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What Causes Tingling Pain In The Left Leg?
Question: Hello! I am a 65 year old female. 1 week ago upon completion of a few house chores, I began experiencing some pain in my left leg travelling from my knee and a lot of tingling pain up and down to my feet and ankle at times. I haven't noticed any swelling just this tingling pain, also causing me to limp lighting and having to be off my leg and rest it on a pillow ever since. What can this condition be and should I see a doctor or is there at home remedies. I admit that I am retired with a sedentary lifestyle. I am about 40 pounds overweight. Could it be a symptom of arthritis or other circulation problem?
Brief Answer:
it may be peripheral neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Tingling or other abnormal sensations are usually due to abnormal function of the nerves which is called neuropathy.
In this case, there would have to be abnormal function of the nerves from the lower back, the nerves that come out from this area supply the lower limbs. \
The change can be at the level of the back or at another point on the path of the nerve to the leg.
This can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes. The fact that it occurred after completion of your house chores may or may not be related, it would depend on the cause.
Some of the common causes are: (1)trauma to the nerves- this can be arthritis as suggested. Arthritis of the back can affect the nerves in this area, there can be pressure on the nerves
An x ray of the back is needed
(2)low levels of vitamin b12 or folate
(3)abnormal thyroid function
(4)abnormal levels of vitamin b6. Either too low or too high levels of this vitamin can cause problems
(5)liver or kidney disease
(6)exposure to toxins
(7)infection such as shingles
(8)neurological conditions such as MS or stroke
(9)autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
(10)diabetes related nerve disease
With a history of increased weight, trauma to the nerves , possibly due to arthritis of the back, is possible.
Changes in the back would can cause symptoms in both legs, though this can also occur with some of the other conditions mentioned as well.
This is why an x ray is needed
Your doctor may also want to do blood tests to rule out the conditions mentioned
There are medications that can help with neuropathy such as gabapentin, lyrical tegretol etc
Treatment would also be directed towards the specific cause
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
it may be peripheral neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Tingling or other abnormal sensations are usually due to abnormal function of the nerves which is called neuropathy.
In this case, there would have to be abnormal function of the nerves from the lower back, the nerves that come out from this area supply the lower limbs. \
The change can be at the level of the back or at another point on the path of the nerve to the leg.
This can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes. The fact that it occurred after completion of your house chores may or may not be related, it would depend on the cause.
Some of the common causes are: (1)trauma to the nerves- this can be arthritis as suggested. Arthritis of the back can affect the nerves in this area, there can be pressure on the nerves
An x ray of the back is needed
(2)low levels of vitamin b12 or folate
(3)abnormal thyroid function
(4)abnormal levels of vitamin b6. Either too low or too high levels of this vitamin can cause problems
(5)liver or kidney disease
(6)exposure to toxins
(7)infection such as shingles
(8)neurological conditions such as MS or stroke
(9)autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
(10)diabetes related nerve disease
With a history of increased weight, trauma to the nerves , possibly due to arthritis of the back, is possible.
Changes in the back would can cause symptoms in both legs, though this can also occur with some of the other conditions mentioned as well.
This is why an x ray is needed
Your doctor may also want to do blood tests to rule out the conditions mentioned
There are medications that can help with neuropathy such as gabapentin, lyrical tegretol etc
Treatment would also be directed towards the specific cause
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other 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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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