Sudden numbness and tingling in the legs can be caused by the following health problems:
1. Diabetic Neuropathy
When diabetes is uncontrolled, it damages the nerves in the legs. The first symptom of this is chronic numbness and tingling in the feet and legs.
2. Sciatica
Pain can spread from the middle to the legs due to a slipped disc in the spine or pressure on the nerves. It can be felt in just one leg or as numbness extending all the way to the foot.
3. Vitamin Deficiency
A deficiency in vitamin B12, in particular, can affect the health of the nerves. This is a major cause of numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Vitamin B1 and B6 deficiency can also cause this.
4. Reduced blood flow (Peripheral Artery Disease)
The blood flow can be reduced due to the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels in the legs. This causes severe pain in the legs and muscle tightness when walking.
5. Varicose Veins
This is a condition in which the veins in the legs become swollen and blood accumulates. This can cause a feeling of heaviness in the legs and pain and cramps at night.
6. Thyroid problems
Low levels of thyroid hormone (Hypothyroidism) can cause fluid to accumulate in the body. This puts pressure on the nerves and causes cramps.
Symptoms to watch out for:
Inability to recognize wounds that occur on the feet.
Feeling of weakness in the legs along with the pain.
Increasing pain at night.
