If you’re experiencing numbness or a tingling sensation in the lower extremities, you may be quick to brush this off as normal. However, the unsettling sensation of numbness in your legs and feet can be a sign of various health concerns, ranging from nerve compression to circulatory problems.
One of the more serious causes of leg numbness is peripheral artery disease (PAD). If you notice a tingling sensation or a complete loss of feeling in the legs or feet, consult a vascular specialist for a thorough vascular screening. At USA Vascular Centers, minimally invasive treatment options are available for vascular conditions like PAD.
What is Leg Numbness?
Numbness in the legs is defined by the complete loss of feeling or lack of sensation. You may feel an uncomfortable tingling, prickling, or warming feeling. You may also experience a “pins and needles” sensation in the calves, thighs, or feet.
Temporary numbness in the legs is typically normal and can occur when circulation is impacted or a nerve is compressed. Sitting in one position for too long or sleeping in an awkward position may cause a brief period of numbness. However, recurring or chronic numbness in the legs may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition.
What Causes Numbness in Legs and Feet
If the numbness doesn’t go away on its own and is persistent, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. Some common medical conditions that cause numbness in the feet and legs include:
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, decreasing the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the lower extremities. Left untreated, this can cause moderate to severe symptoms, including numbness in the legs.
While leg numbness can occur with PAD, numbness in the feet is a very common and significant symptom because the feet are the farthest point from the heart, which means they are often the first and most severely affected by reduced blood flow.
Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, which can cause nerve damage in the lower extremities. This is commonly referred to as diabetic neuropathy. Patients may experience numbness paired with cramping or muscle weakness.
Peripheral Neuropathy
When the peripheral nerves are damaged, it can lead to a loss of sensation in the legs, hands, and feet. This condition can also cause muscle weakness, skin discoloration, and a loss of balance or coordination.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s Phenomenon can cause vasoconstriction, restricting blood flow to the lower extremities. The decrease in blood flow can cause numbness or a burning sensation in the legs or feet. The skin may also appear blue, pink, or pale.
Injury to the Brain, Spinal Cord, or Nerves
Injuries that damage the peripheral or sciatic nerve can lead to a loss of feeling in the lower extremities. Depending on the severity of your condition, physical therapy or surgery may be needed to restore feeling.
Other Conditions That May Cause Leg and Foot Numbness
Not all causes of numbness in the legs are life-threatening. Some common causes that are less severe and don’t require medical attention include:
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Spending too much time standing
- Sitting in the same position for a prolonged period
- Sleeping in an awkward position
- Poor posture
- Pregnancy
When Should I See a Doctor for Leg Numbness?
Consult a vascular specialist if the numbness is persistent and accompanied by pain, dizziness, or muscle weakness. Chronic numbness in the lower extremities can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as vascular disease, and shouldn’t be ignored.
How to Stop Numbness in Legs and Feet From PAD
If you’re struggling with numbness in the legs and feet, consult a vascular specialist for an accurate diagnosis. A vascular specialist may use an ankle-brachial index (ABI), ultrasound, or angiography during a thorough examination. Ultrasounds, MRIs, and blood tests may also be necessary.
If you’re diagnosed with PAD, your vascular doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan for your condition. Depending on your diagnosis, a vascular doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Angioplasty: A balloon is used to push plaque against the peripheral artery walls to help restore blood flow.
- Angioplasty with stent placement: Depending on your condition, a stent may be placed inside the artery to keep it propped open after an angioplasty.
- Atherectomy: A blade and a catheter remove plaque from the artery walls to restore blood flow.
PAD is a progressive disease that requires medical attention and treatment. When left untreated, PAD can impact mobility and lead to ulcers or slow-healing wounds.
Get The Expert Care You Deserve at USA Vascular Centers
Temporary numbness in the feet and legs is not always a cause for concern. However, if you’re experiencing persistent numbness paired with muscle weakness, pain, or discomfort, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for vascular issues like PAD. If you’re struggling with pain or numbness in the lower extremities, schedule a vascular screening at USA Vascular Centers. If you’re diagnosed with PAD, we’ll determine which minimally invasive treatment is right for you and offer a personalized treatment plan for your condition.
Schedule an appointment online or call us at 888.773.2193 to learn more.
FAQS
Is numbness from peripheral artery disease (PAD) constant or does it come and go?
It may depend on the severity of your condition. People with early-stage PAD may experience numbness that goes away when resting. While some individuals with more advanced symptoms may experience a chronic sensation of numbness.
What causes numbness in one leg?
Numbness in one leg can be caused by a pinched nerve, a herniated disc, or a more serious health condition like diabetes. If the numbness is persistent or accompanied by pain and discomfort, consult your medical provider.
Can a blood clot cause numbness in your leg?
Yes, blood clots in the lower extremities can cause numbness. Conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause blood clots in the deep veins in the legs, leading to numbness, swelling, and pain in the lower extremities.
What type of doctor should you see for numbness in your legs and feet?
Consult a vascular doctor if you’re experiencing persistent numbness in the lower extremities. A vascular doctor will perform a vascular screening and rule out serious health conditions.
