Leg Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options for Your Family

I would like to inquire for a family member who is experiencing numbness in the calves and thighs?

My father is unable to walk far; after just a block, his legs become very numb, and he needs to sit down to rest before he can walk a short distance again.
However, the numbness returns quickly.
Recently, he has been waking up at night because his legs suddenly go numb.
Even when he is not moving much during the day, his calves feel very uncomfortable due to numbness.
Last year, he had a heart catheterization, after which he consulted with a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon.
They discovered that his abdominal aorta was blocked, preventing blood flow to his legs.
He underwent a minimally invasive procedure to remove the blood clots in the abdominal aorta, but one of the clots was too hard to be removed.
Therefore, the surgeon only managed to clear some of the clots.
They suggested considering a bypass surgery, but my father felt that bypass surgery is a major procedure, so he decided against it.
The surgeon prescribed a medication, likely a blood thinner, for him to take daily, but so far, it has not alleviated the numbness in his legs while walking.
I would like to ask if the numbness in his legs could still be related to his spinal issues, as he had poor spinal health prior to the heart catheterization and had undergone rehabilitation at the hospital.
I have also looked up some information online.
Are there any other options besides bypass surgery to address this issue? My father feels that the surgeon's recommendations are primarily focused on surgical solutions.
Additionally, could you recommend which specialty he should consult? Thank you.

Xiao Liang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/30

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Mr.
Liang,
You mentioned that "walking too far, perhaps just a block, can cause my legs to feel very numb, making it difficult to move, and I need to sit down to rest before I can walk a little further." Clinically, this is referred to as "intermittent claudication." There are many causes for this condition, with the most common being atherosclerosis.
Other causes include acute limb ischemia due to factors such as vascular trauma, arterial dissection, arrhythmias, or embolism resulting from acute myocardial infarction.
When walking, if the affected limb experiences significant discomfort, the pain can become so severe that weight cannot be applied.
However, resting for a few minutes usually alleviates the pain.
The primary reason for this is that the blood supply and oxygen to the muscles cannot meet the demands of the peripheral muscle tissues.
Risk factors for peripheral artery disease include smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and being over 70 years old; these factors can lead to atherosclerosis of the arterial vessels.
If, after managing these risk factors, angiogenesis does not meet expectations, considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a self-funded treatment option may be worthwhile.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Chien-Yi Jiang, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2022/03/30

More Info

Leg numbness can be a distressing symptom, especially when it affects mobility and quality of life. Based on your father's situation, there are several potential causes and treatment options to consider.

Causes of Leg Numbness
1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Given your father's history of abdominal aortic occlusion and the fact that he experiences numbness after walking short distances, it is likely that he has PAD. This condition occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked, leading to reduced blood flow. Symptoms often include pain, cramping, or numbness in the legs during physical activity, which typically resolves with rest.

2. Spinal Issues: Since you mentioned that your father has a history of spinal problems, it is possible that issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease could be contributing to his leg numbness. These conditions can compress nerves that travel down the legs, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness.

3. Diabetes: If your father has diabetes, peripheral neuropathy could be a factor. This condition results from nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels and can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the legs and feet.

4. Other Vascular Issues: Besides PAD, other vascular conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or chronic venous insufficiency could also lead to symptoms of leg numbness.

5. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is compressed, can also lead to numbness in the legs.

Treatment Options
1. Medication: Since your father is already on medication for his vascular condition, it is essential to discuss with his physician whether the current medication is effective or if adjustments are needed. Medications such as antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin) or statins may help improve blood flow and manage symptoms.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can help improve mobility and strengthen the muscles in the legs. A physical therapist can also provide exercises that focus on improving circulation and flexibility.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging your father to adopt a healthier lifestyle can significantly impact his symptoms. This includes regular, moderate exercise (as tolerated), a balanced diet, and smoking cessation if applicable. These changes can improve overall vascular health.

4. Surgical Options: While your father is hesitant about bypass surgery, it is essential to weigh the risks and benefits. Bypass surgery can significantly improve blood flow to the legs and alleviate symptoms. However, if he is not a candidate for surgery or prefers to avoid it, other less invasive options, such as angioplasty or stenting, may be considered.

5. Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. However, these should be approached with caution and discussed with a healthcare provider.

Seeking Further Evaluation
Given the complexity of your father's symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a multidisciplinary team. A vascular surgeon can provide insights into the current state of his vascular health and the potential for further interventions. Additionally, a neurologist can evaluate whether there are any neurological causes contributing to his leg numbness, particularly related to his spinal health.

In summary, leg numbness can stem from various causes, including vascular and neurological issues. A comprehensive evaluation by specialists in vascular surgery and neurology will help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your father. It is crucial to address these symptoms proactively to improve his quality of life and mobility.

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