Signs and Symptoms of Numbness in the Legs

Leg numbness, sometimes referred to as paresthesias or sensory loss, is a condition that can occur in one or both legs where the legs are unable to feel heat, cold or pressure. Sometimes when leg numbness is present, a tingling sensation is felt. Signs of numbness in the legs can be caused from an injury or indicate a health condition that requires medical attention.

Sciatica

• When leg pain, along with numbness, starts in the buttocks and travels down the leg, it indicates a symptom of sciatica. A protruding disc, known as radiculopathy, causes sciatica. This is a disc out of position in the spine that puts pressure on the radicular nerve. Symptoms include sharp pain, a burning sensation down the leg and weakness or numbness. Most who suffer from sciatica do not require surgery, and symptoms will subside over time.

Stenosis

• Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine that usually occurs in the lumbar or lower back region. The spaces between vertebrae become smaller as they lose water with age. The discs between the vertebrae lose their ability to absorb shock, making daily activity difficult. As the disks degenerate, the vertebrae shift and squeeze the nerves in the spinal cord, causing numbness and tingling in the leg.

Atherosclerosis

• Atherosclerosis causes a large buildup of plaque or fatty material in the arteries. This condition causes narrowing and blockage which leads to pain in the leg. Symptoms usually appear when the narrowing is severe due to blood flow that cannot keep up with the demand for oxygen to the muscle. As the blockage continues to develop, numbness and a cold feeling occur.

Other Conditions

• There are other conditions that may produce signs and symptoms of numbness in the legs. These include herpes zoster (shingles), abnormally low levels of vitamin B12, calcium, potassium and sodium, toxic damage from alcohol, lead or tobacco, radiation therapy, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.