Numbness of the legs can be either temporary, for example, when lying or sitting for a long time in one position, or permanent, for no apparent reason. If the first option should not cause any suspicion, then the second is obliged to alert the person and encourage him to take decisive actions, that is, turn to doctors. In this article, we will familiarize ourselves with the concept of numbness of the legs and learn how to get rid of it.
Numbness of the leg is an unpleasant tingling sensation, a kind of "crawling creeps", accompanied by a decrease in skin sensitivity, impaired mobility in the joints and sometimes pain.
Often, numbness is a consequence of a violation of the blood supply to the tissues or compression of the nerve, that is, a normal reaction of the body. However, in some cases, it is a sign of a disease of the nervous system or indicates serious illnesses, such as a brain tumor or necrosis of its area (stroke).
How to find out the cause of numbness in the legs?
If numbness occurs often enough and lasts more than 3 minutes, then to find out the cause of its occurrence, it is better to consult a neurologist. Numbness of the legs can be examined using various methods, such as:
- Computed tomography (CT) and X-ray. Using this method, it is possible to identify bone fractures (possible causes of nerve damage), osteochondrosis, arthritis, herniated discs and other diseases;
- Ultrasound of blood vessels (Doppler examination). It is used to diagnose vascular diseases, that is, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities and others;
- Magnetic nuclear resonance, electroneuromyography. This method allows you to determine the location of nerve damage and identify neuropathy of the ulnar neuron, carpal tunnel syndrome and other diseases;
- General blood analysis. With it, you can detect iron deficiency and pernicious anemia.
For a complete diagnosis of these methods may not be enough, therefore, you can use both other examination methods and the advice of specialists (traumatologists and so on). Well, the treatment of leg numbness depends primarily on the causes of its occurrence and development.
Numbness of the leg below the knee, feet, legs, or even toes can be triggered by various diseases that disrupt blood circulation in the legs or lead to nerve damage.
In which case you need to see a doctor?
Often, numbness of the legs is provoked by causes that are not dangerous to human life. However, if the following problems arise against it, then medical assistance is necessary:
- A person cannot move normally, speak clearly;
- He is troubled by dizziness, severe weakness;
- A person cannot move his foot or toes;
- Numbness arose shortly after a leg injury;
- Involuntary bowel or bladder emptying has occurred.
Treatment for foot numbness
As we wrote above, the treatment of leg numbness depends entirely on the reasons for its development. And given the fact that it is often caused by diseases that threaten a person’s life, only a doctor can prescribe treatment. However, you can use some effective folk methods to get rid of this problem.
Firstly, constant numbness of the legs can be overcome with movements. They are the most effective means of combating numbness, since blood circulation in the human body depends on them. Regular physical activity, such as aerobics, running and even brisk walking, will help to get rid of the problem of numbness of the legs, because they help improve blood circulation.
Secondly, weak vessels are a common cause of numbness. Therefore, they need to be strengthened using the Niche technique. The simplest, but very effective exercise: you need to lie on your back and put a roller under your neck. Legs and hands should be raised up so that the feet become parallel to the floor. Then, for 2-3 minutes, you need to shake your legs and hands.
Thirdly, tunnel syndrome can also cause numbness of the legs, so during operation (especially monotonous), do not forget to take small breaks (every 60 minutes).
And, fourthly, the negative effects of smoking can also affect the legs, because it provokes the occurrence of spasms of small vessels. So, if you want to get rid of numbness in your legs, you need to start with getting rid of this addiction.