common discomfort is feeling numbness in the legs , especially when in a specific position for a certain time, for example, when sleeping or sitting cross-legged. By modifying this position it is likely to feel tingling in the legs, without a doubt, which can happen at any age and can be a consequence of various conditions.
It is often known as a tingling sensation, numbness, loss of sensation and is medically called paresthesia, which does not imply a serious situation. At FastlyHeal , we will explain why your legs fall asleep and, in addition, how to improve this situation, keep reading the article!
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What is paresthesia or tingling in the legs
Medically, momentary or brief numbness in a part of the body, in this case the legs, is called paresthesia. This is also defined as an abnormal sensation of general sensitivity and translates into tingling and numbness in a specific place.
This can occur at various times throughout life and in various parts of the body, which should be of concern only when it becomes constant over time.
Why do my legs constantly go to sleep
Numbness in the legs or paresthesia occurs when there is prolonged pressure on the nerves , specifically on a layer called the vasa nervorum , which once pressed prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the peripheral nerves of the body. This feeling goes away once the pressure is relieved.
When this situation ceases, the blood flows normally and the nerves recover each one in a certain time.
Other reasons that can answer the question of why the legs fall asleep are:
- Nerve injury: particularly, that a nerve in the legs is affected, this may be related to a specific pathology called diabetic neuropathy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) [1] which Sometimes it manifests as tingling in the legs and limbs.
- The North American Spine Society [2] further supports that a lumbar disc herniation can put pressure on the nerves of the spine and lead to tingling or numbness in the legs.
Leg numbness is normal in all people unless it lasts for a long time. Other infrequent but probable related damages are:
- Multiple sclerosis .
- Mielitis transversa.
- Tumor in the brain or spinal cord.
When to see a doctor for leg numbness
It becomes an important symptom of attention when the numbness of the legs persists for a long time, if on the contrary it occurs only occasionally, it is enough to change position and wait for there to be blood circulation in the nerve again. If in doubt, it is important to see a doctor immediately.
It is also important to take into account the presence of other symptoms when determining to go to a medical consultation, such as:
- Burning in the legs.
- Prickling or itching .
- Hot or cold skin
Treatment for tingling or numbness in the legs
Undoubtedly, the treatment of leg numbness will depend on the cause that originated it.
Some drugs from the NSAID group , such as ibuprofen, can be useful in cases where, in addition to paresthesia, pain and inflammation are manifested in the area. If the tingling in the legs becomes constant, the doctor will prescribe other medications such as pregabalin.
The physical therapy is used to improve muscle strength, this allows the understanding of the nerve is decreased.
Home remedies for leg numbness
In the event that numbness in the legs is occasionally repeated, there are several home remedies that alleviate the symptoms without forgetting the fact of the importance of going to the doctor:
- Warm compresses or a warm shower can help restore blood flow to the area and provide relief from symptoms.
- Magnesium: essential for the optimal functioning of the nervous system, in addition to preventing complications.
- Castor oil: it is useful in reducing the symptoms of numbness in the legs due to its high stabilizing effect on the nervous system.
- Massages: this stimulates blood flow and reduces the symptoms of numbness in the legs by stimulating the nerves and improving their function, this can be done even without oils.
- Vitamin B: a healthy body has all the necessary vitamins and minerals, a deficiency of vitamin B can manifest itself with numbness in the legs. This vitamin complex as a supplement improves symptoms considerably.
- Exercises: it is important to strengthen and stimulate the circulatory system by performing stretching and warm-up exercises daily, also preventing other frequent health problems.
There are many reasons why numbness can occur in the legs, it is important not to overlook them and see a doctor if necessary before it becomes serious to treat. It is not normal for this to happen constantly and repeatedly without prior explanations.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why are my legs falling asleep , we recommend that you enter our Brain and Nerves category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.