Numbness of the lower extremities occurs when a nerve is pinched and causes a feeling of tingling, chilliness or burning. For some time, a person ceases to feel his legs. So, why is the right leg numb and the left one not felt? It is very important to understand the causes and take timely measures, since the source of numbness in the legs is not always so harmless.
Several reasons why feet go numb
Discomfort is a consequence of a violation of the supply of receptor impulses to the cerebral cortex. The most insignificant cause of leg numbness can be called a long stay in one position, for example, during sleep. When the posture changes, the ability to feel one's limbs returns to the person.
However, in some cases, the main reasons why the legs go numb is the development of osteochondrosis and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease of vasoconstriction, in which there is a violation of the blood supply. Symptoms of the disease are as follows: pain in the legs and arms, general weakness, stiffness of the limbs. This disease mainly affects the elderly. The presence of bad habits, eating junk food, being overweight also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Destrophic disorders of the cartilage of the spine, called osteochondrosis, no less often lead to numbness of the extremities. 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 reason for the numbness of the right?” Unfortunately, the presence of osteochondrosis, as well as scoliosis, vertebral injuries can lead to such a serious complication as an 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 herniated discs require surgery.
Why do my legs go numb? A 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 of it leads to cardiac arrhythmia, rapid fatigue, and numbness of the limbs.
Raynaud's disease is a rare condition characterized by complete inactivity of the arms and legs due to impaired blood flow. This is also the reason why the legs go numb. The disease is not curable, but it is possible to stop its course if notallow stress and hypothermia of the body. Numbness in the legs is also a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. This disease occurs as a result of deformity of the joints. This is one of the main consequences of suffering serious illnesses of an infectious type.
In any case, in order to determine the cause of leg numbness, you should consult a qualified specialist.
