Зміст
Tingling in the legs is probably a well-known ailment. It appears, for example, when sitting for a long time, throwing one leg over the other, when squatting or in another incorrect position with legs pressed together. Then the tingling usually goes away quickly, but sometimes the problem persists for an unknown reason.
It turns out that tingling is an element of paresthesia and is one of the symptoms that can indicate sensory disturbances. Its occurrence can be caused by various diseases, especially neurological ones. What does tingle in the legs mean? Learn about possible causes of tingling and numbness in the lower extremities.
Tingling in the legs – what is it?
Tingling in the legs is an abnormal sensory sensation that is often accompanied by a feeling of numbness. The general name covering all disorders of receiving or transmitting information about stimuli reaching the body to the brain is sensory disorders. If unpleasant sensations arise spontaneously, without any stimulus, as is typically the case with tingling, they are called paresthesia.
Causes of numbness and tingling in the lower limbs
Paresthesia’s, including a tingling sensation, can be associated with various diseases (for example, diseases of the spine, including discopathy) or appear in healthy people, for example, when staying in one position for a long time, as a result of taking drugs under the influence severe conditions, stress, lack of sleep or after significant physical exertion Dehydration and deficiency of vitamins and minerals, mainly B vitamins (for example, vitamin B6), as well as calcium, magnesium and potassium, can also be a source of problems. Electrolyte deficiency is also often the cause of unpleasant cramps in the calves at night.
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Paresthesia’s of the lower extremities can be an initial symptom of polyneuropathy. This is a neurological issue that can develop, for example, due to degeneration or inflammation. Tingling in the legs can occur with conditions such as degeneration of the posterior cords of the spinal cord, restless leg’s syndrome, or multiple sclerosis. Degeneration can cause unwanted pressure on the nerve, which also causes abnormal sensory sensations.
Tingling legs and neurological diseases
Unpleasant tingling can also indicate more serious diseases related to the nervous system. Possible causes include different types of neuropathies. In this case, damage to peripheral nerves leads to various unpleasant symptoms.
Tingling in the legs and heart disease
Numbness in the legs accompanied by tingling may be caused by a cariological problem. These are typical symptoms of impaired blood circulation in the limbs. And issues with blood flow in vessels are characteristic of such diseases as atherosclerosis or chronic venous insufficiency.
Tingling and numbness in the legs – when to consult a doctor?
It is usually difficult to determine the cause of tingling in the legs and feet. Therefore, when sensory disorders have been bothering us for a long time, are very noticeable, and their origin is unknown, it is worth contacting a doctor and finding the source of such a condition. Indications for a visit to a specialist, in addition to tingling, are other symptoms that are repeatedly mentioned, numbness of the legs, swelling, burning, cramps or complete loss of sensitivity in the foot.
Diagnosis and search for the cause of tingling in the limbs
The doctor always first conducts a detailed survey and medical examination, and then, depending on his suspicions, sends the patient to the appropriate tests.
Laboratory blood tests, imaging of the brain or spinal cord, magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography are used in the diagnosis of paresthesia’s. Often, specialists also prescribe an evaluation of the conduction of impulses by nerves with the help of electroneurography.
