change. If you do not see a doctor in time, you can successfully wait until the situation gets worse. At first, numbness of the legs manifests itself only as a feeling of heaviness, “cottonness” and tingling; later it can cause difficulties in movement, decreased motor activity of the limbs, serious circulatory problems, even partial gangrene.
In addition, unpleasant sensations are often accompanied by pain, which significantly reduces the quality of life. For example, the patient cannot stand on his heel or rise on his toes normally, pain moves to the lower back and difficulty bending forward appears, pain can interfere with normal walking or sitting, does not allow him to raise a straight leg, night sleep is disturbed, etc. Such complications can in turn lead to anxiety, nervousness and depression, especially at a young active age.
In order to avoid unpleasant and even dangerous consequences, it is necessary to begin timely treatment of the existing cause of loss of sensation in the right leg. But for effective and correct treatment, an accurate diagnosis is necessary. You need to understand that numbness in the right leg is not a diagnosis, but just a symptom of a possibly more serious pathology. This is exactly what needs to be identified.
It is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis based solely on the patient’s complaints. Some aspects may indicate the most likely causes of leg numbness, and only a specialized (or general) examination of the body can clarify the presence or absence of a particular pathology.
An important step in making a diagnosis is instrumental diagnostics. The most popular types of examinations prescribed by a doctor (general practitioner, rheumatologist, vascular surgeon, orthopedist, etc.) are MRI (tomography), ultrasound (ultrasound examination of the spine) and x-ray of the spine.
Sometimes, if vascular pathology is suspected, specific methods are added to these studies: EEG (echoencephalography), ultrasound (Dopplerography of the head and neck), ultrasound of the heart, cardiogram, x-ray of the foot, etc.
If diabetes mellitus and other pathologies of internal organs that cause numbness in the arms and legs are suspected, laboratory tests of blood and urine, spirography, liver tests, etc. are prescribed. Based on laboratory parameters and instrumental examination data, a more accurate differential diagnosis is carried out, taking into account the patient’s complaints and the collected medical history.
Treatment of any pathology begins only after the correct diagnosis has been established. Numbness of the right leg is just one of the symptoms of many diseases, which must be treated in conjunction with the disease itself that caused this condition.
The medications prescribed by your specialist will depend on the disease that is causing the numbness and pain in your legs. Since numbness in the extremities is most often associated with disorders of the spine and rheumatic diseases, to relieve this symptom, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets, which relieve inflammation in the affected area and have an antipyretic and analgesic effect.
"Diclofenac" is the most popular among the non-steroidal group used for various spinal lesions. The recommended daily dose is 50-150 mg (2 to 6 tablets per day). Taking the drug should be divided into 2-3 times. The tablets should be taken whole with a small amount of liquid during or immediately after meals.
There are certain contraindications to taking Diclofenac:
Taking the drug can cause the following side effects: various disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, including bleeding, headaches and dizziness, tinnitus, rash and itching of the skin, urinary retention. Very rare (less than 1%): malfunctions of the pancreas and liver, sleep and rest disturbances, seizures, dermatitis, problems with the kidneys and genitourinary system, incl. acute renal failure, as well as certain disorders in the hematopoietic, respiratory, immune and cardiovascular systems.
Patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency should take Diclofenac with caution. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician with the necessary control laboratory tests. The drug negatively affects attention and reaction speed.
Analogues of Diclofenac with the same active ingredient are Voltaren, Naklofen SR, Diclofenac retard.
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Depending on the type of disease and severity, take 1 to 2 tablets per day once. Eating does not affect the effectiveness of the drug.
Contraindications for use are:
Patients with ischemia, diabetes mellitus and other diseases of the cardiovascular and immune systems, elderly people, as well as patients with addiction to alcohol and smoking should be careful when taking the drug. Meloxicam also has a negative effect on concentration, causing drowsiness.
Side effects: disturbances in the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, anemia, skin rashes, dizziness and headaches, swelling. Sometimes bleeding appears in the gastrointestinal tract, changes in blood composition, tinnitus, increased blood pressure and heart rate, etc. Other health and well-being disorders are extremely rare.
For external use, doctors can prescribe Ibuprofen in the form of a gel. The dosage of this drug depends on the size of the affected area. Typically, a 4 to 10 cm strip of gel is applied to the skin and rubbed in with light, smooth movements. The course of treatment is 14-21 days.
The drug is prohibited for use in the following cases:
If you are intolerant to the drug, spasms in the bronchi may occur; other side effects (in the form of allergic reactions) are very rare. Patients with severe liver or kidney disease should be careful when using Ibuprofen.
Very often, for the treatment of diseases that cause numbness in the right or left leg, muscle relaxants , which inhibit nerve impulses and have an analgesic effect. The most popular of them is the drug Mydocalm . The initial dose of the drug is 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, gradually the dose is increased to 3 tablets 2-3 times a day. The dosage for children is calculated based on the patient’s weight - from 2 to 5 mg per 1 kg of weight.
The following are considered contraindications for use:
Side effects: headaches, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, discomfort in the stomach and intestines, various allergic reactions are possible.
If necessary, for patients with numbness in the right leg or other extremities, the attending physician may prescribe drugs from the group of corticosteroids (Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone), which have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
In parallel with the specific treatment, the body is saturated with vitamins , for which vitamin-mineral complexes with a predominance of B vitamins are prescribed. Particular attention is paid to the case when numbness of the right leg is caused by a long-term lack of vitamins in the patient’s body.
Physiotherapeutic treatment plays a non-fundamental, but no less important role in treating the causes of numbness of the extremities. In combination with drug therapy, physiotherapy can significantly improve the patient’s condition and well-being.
Physiotherapy for numbness of the right leg includes: phototherapy using a therapeutic laser, ultrasound, electro- and phonophoresis, pain relief using the Amplipulse device, etc.
In addition, patients are prescribed physical therapy, moderate physical activity against the backdrop of a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet. If there are no contraindications, then swimming, running and skiing have a good effect.
Traditional medicine, as always, does not stand aside from the problem of numbness of the limbs. Her recipes can, if not cure, then significantly alleviate the condition of a patient with numbness in the right leg. In the bins of traditional healers there are remedies for both internal and external use.
Garlic tincture . Chop several heads of garlic and fill a third of a half-liter jar with it. Fill the dishes to the top with 36-40% alcohol (you can take high-quality vodka, moonshine) and let it steep for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. The product should be taken orally, 5 drops with a small amount of water. It is recommended to do this 3 times a day.
Rubbing to increase blood circulation . Take 3-4 red hot peppers and a couple of pickled cucumbers, cut them into small pieces (or put them through a meat grinder) and pour in the mixture? liter of vodka. We insist the composition for a week in a dark place.
Black pepper tincture for massage . Add 100 g of ground pepper to 1 liter of vegetable oil and place on very low heat. We warm up the composition for half an hour.
Lilac tincture for compresses . Pour lilac flowers (1 glass) liter of vodka or moonshine. We insist for a week.
Honey wrap . Apply a thin layer of honey to the numb areas and wrap them in a cotton cloth. This should be done at night. Usually 3-4 wraps are enough.
Herbal treatment takes pride of place in folk medicine. Helping patients with right leg numbness is no exception.
Instead of chamomile and mint, you can use sage herb or a mixture of herbs: nettle, oregano, burdock. You can also practice contrast baths with hot and cold water, which also has a positive effect on the patient’s condition.
Despite all the many recipes of traditional medicine, they alone cannot cure the disease. The desired effect is achieved only through the integrated use of traditional methods, physiotherapy and drug treatment. If you are not a fan of synthetic dosage forms, but prefer natural remedies, then homeopathic remedies are just what the doctor ordered for you.
Aconitum napellus (blue wrestler or aconite) is a homeopathic remedy of wide use. It affects the central nervous system and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, relieving fever and pain.
Dosage and method of application. Like most homeopathic remedies, “Aconite” is available in the form of granules, which are taken 8 pieces at a time, placed under the tongue. In the first three days, the drug is supposed to be taken five times a day, in the next 10-14 days the granules are taken 3 times a day, and only then they switch to a twice-daily regimen. The drug should be taken half an hour before meals or an hour after meals.
The duration of treatment with Aconite granules is prescribed by the doctor. He may also suggest trying the tincture of the same name. For diseases of the spine and joints, this tincture is used externally 2 times a day for a month.
Precautionary measures. Since blue wrestler is a very poisonous plant, treatment with a drug based on it should be carried out strictly according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor. You need to pay attention to any unusual symptoms. Side effects of the drug are usually associated either with intolerance to the active substance or with an overdose of the drug. Symptoms of overdose: nausea accompanied by vomiting, numbness of the face, feeling of cold or heat in the extremities, thirst, dry mouth, muscle cramps, drop in blood pressure, blurred vision. Uncontrolled use of the drug can be fatal.
For numbness in the right leg, a homeopathic doctor may prescribe the drug Secale cornutum (ergot), a homeopathic remedy based on fungal mycelium. It is taken in low dilutions, the dosage will be indicated by the doctor himself. The drug is also quite poisonous.
Calcarea phosphorica (calcium phosphate) is prescribed for rheumatic diseases that cause numbness and coldness in the extremities. Homeopaths prescribe the required dosage, but usually it is a 3, 6 or 12 fold dilution.
Sometimes, when there is a feeling of coldness in the extremities associated with joint diseases, doctors recommend the homeopathic medicine Calcium carbonicum (calcium carbonate) based on oyster shells. The homeopathic remedy is available in the form of granules, drops or powder, the effective and safe doses of which, as well as the duration of the course of treatment, will be indicated by the doctor when prescribing this drug. An overdose of the drug can cause metabolic disorders.
For peripheral circulation disorders and associated numbness of the right leg, homeopathy often prescribes the drug Aesculus compositum in the form of an alcohol solution. A single dose for adult patients is 10 drops, for children - from 3 to 10 drops, depending on age. You need to take the drug three times a day, half an hour before meals, diluting it in a small amount of water (5 ml).
Contraindications to taking homeopathic remedies may include childhood, pregnancy and lactation, as well as hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
It is preferable to purchase any homeopathic remedies in specialized pharmacies, where it is possible to get a consultation with a homeopathic doctor, who will prescribe a course of treatment. This is very important, considering that some homeopathic medicines contain toxic substances, which in recommended doses have a good therapeutic effect, but in case of overdose pose a danger to health and life in general.
In addition, when turning to homeopathy for help, you must be prepared for the fact that treatment with such remedies will be quite long, and you should not expect quick results. Just as you shouldn’t stop halfway.
Surgical treatment for numbness of the right leg is carried out only in connection with the treatment of concomitant diseases that caused this condition. This can be either phlebectomy for varicose veins or surgical removal of a tumor or intervertebral hernia.