What causes numbness in the feet and soreness in the legs?
May 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Numbness in the feet and soreness in the legs may be caused by physiological factors, but could also result from pathological conditions such as varicose veins or lumbar disc herniation. Prolonged standing or walking, excessive exercise, and similar activities may lead to sustained muscle contraction, causing muscle fatigue and depleting energy and nutrients within the muscles, thereby impairing normal muscle function.
Numbness in the feet and leg soreness may be caused by physiological factors, but they could also result from pathological conditions such as varicose veins or lumbar disc herniation. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
Prolonged standing or walking, excessive exercise, and similar activities may lead to sustained muscle contraction, causing muscle fatigue. This results in the depletion of energy and nutrients within the muscles, impairing their normal function and leading to discomfort in the lower limbs. This condition does not require special treatment and usually resolves with adequate rest.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Varicose Veins
Varicose veins cause blood vessel dilation and valve dysfunction, thereby impairing blood circulation. When circulation is compromised, oxygen and nutrient supply to muscle tissues becomes insufficient and waste removal is hindered, leading to symptoms such as aching, swelling, discomfort, and visible vein bulging. For recurrent cases, patients may undergo surgical treatments such as high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein or endovenous laser therapy.
2) Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar disc herniation may cause the intervertebral disc or nucleus pulposus to protrude backward, compressing nerve roots, disrupting nerve signal transmission, and resulting in symptoms such as lower back pain, leg numbness, and pain. Patients can receive physical therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and traction to help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
In addition to the above causes, leg discomfort may also be due to sciatica, peripheral neuritis, spinal stenosis, or other conditions. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive standardized management or treatment.
