10 Possible Reasons For Leg Pain And Numbness

Pain, numbness, and discomfort in the legs and feet are common problems responsible for countless doctors’ visits each year. Unless the cause can be pinpointed to a fall, injury, or something obvious, however, identifying the source of the discomfort may take a little detective work. Compiled below are ten common reasons for leg pain and numbness. From peripheral artery disease and diabetic neuropathy to sciatica and common electrolyte imbalances, keep reading to learn about each of these and other primary causes of leg pain in today's adults.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic autoimmune disorder caused by central nervous system damage, particularly the myelin sheath. While many MS sufferers often have remissions from symptoms, the condition is chronic and gets progressively worse over time. Common symptoms of MS include numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of balance. Numbness and tingling are typically the first signs of MS, and the sensations can range from minor to severe. In many cases, the symptoms can become severe enough to affect one’s ability to stand and walk.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder triggered by nerve damage as a result of diabetes. Approximately seventy percent of people with diabetes experience neuropathy in one form or another. Although the neuropathy can affect any area of the body, it often affects the legs and feet first. For many people suffering from nerve damage from diabetes, the first symptom is often numbness and tingling in the extremities, called peripheral neuropathy. Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include loss of balance, cramps and sharp pains in the legs and feet, and sensitivity to touch in the affected areas. Sores and blisters can sometimes develop on the feet, which may lead to infection. When combined with poor circulation, amputation may be necessary. If caught early on, however, amputation is preventable.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a medical condition in which the arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup. When the plaque hardens, it limits blood and oxygen supply to the rest of the body. In addition to other areas of the body, PAD often affects the legs and feet, resulting in numbness to each. In these areas, the risk of infection is also increased, which can lead to gangrene and amputation if not treated in time. PAD also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is important to consult a doctor immediately upon noticing any of the following symptoms: sores on feet or legs, leg pain when walking or climbing up stairs, weak pulse in legs, change in color, coldness in a foot or lower leg, and shiny skin on legs. The risk of PAD is higher for those who smoke or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition describing the narrowing of the area in the lower spine responsible for carrying nerves to the lower extremities. This area is very small, and it becomes even smaller when surrounding bone and tissue grows. Accidents, arthritis, and general wear and tear on the spinal bones and joints play a significant role in lumbar spinal stenosis. When the lumbar canal is restricted, the nerves traveling through it become squeezed, resulting in back pain as well as leg pain and weakness. Many adults knowingly and unknowingly suffer from this form of stenosis.

Sciatica

Back conditions, such as sciatica, often lead to leg pain as well. Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which begins in your lower back and travels down to your legs and feet. While sciatica can be difficult to diagnose and its symptoms sometimes diminish on their own, it is often the result of spinal stenosis. Sciatica and other spinal conditions may develop gradually, or they may come on suddenly. Much of the time, what once was tolerable turns into an acute issue. Arthritis or injury can lead to an acute development of sciatica as well.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a highly debated disorder responsible for exhaustion, sleeplessness, mood issues, memory problems, and widespread muscle pain. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, it is believed to stem from amplified pain signals in the brain. Twenty to thirty-five percent of those diagnosed with the disorder may experience tingling sensations and numbness in the lower extremities. These and other symptoms tend to occur after physical or psychological trauma, infections, surgery, or similar events. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than men. Although fibromyalgia involves many symptoms, leg numbness and tingling remains the most consistently pervasive.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is applied to the posterior tibial nerve, which is in the inner heel. Numbness and tingling can be felt in any part of the foot or ankle as a result of tarsal tunnel. While carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist and hand, tarsal tunnel syndrome is a similar syndrome of the feet. While less common, it is no less irritating or painful. In addition to numbness and tingling, other symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can include tightness, persistent or shooting pain, and burning or shock-like sensations. These symptoms may be persistent or sporadic and occur suddenly at any time. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated.

Arthritis

Arthritis comes in many forms. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common, breaks down joint cartilage, resulting in cartilage loss, bone spurs, and inflammation. Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis, which is also quite common, affects the lining of joints, resulting in joint pain and inflammation. Risk factors for arthritis include age, gender, family history, obesity, and previous joint injury. Despite being a joint disease, arthritis can also be felt throughout the leg and foot muscles. While the pain is in the joints, the muscles surrounding the joints can go into spasms and cause muscle pain as well.

Electrolyte Imbalance

A well-balanced combination of electrolytes is required for nerve support and healthy muscle function. Electrolytes include minerals like calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which carry an electric charge. These electrolytes are used to transmit signals vital for proper nerve, muscle, and heart function. They also affect the body’s water composition. Dehydration, diuretic medications, and kidney disease can all cause an electrolyte imbalance. For example, when the body’s sodium levels are depleted, the cells strain themselves due to a lack of fluid, resulting in painful cramps. Thus, when electrolyte levels become too low, leg pain can occur.

Muscle Strain

Though not as severe, muscle strain is another common cause of leg cramps and strains. Muscle strain usually results from increased activity and the overstretching of muscles. While a pulled or torn muscle leads to soreness, severe cramping, swelling, and weakness can also occur. Severe injuries can produce muscle tears, which are much more painful. When it comes to muscle strains and tears, the calf muscle is the most afflicted area. Treating a muscle strain involves rest, compression, elevation, and the application of ice throughout the day. While most muscle strains require nothing more than a little rest, physical therapy may help in severe cases. Stretching before exercise or activity may also help prevent the occurrence of muscle strains in the future.