Left Leg Numbness: When to Seek Neurology Care?

Q: Left Leg Numbness: When to Seek Neurology Care?

Hello： The condition you are concerned about, commonly known as ALS, is formally referred to as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or motor neuron disease. <br>It typically does not present with sensory abnormalities; the clinical symptoms include muscle atrophy and abnormal twi

Numbness in the left foot and left calf?

Hello doctor, three days ago I noticed some mild numbness in my left foot and left calf.
I just applied a pain relief patch that day and thought nothing of it, but over the next few days, I occasionally felt the numbness again.
Sometimes it extends to my knee and thigh, and other times it’s just in my foot, but it’s always on the left side.
I looked up some information online and even saw that similar symptoms can occur in conditions like ALS.
The numbness came on suddenly, and I haven’t had any injuries prior, which makes me quite worried.
Do you think I need to seek medical attention? If so, should I see a neurologist? Thank you, doctor!

A He, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/28

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: The condition you are concerned about, commonly known as ALS, is formally referred to as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or motor neuron disease.
It typically does not present with sensory abnormalities; the clinical symptoms include muscle atrophy and abnormal twitching of small muscles.
Your symptoms may warrant consideration of "piriformis syndrome." The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttocks and spans between the spine and the hip joint.
When the piriformis muscle becomes inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms of numbness and pain.
This condition is common among office workers who often sit for prolonged periods, frequently cross their legs, and do not use appropriate cushions, resulting in prolonged pressure on the piriformis muscle, leading to localized swelling and tissue inflammation.

For management: Applying heat can promote local muscle circulation; the temperature should be around 35-40 degrees Celsius, applied for 10-15 minutes at a time, twice a day.
It is advisable to warm up for 10-15 minutes before exercising, such as cycling or running, to prevent muscle tightness, which can easily trigger piriformis syndrome.
For related diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician for muscle ultrasound or other examinations.

Wishing you good health and peace.

Dr.
Jiang, Neurology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/01/28

More Info

When experiencing numbness in the left leg, particularly if it is sudden and persistent, it is crucial to seek medical attention to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Numbness can be a symptom of various neurological issues, including nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy, or even more serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which you mentioned in your query.
Given that your symptoms have persisted for several days and involve multiple areas of the left leg, it is advisable to consult a neurologist. Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a detailed medical history, and potentially diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of your nerves and muscles.

In your case, the numbness could be due to several factors. For instance, it could be related to a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, which can compress the nerves that innervate the leg. This is often associated with symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the leg. Other potential causes include sciatica, which is irritation of the sciatic nerve, or peripheral neuropathy, which can result from diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or other systemic conditions.

It is also important to consider the possibility of vascular issues, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially if you have risk factors like prolonged immobility, recent surgery, or a history of clotting disorders. DVT can lead to swelling and pain in the affected leg and can be life-threatening if it leads to a pulmonary embolism.

In summary, if you are experiencing persistent numbness in your left leg, it is essential to seek care from a neurologist. They will be able to assess your symptoms in the context of your medical history and perform the necessary tests to determine the cause of your numbness. Early diagnosis and treatment can be crucial in managing any underlying conditions effectively.
In the meantime, monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any additional symptoms such as weakness, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or if the numbness worsens, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires urgent care.
Remember, while it is natural to feel anxious about symptoms that resemble those of serious illnesses, many causes of leg numbness are treatable and manageable with the right medical intervention. Your health and well-being are paramount, so do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

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