Feeling frequent numbness in legs? It might be the symptom of these diseases

Numbness in the legs may be the first symptom of a basic health crisis and should not be ignored. This mostly happens due to pressure on the nerves or insufficient blood circulation. Numbness, tingling, piercing pain, feeling of ‘pins and needles’ or complete loss of sensation could happen when the nerves in the legs get damaged or due to insufficient blood circulation. It could also happen temporarily due to sitting or standing in one position for too long, diabetes, nervous disorder or poor blood circulation. Do not delay consulting a medical practitioner if the numbness persists and there is weakness, pain or difficulty walking. Numbness in the legs could be a symptom of some of these health conditions:

Diabetes
The high blood sugar level could eventually cause damage to the nerves and may lead to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This first affects the legs before spreading to other body parts. Diabetic neuropathy may be the reason for numbness, spasms and piercing pain. Insufficient or poor blood circulation due to diabetes will worsen the functioning of the nervous system. So, controlling the blood sugar level is essential to prevent these symptoms from worsening.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the legs or arms. It causes symptoms like numbness, cramping, pain or difficulty walking. If ignored, PAD could lead to other severe health conditions. Wounds and infections are likely to affect the legs due to insufficient blood circulation.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that breaks down the myelin sheath, which protects the nerve cells, compromising the nervous system. Moreover, it disrupts the communication between nerves, leading to numbness, weakness and loss of balance. The numbness in the legs and other organs is one of the first symptoms of MS.

Stroke
A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain gets blocked and disrupts the functioning of the nervous system. Numbness in one leg (or on one side of the body) could be a symptom of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), which is also known as a mini-stroke. Swift medical attention is essential to prevent further damage.

Vitamin deficiency
Deficiency of essential vitamins like B12, B6 and E could damage the nervous system and cause numbness and cramps in the legs. Meanwhile, deficiency of vitamin B12 is one of the main reasons for peripheral neuropathy, which may eventually lead to nervous disorder. Healthy functioning of the nerves could be regained by following a well-balanced diet or taking vitamin supplements.

Pinched nerves
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by a bone, cartilage, or muscles, when hips dislocate, or when arthritis and injuries occur. Lumbar Radiculopathy causes numbness, weakness, difficulty walking and severe pain while bending or moving your body.

Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid and arthritis could cause swollen nerves and numbness in the legs, a major symptom of this condition. Meanwhile, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves too, may cause numbness in the legs, weakness, and even stroke in some severe cases. If the numbness, cramping and loss of balance accompany other symptoms like severe pain, then consult a medical practitioner for proper diagnosis.