Leg numbness is a symptom that many people consider normal and don't pay much attention to or look for its causes.
Although it can often be normal, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed to prevent the problem from worsening.
So, follow along with this article on evercare to learn about the main causes of foot numbness and how to treat it.
Causes of Leg Numbness
The feeling of numbness in the feet is something many people seek to understand.
You may find people asking why their legs feel numb during sleep.
In fact, there are many common reasons that lead to a tingling sensation in the feet and legs, which are usually benign causes that shouldn't be worried about.
However, some serious diseases can cause tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, which require attention.
Here are some of the causes:
- Anxiety Disorders:
Some people who experience panic attacks or even mild anxiety may experience tingling in their feet as a common symptom of this feeling.
Chronic anxiety and stress can be a cause of leg numbness during sleep or during a panic attack, also called panic disorder.
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- Leg Numbness Due to Vitamin Deficiency:
A deficiency in certain vitamins in the body can lead to foot and limb numbness, such as those suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause pernicious anemia.
You can address this issue quickly by receiving IronBoost IV Drip, which contains all the ingredients to help increase hemoglobin levels and compensate for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Especially since anemia can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
Other important vitamins and minerals whose deficiency can lead to leg numbness include:
-
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin E
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
These vitamins and minerals help regulate the body's electrical charges, which assist in organizing nerve impulses, leading to balance and reducing the tingling sensation in the limbs.
If you experience tingling in the limbs, you can have the necessary laboratory tests to find out if the sensation is due to a vitamin deficiency.
If that's the cause, it's recommended to receive IV Drip Therapy that help strengthen the body and nerves, available through evercare.
- Leg Numbness in Pregnant Women:
Pressure on nerves due to the growing uterus during pregnancy, particularly in the leg nerves, may cause the feeling of numbness.
Since pregnancy is a sensitive period, doctors usually avoid giving large amounts of medication, and the cause of the tingling is one that cannot be changed during this time.
However, it can be alleviated by the following tips:
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Change your sitting posture.
- Stand comfortably and change your position frequently.
- Stretch your feet comfortably while sitting.
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- Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins can cause leg numbness, especially when swelling occurs, which is also accompanied by symptoms such as pulsation and burning in the legs.
- Leg Numbness in Diabetic Patients:
One of the chronic diseases that cause limb numbness is diabetes, with one of its main complications being neuropathy.
The tingling begins in the feet and legs and may extend to the arms and hands, occurring as a result of high blood sugar levels.
- Vascular Diseases:
Deep vein thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis, and varicose veins are vascular diseases that lead to numbness in the feet due to their symptoms, which disrupt the normal flow of blood to the body's organs.
These diseases are serious and can lead to blood clots that block blood flow to the limbs.
- Autoimmune Diseases:
Autoimmune diseases are serious illnesses, and among their symptoms is leg and limb numbness.
These diseases include:
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Lupus
- Celiac Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome
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Kidney Failure:
Diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, which in turn causes tingling in the feet as a natural result of the disease.
- Viral or Bacterial Infections:
Viruses and bacteria that cause diseases can affect the body’s nerves, leading to numbness in the feet, legs, and even the hands and arms as part of natural or even acute complications.
Some of these viruses and bacteria include:
- Lyme Disease
- Herpes Simplex Virus
- Shingles or Herpes
- HIV (AIDS)
- Cytomegalovirus
Treatment for Leg Numbness
In cases of mild leg numbness, you can simply change your sitting or standing position and avoid further concern.
However, if the problem persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek quick treatment.
In cases where leg numbness is accompanied by pain, imbalance, or difficulty while moving or standing, it is essential to consult a doctor urgently for an examination and necessary laboratory tests.
If a medical cause is found, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment for leg numbness and may advise wearing special shoes that offer greater comfort for the feet, along with other medical tips.
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Tips to Avoid Foot Numbness During Sleep
If you're experiencing numbness in the left or right leg or even in the legs, as mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to find appropriate treatment, especially if it continues or is accompanied by other symptoms.
We also recommend following these guidelines:
- Change your lifestyle by following a diet to lose weight or a healthy eating plan.
- Perform some exercises at home or at the gym, if possible.
- Pilates exercises are beneficial in improving blood flow to the lower limbs.
- Compensate for any vitamin deficiencies in the body.
- Immediately quit smoking, as it significantly affects blood circulation and nerve function.
- Consider massaging your feet before bedtime to improve blood circulation.
- Cold compresses for 15 minutes on the feet help reduce the tingling sensation.
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FAQs About Leg Numbness
What causes numbness in the right leg?
Numbness in the right leg can occur due to conditions that apply pressure on the nerves of the right foot.
What diseases cause numbness?
Diseases that cause numbness in the feet due to nerve pressure include multiple sclerosis, diabetes, neuropathy, and vascular diseases.
What vitamin deficiency causes numbness?
Vitamin B12 deficiency in the body can cause neurological symptoms leading to numbness in the legs and limbs.
What fruits are rich in Vitamin B12?
Fruits rich in Vitamin B12 include bananas, apples, kiwis, oranges, strawberries, mangoes, and blueberries, among others.
