Tingling & numbness in the legs: What you need to know

Numbness in the legs is a common condition affecting people of all ages, often causing discomfort and interfering with daily activities. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. But what does numbness in the legs indicate? Is it a serious health concern, and how can it be managed? Join ACC in exploring the answers in the article below!

1. Signs of leg numbness

When experiencing numbness in the feet, you may feel sensations like tingling, a “pins and needles” effect, or the sensation of ants crawling on your skin. In some cases, there may be a complete loss of sensation. This numbness can start in the toes or feet and gradually spread to the calves, thighs, and even the lower back.

2. Who is most at risk?

Leg numbness can affect individuals of all ages and professions. However, it is most commonly observed in:

• Pregnant women 
• Elderly
• Office workers 
• Laborers who lift heavy loads 
• Long-distance drivers 

3. Causes 

The causes of leg numbness can be categorized into three main groups:

3.1 Musculoskeletal Issues

• Sciatica: Injuries to the lower back, such as degenerative disc disease or herniated discs, can compress nearby nerve roots, leading to sciatica. This condition typically begins with pain in the lower back, which radiates to the hips and buttocks before extending down to the thighs, calves, and feet. In addition to pain, individuals may experience numbness and weakness in the lower limbs.

• Herniated Disc: This condition occurs when the nucleus pulposus of a spinal disc shifts out of place, pressing against the surrounding ligaments and nerve roots. In cases of lumbar disc herniation, individuals may first experience lower back pain and restricted mobility. Over time, symptoms can progress to sciatica and numbness in the legs, often noticeable on the instep, with difficulty bending and stretching the big toe.
• Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disorder affects the brain and central nervous system by attacking the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. As a result, communication between the brain and body is disrupted, leading to numbness in various areas, including the legs.
• Trauma: Injuries to the back, lumbar spine, hips, or lower extremities—including the ankles, feet, and legs—can compress nerve roots, often resulting in persistent leg numbness.
• Muscle Strain: Muscle spasms can inadvertently put pressure on nearby nerves, causing numbness and weakness. While muscle strains or tears can occur in different parts of the body, they are most common in the legs. Generally, these strains are not severe and improve with rest and recovery.
• Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks near the hip joint, plays a vital role in stabilizing the hip, assisting with thigh movement, and maintaining overall body balance. Since the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the piriformis muscle and down the leg, any dysfunction or irritation in this muscle—known as piriformis syndrome—can lead to sciatic nerve compression. This often results in sciatica, causing pain and numbness in the lower limbs.

3.2 Other Medical Conditions

• Anemia: A common cause of leg numbness, especially in pregnant women during the later stages of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, increased pressure on blood vessels and nerves can lead to poor circulation, resulting in numbness in distant areas like the legs.
• Nutrient Deficiency: A lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron can contribute to numbness in the feet. In addition to numbness, deficiencies may also cause symptoms like fatigue, lethargy, depression, dry skin, and brittle hair.
• Stroke Warning Sign: Stroke occurs when brain cells are deprived of oxygen due to a blocked or ruptured cerebral artery. Before a stroke happens, patients may experience warning signs, including numbness in the feet.
• Peripheral Artery Disease: This condition leads to narrowed arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs. It not only causes numbness and tingling but also makes walking difficult.
• Lupus: An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to peripheral neuropathy, causing numbness and tingling in the legs and arms.

3.3 Environmental Factors, Lifestyle, and Daily Habits

• Weather Changes: A common cause of limb numbness, especially in the elderly. When temperatures drop suddenly, blood circulation slows, preventing adequate blood flow to the extremities, particularly the lower limbs, resulting in numbness.
• Incorrect Sitting Posture or Prolonged Sitting: Poor posture is a primary factor leading to temporary numbness in the feet. Sitting incorrectly can place excessive pressure on nerve roots and capillaries in the lower limbs, potentially damaging nerves and restricting blood flow. This interruption leads to numbness and discomfort in the legs.
• Sitting Positions That Commonly Cause Leg Numbness:
  • Sitting cross-legged
  • Squatting
  • Kneeling upright

4. Numbness in the Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention?

You should consult a doctor promptly if you experience the following conditions:

• Persistent numbness in the feet that does not subside.
• Unexplained numbness without an identifiable cause.
• Numbness accompanied by additional symptoms such as:
  • Dizziness, vertigo, headaches, or nausea.
  • Numbness spreads from the feet to the thighs, hips, or face.
  • Weakness, mental fatigue, or signs of depression.
  • Changes in limb color.
  • Loss of sensation or abnormal tingling in the legs.
  • Leg pain.

5. Effective Ways to Relieve Leg Numbness

• Stand Up and Move (If Sitting for Too Long): If you’ve been sitting for an extended period, standing up and walking around can help restore circulation to the lower limbs and relieve nerve compression. Additionally, adjusting your sitting posture can prevent recurring numbness.
• Cold Compress: Applying ice wrapped in a clean towel to the affected area for about 15 minutes can help reduce swelling and nerve compression, effectively alleviating numbness.
• Addressing the Underlying Cause: To fully resolve leg numbness, it is essential to seek professional medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable healthcare facility. ACC Chiropractic Clinic – a member of FV group and Thomson Medical Group Singapore has successfully helped thousands of patients eliminate leg pain and numbness related to musculoskeletal and spinal conditions.

At ACC, a team of highly experienced doctors with nearly 2 decades working in Vietnam provides specialized treatment. With state-of-the-art equipment and a patient-centered approach, ACC develops individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s condition and the root cause of the issue.

If Numbness Is Due to Spinal Conditions:

For spinal-related numbness, ACC specialists recommend a combination of Chiropractic Adjustment and Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation to restore spinal alignment and relieve nerve pressure. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting spinal misalignments, facilitating nerve healing, and eliminating numbness at its source.

This treatment is enhanced by advanced physiotherapy techniques using cutting-edge equipment, including: