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What Causes Tingling And Numbness In Legs?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Dec 2014
Question: Starting a few months ago I have been regularly getting tingling and numbness after crossing my legs after a few minutes, or when raising my arms above my waste as occurs when I put a hand or hands between my head and my pillow. Just cross an arm across my upper chest will bring on the same result.
I am schedule for surgery to remove a large bone spur that comes in contact with my sciatica causing my left lower back great pain and total numbness in my left leg and foot such that I cannot stand or walk more than ten minutes at a time. I have historically been active, lifting weights, and taking fast 45 min to 1 hr walks every day for skiing. Also, I am finishing a two year course of daily injections of Forteo for osteoporosis brought on my 15 years of omerprasole use for Barrett's esophagus which is now been cleared based on my last scan.

Based on my Internet research, it looks like there could be a number of issues causing my problem including, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, or spinal cord tumor.
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Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
CBC, Vit B12 and Glucose levels first, then a spinal MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have been through your question and understand your concern.

Numbness and tingling have many causes, which you should have been informed so far. While it is not clear from the history where does this bone spur gets in contact with the sciatic nerve. From your symptoms it seems that you have some lumbar spine stenosis, which is not a sciatic nerve compression. Still, there might be surgical indication if the lumbar canal is compressed and this eventuality is related to your lower extremities symptoms.

Regarding, the numbness and tingling in your arms I recommend beginning with CBC, Vit B12 and glucose levels, because abnormal levels are associated with altered sensation. Next, a Electroneurography is to be performed to see if there is any delayed nerve conduction. At last you can proceed with a spinal MRI.

These are the steps I would recommend. Meanwhile, you should talk to your GP about the possibility of beginning some treatment for numbness, like Gabapentin or Amitriptilline.

Hope this answers your question, please feel free for further questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Geldon Fejzo

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 337 Questions

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What Causes Tingling And Numbness In Legs?

Brief Answer: CBC, Vit B12 and Glucose levels first, then a spinal MRI Detailed Answer: Hello, I have been through your question and understand your concern. Numbness and tingling have many causes, which you should have been informed so far. While it is not clear from the history where does this bone spur gets in contact with the sciatic nerve. From your symptoms it seems that you have some lumbar spine stenosis, which is not a sciatic nerve compression. Still, there might be surgical indication if the lumbar canal is compressed and this eventuality is related to your lower extremities symptoms. Regarding, the numbness and tingling in your arms I recommend beginning with CBC, Vit B12 and glucose levels, because abnormal levels are associated with altered sensation. Next, a Electroneurography is to be performed to see if there is any delayed nerve conduction. At last you can proceed with a spinal MRI. These are the steps I would recommend. Meanwhile, you should talk to your GP about the possibility of beginning some treatment for numbness, like Gabapentin or Amitriptilline. Hope this answers your question, please feel free for further questions