What does numbness in the left leg indicate?
Disease description:
Recently, my left leg has been numb off and on. Sometimes, the numbness becomes more noticeable after sitting or standing for prolonged periods. I'm very concerned that this might indicate a serious health problem. What could this numbness in my left leg signify?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Left leg numbness may be a sign of various conditions, including but not limited to:
1. Nerve compression: Prolonged sitting or standing, lumbar disc herniation, or scoliosis may compress nerves, leading to leg numbness.
2. Poor blood circulation: Vascular diseases, atherosclerosis, or deep vein thrombosis can impair circulation in the lower limbs, causing numbness.
3. Lumbar spine disorders: Conditions such as lumbar disc herniation or disc protrusion may compress spinal nerve roots, resulting in numbness in one leg.
4. Diabetes: Severe diabetes can affect peripheral blood vessels, leading to peripheral vascular disease and poor circulation in the limbs, causing numbness.
5. Cerebrovascular disease: Conditions such as cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage may affect the central nervous system, causing lower limb numbness, often accompanied by facial paralysis, increased muscle tone, and other symptoms.
6. Vitamin deficiency: Particularly vitamin B12 deficiency, which can impair nerve function and cause limb numbness.
If left leg numbness occurs suddenly and is accompanied by severe pain or loss of sensation, immediate medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended.
