Numbness of the lower extremities occurs when the nerve is clamped and causes a feeling of tingling, chilliness or burning. For a while, a person ceases to feel his legs. So, why does the right leg go numb and the left is not felt? It is very important to understand the reasons and take timely measures, since the source of leg numbing is not always so harmless.
A few reasons why your feet go numb
Discomfort is a consequence of a disturbance in the supply of receptor impulses to the cerebral cortex. The most insignificant cause of numbness of the legs can be called a long stay in one position, for example, during sleep. When you change the posture, the ability to feel your limbs returns to the person.
However, in some cases, the main reasons why the legs go numb are the development of osteochondrosis and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a vasoconstriction disease in which there is a violation of the blood supply. Symptoms of the disease are: pain in the legs and arms, general weakness, numbness of the limbs. This disease is mainly affected by older people. The presence of bad habits, the use of unhealthy foods, and excess weight also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Dystrophic disorders of the cartilage of the spine, called osteochondrosis, no less often lead to numbness of the limbs. This happens due to compression of the nerve endings in the spinal cord. The disease is inherent in people of different age categories, prone to a sedentary lifestyle. Immediately after the detection of the disease, it becomes possible to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis with the help of massages and various gymnastic exercises.
Patients with such a diagnosis are often perplexed: "Why is the left leg numb, what is the cause of the numbness of the right?" Unfortunately, the presence of osteochondrosis, as well as scoliosis, vertebral trauma can lead to such a serious complication as intervertebral hernia. By compressing the nerve ending, it causes tissue spasms. Symptoms of the disease are not only insensitivity of the limbs, but also fainting, pain in the spine. In most cases, people with an intervertebral hernia require surgery.
Why are my legs numb? Lack of B vitamins may be the answer to this question. For example, vitamin B12 is needed for metabolic processes in nerve fibers. An insufficient amount leads to cardiac arrhythmia, rapid fatigue, as well as to numbness of the limbs.
Raynaud's disease is a rare disease, the symptom of which is complete inaction of the arms and legs due to impaired blood flow. This also turns out to be the reason why the legs go numb. The disease cannot be cured, but it is possible to suspend its course if stress and overcooling are not allowed. Numbness of the legs is also a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. This disease occurs as a result of joint deformation. This is one of the main consequences of the transfer of serious illnesses of an infectious type.
In any case, in order to determine the cause of numbness of the legs, you should consult a qualified specialist.