Why Is My Lower Leg and Foot Numb?
Numbness can occur in the legs and feet due to fibromyalgia, peripheral artery disease, multiple sclerosis, vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, herniated disc, diabetes or tarsal tunnel syndrome, according to Healthline. It is important to visit a doctor to discuss all associated symptoms and receive a proper diagnosis.
People with diabetes often experience blood circulation problems in their limbs and extremities as a result of high blood sugar levels, notes Healthline. This can cause nerve damage and may result in the loss of feeling in the legs and feet if left untreated.
Nerves that the brain uses to communicate with the legs and feet can become damaged when people practice unhealthy habits, such as smoking or drinking alcohol. This damage also occurs as a result of injury, disease or metabolic disorders, explains Healthline.
It is possible for strenuous physical activity or contact sports to collapse one or more vertebrae in the spine, causing them to pinch a nerve. Known as a herniated disc, numbness and tingling in the legs and feet are often associated with this condition, explains Healthline.
People with fibromyalgia suffer from pain and numbness in several areas of their body that is not associated with injury or illness. This condition is most common in women who are between 20 and 50 years old.
