Leg & Foot Numbness & Tingling: Diagnosis & Treatment
Princeton Spine & Joint Center・24 minutes read
Leg and foot numbness and tingling can result from nerve irritation, with specific causes and treatments depending on whether symptoms affect one or both legs. Various treatment options, including exercises, injections, surgery, and alternative therapies, can help alleviate symptoms and address underlying issues related to nerve compression and neuropathy.
Insights
- Leg and foot numbness can stem from various causes, each requiring specific treatments, with different approaches needed when symptoms affect one leg versus both legs or feet.
- Peripheral neuropathy, often originating in the toes and feet, can result from diverse factors like diabetes or nutritional deficiencies, emphasizing the need to address underlying causes for effective treatment and management, including medication options for symptom relief.
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Recent questions
What are common causes of leg numbness?
Nerve irritation, S1 nerve root, posterior tibial nerve.
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Summary
00:00
Leg Numbness: Causes, Treatments, and Diagnostics
- Leg and foot numbness and tingling are common symptoms of nerve irritation.
- Symptoms in one leg have six common causes, each with specific treatment methods.
- If symptoms are in both legs or feet, a seventh cause exists, with its own treatment.
- A diagnostic twist at the end of the video will be discussed, with significant clinical implications.
- Numbness and tingling in the bottom of the foot may indicate issues with the posterior tibial nerve.
- Pinched or inflamed S1 nerve root can cause symptoms in the bottom of the foot.
- Targeted exercises to support the spine can alleviate pressure on the nerve root.
- Epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve root.
- Surgical decompression may be necessary if symptoms persist despite conservative care.
- Alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care can complement traditional methods.
15:35
Treating Nerve Compression and Peripheral Neuropathy
- Adjust the cast if it puts pressure on the nerve, especially if the person is crossing their legs or wearing high boots.
- If a cyst is compressing the nerve, consider draining, popping, or surgically removing it.
- Physical Therapy can aid in recovery, with nerve glides and soft tissue mobilization being beneficial.
- Foot drop may require therapy to rebuild muscle strength.
- Peripheral neuropathy, often starting in the toes and feet, can be caused by various factors like diabetes, low vitamin B12, thyroid issues, smoking, infections, and more.
- Identifying a reversible cause is crucial in treating peripheral neuropathy, such as controlling blood sugars for diabetic neuropathy or supplementing deficiencies.
- Medications like gabapentin, pregabalin, and certain antidepressants can help manage symptoms of pain, burning, and tingling associated with neuropathy.
- Double Crush syndrome, where a nerve is compressed at two points along its path, is vital to consider in diagnosis to avoid inadequate treatments, as illustrated by cases of tarsal tunnel syndrome and spinal stenosis.
