Numbness in Legs: 8 Causes, Treatment

Leg numbness is usually not harmful, but it may be a sign of an underlying cause, such as a pinched nerve, herniated disc, or chronic condition like diabetes or lupus. Numbness or tingling in the legs may feel like pins and needles after sitting the wrong way, or fatigue after standing too long. You might feel numbness and tingling on one side of your body in your entire leg, below your knee, or your thigh.

It’s best to figure out the cause of leg numbness, especially if it happens frequently or if the numb sensation travels to other body parts. Treatment for the underlying cause, as well as pain medicines, can stop numbness in the legs and feet.

A pinched nerve (pressed or compressed nerve) is exactly what it sounds like. Some structures around the nerve—muscles, tendons, tissue, and bone—pinch the nerve and cause different sensations, including numbness in your legs.

You may develop sciatica if you have a pinched nerve. Sciatica is pain that radiates the length of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down each leg. Some people with sciatica may have leg numbness. You may have numbness and tingling in different parts of your leg, such as your thigh or below your knee.

You can usually treat a pinched nerve without a lot of hassle. Treatment includes pain relievers and physical therapy. Although rare, you may require surgery if a pinched nerve causes weakness and pain.

A herniated disk can lead to a pinched nerve. Think of your spine as a series of bones connected by disks and those disks as jelly donuts. If the jelly squeezes out, you’ll have a herniated, slipped, or ruptured disk. The jelly can press a nerve, causing numbness and tingling, if it squeezes downward.

The slightest wrong move can cause a herniated disk. Bending forward often makes the disks go backward. Lifting something when hunched forward in that position is particularly risky.

You can often treat herniated disks conservatively with physical therapy and pain relievers. You may require surgery in severe cases.

Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, occurs in people with diabetes who have uncontrolled high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Affected nerves may include those that transmit messages between the brain and spine and other body parts, such as the legs. Diabetic neuropathy can affect different parts of the leg. Proximal neuropathy, for example, affects the thighs, hips, and glutes.

You can prevent this nerve damage by controlling your blood sugar with diet, exercise, and medication. There’s no cure once you have nerve damage, but you can manage symptoms. You’ll need to examine your feet and legs daily to ensure no problems develop. Numbness can make it hard to notice nicks or cuts that may lead to dangerous infections.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which covers nerve cells. The condition may cause numbness in different body parts, including the legs.

The exact cause of MS is unknown. Some evidence suggests that genetics and infections by slow-acting or dormant viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may increase your risk. There’s no cure for MS, but medications and physical therapy help manage symptoms.

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. People with lupus may develop nerve damage that commonly results in numbness on one side of the body. You might have numbness, paralysis, and weakness of the arm, face, or leg.

You can sometimes treat leg numbness by treating the underlying problem. Lupus treatments include biologic drugs, pain relievers, and topical corticosteroids.

A study published in 2018 noted that about 50% and 30% of all strokes occur in people older than 75 and 85, respectively. Symptoms tend to be the same: slurred speech, numbness, and weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. These symptoms come on suddenly and are more common in people with high blood pressure, a history of smoking, and diabetes.

Medication can prevent permanent damage from certain strokes, but you must start it quickly. Get immediate medical attention at the first sign of a stroke.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your arms and legs. PAD can make walking painful, in addition to leg numbness and tingling.

PAD is usually a sign of atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty substances in your arteries. Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for heart attack or stroke. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can stave off PAD and its complications. There are medications to help if lifestyle changes are not enough.

Although rare, a tumor may grow in a way that presses on a nerve, causing leg numbness and tingling. Discuss long-lasting leg numbness and tingling with a healthcare provider to rule out cancer. Treatment may include chemotherapy, which may cause nerve damage in some people.

You’ll want to talk to a healthcare provider if you have leg numbness and tingling and unusual symptoms like frequent urination, muscle spasms, and pain. They can perform a physical exam and administer blood and imaging tests to determine the cause.

Other diagnostic tests may include:

• Cold stimulation test: Checks for Raynaud’s phenomenon, a disorder that causes the blood vessels to narrow when you are cold
• Electromyography: Measures muscle activity in response to stimulating the nerves
• Genetic testing: Looks for gene mutations that run in families and cause nerve problems
• Lumbar puncture: Checks for central nervous system disorders

Several possible causes of leg numbness and tingling. Treatment often depends on the underlying cause. A healthcare provider will instruct you how to control your blood sugar, for example, if you have diabetes.

A healthcare provider may prescribe pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, or antidepressants to help alleviate nerve pain in your leg. These medicines do not prevent or reverse nerve damage. Physical therapy can help with balance and strength. Some evidence suggests alternative therapies like acupuncture, meditation, and mindfulness may help.

Supplements may also help if a nutrient deficiency is causing your leg numbness. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minimally regulates supplements, which may cause side effects and may not be suitable for you.

Home Remedies

You may be able to relieve leg numbness and pain at home temporarily. Here are some home remedies to try in addition to medical treatment:

• Apply a cool compress or heat
• Get regular physical activity
• Massage the area
• Rest and elevate your legs
• Soak in an Epsom salt bath
• Wear a knee brace or compression socks

There are several possible causes of numbness and tingling in the legs. You might feel pins and needs after sitting for long periods. Numb legs might also be a sign of a pinched nerve or an underlying health condition, including diabetes, lupus, and MS. See a healthcare provider if your numbness persists. They can administer tests to figure out the cause and advise treatment.