What Causes Leg Numbness?

Experiencing numbness in one leg or both can be an unsettling experience. Whether it’s a dull, tingling sensation or a complete loss of feeling, this symptom may occur occasionally or persist over time. While temporary numbness can result from something as simple as sitting in one position too long, ongoing or recurrent numbness in your legs could indicate a more serious underlying condition. One of the often-overlooked but potentially dangerous causes is peripheral artery disease (PAD).

In this blog, we’ll explore the various causes of leg numbness, focusing on how PAD contributes to this issue and why it’s important to catch it early.

What is Numbness?

Numbness is a partial or complete lack of sensation in part of the body. It may be accompanied by tingling, a feeling of ” pins and needles, ” or even weakness. When numbness affects one or both legs, it often means that either the nerves or blood vessels supplying that leg are impaired. Understanding the source of the numbness is important for identifying the right treatment.

Peripheral Artery Disease: A Serious But Underdiagnosed Cause

Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. It typically develops due to a buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) in the arteries. As blood flow becomes restricted, the affected leg may not get enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to symptoms like:

• Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication)
• Numbness or weakness, often in one leg
• Coldness in the lower leg or foot
• Slow-healing wounds on the leg or foot
• A noticeable difference in leg color

Numbness in one or both legs, especially when it occurs along with any of the symptoms above, could be a red flag for PAD.

Why PAD Causes Numbness

When the arteries are narrowed or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can’t reach leg tissues efficiently. Nerve endings and muscles begin to suffer, which can result in numbness or tingling. Over time, if blood flow continues to be limited, tissue damage may occur, increasing the risk of ulcers, infections, and even amputation.

Other Causes of Leg Numbness

While PAD is a major cause of leg numbness, it’s not the only possible reason. There are several other factors that may cause numbness in your legs, including: 

1. Sciatica

Pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg, can cause shooting pain, tingling, and numbness in one leg. This is often due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

2. Herniated Disc

A slipped or ruptured disc in the spine can compress nerves that serve the legs, resulting in numbness, weakness, or a burning sensation down one side.

3. Peripheral Neuropathy

Often associated with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves and can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the limbs.

4. Injury or Trauma

Sprains, fractures, or other trauma to the leg or spine can damage nerves or blood vessels, resulting in localized numbness.

How to Tell if PAD Is the Cause

Since many conditions can cause leg numbness, it’s important to identify the specific source. Here are a few clues that PAD might be behind your symptoms:

• Numbness becomes worse while you’re walking and improves with rest.
• You feel pain, cramping, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, or hip while you’re moving.
• Your leg appears pale, shiny, or cool to the touch.
• You notice slow-growing toenails or hair loss on the legs.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to talk to one of our affiliated vascular specialists in New York City. 

Diagnosing PAD

To confirm whether PAD is the cause of leg numbness, your doctor may perform:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A simple test comparing blood pressure in the ankle vs. the arm to assess circulation.
• Ultrasound: A Doppler ultrasound can visualize blood flow in your leg arteries.
• Angiography: Imaging that uses dye and X-rays or MRIs to locate blockages in arteries.
• Blood tests: Checking for underlying conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.

Early diagnosis is essential to avoid complications like critical limb ischemia or amputation.

Treatment Options for PAD-Related Leg Numbness

Fortunately, PAD is treatable, and in many cases, symptoms like numbness can be reduced if caught early.

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking: Cigarette use harms blood vessels and speeds up the accumulation of plaque.
• Exercise regularly: Walking programs can help improve circulation.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Limit saturated fat, sodium, and processed foods.

2. Medications

• Blood thinners to reduce clot risk
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Medications to improve walking distance and reduce symptoms

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Angioplasty: A balloon is used to help open up narrowed arteries.
• Stenting: A small mesh tube keeps the artery open.
• Atherectomy: Plaque is gently removed from the artery using a special device.

These minimally invasive procedures can restore blood flow and relieve numbness, often without major surgery.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs 

If you’re experiencing leg numbness and cramping, especially during activity, don’t ignore it. Peripheral artery disease affects over 8.5 million people in the United States, yet it often goes undiagnosed until it becomes advanced. Leg numbness can be your body’s way of signaling that you might have PAD. 

Fortunately, with the right lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures, PAD can be managed effectively. If you’re experiencing numbness in your legs or feet, please call or schedule an online appointment with the affiliated vascular specialists at American Endovascular in New York today. We have locations throughout New York City, making it convenient for you to come to one of our offices to get the help you need.