What Causes a Cold Sensation in the Legs?
Multiple sclerosis can cause a cold sensation in the legs, explains The New York Times. A cold sensation in the legs can also occur after a stroke, says the National Institute on Aging.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that causes tingling, numbness, and hot or cold sensations in the limbs, according to the New York Times. With MS, the feeling of cold starts at the ends of the limbs and slowly works its way up toward the top of the limbs. Sometimes the arms and legs merely tingle or feel numb. Muscle weakness and spasms sometimes follow the cold sensation in the legs. Other symptoms of MS include muscle pain, spasms and cramps, coordination problems, fatigue, memory loss and mood swings. An individual can control MS flare-ups by avoiding sudden temperature changes, minimizing stress and quickly treating infections.
A cold sensation in the legs can also follow a stroke, a condition called central pain syndrome, states the National Institute on Aging. A stroke affects the brain, which can then affect the rest of the body. If a stroke damages the thalamus portion of the brain, pain in the limbs results, manifesting in hot and cold sensations, tingling, numbness, burning and stabbing pain. Patients should avoid cold temperatures because they exacerbate central pain syndrome.
