Inner Thigh Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help

Q: Inner Thigh Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： Based on your description, there may be a possibility of a muscle strain or sprain, which could temporarily lead to peripheral nerve injury. <br>It is advisable to rest more and avoid intense physical activity. <br>You can observe the situation for about 1-2 months, and if

Numbness in the inner thigh of the left leg?

Hello Doctor,
I would like to ask about my condition.
Last month, I initially experienced pain in my right lower back, which after about a week progressed to pain in the upper back (around the scapula).
Four days later, the pain shifted to my left lower back.
The left lower back pain showed signs of improvement after about three days.
During this period of improvement, I began to experience numbness in the inner side of my left thigh, which has persisted for approximately three weeks now.
The numbness in my left thigh does not interfere with my daily activities, but it feels as if there is something covering it.
When it itches, I find it difficult to scratch the exact spot (similar to the sensation of having something on the inner side of my left thigh that I can only scratch the surface of).

I would like to ask the doctor what might be causing these symptoms and which specialty I should consult.
I hope my description of the situation is sufficient for your assessment.
Thank you for your guidance.

A-He, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/01

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology

Hello: Based on your description, there may be a possibility of a muscle strain or sprain, which could temporarily lead to peripheral nerve injury.
It is advisable to rest more and avoid intense physical activity.
You can observe the situation for about 1-2 months, and if symptoms do not improve, consider seeking evaluation from a neurologist.

Reply Date: 2022/06/01

More Info

Hello, thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the numbness in your inner thigh and the associated pain in your lower back and shoulder area. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a series of symptoms that may be interconnected. Let’s break down the possible causes and when it would be appropriate to seek medical help.

Possible Causes of Inner Thigh Numbness
1. Nerve Compression or Irritation: The numbness in your inner thigh could be due to compression or irritation of the nerves that innervate that area. This could be related to issues in the lumbar spine, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, which can lead to nerve root compression. Given that you mentioned experiencing pain in your lower back and shoulder, it’s possible that there is a nerve issue originating from the lumbar region.

2. Muscle Strain or Injury: If you have been experiencing back pain, it could be due to muscle strain or injury. Sometimes, muscle tightness in the lower back can lead to referred sensations in the thigh, including numbness or tingling.

3. Circulatory Issues: Although less common, circulatory problems can also lead to numbness in the extremities. If blood flow is restricted to the leg, it may result in a sensation of numbness or tingling.

4. Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition, which can be caused by diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or other systemic issues, can lead to numbness in various parts of the body, including the thighs.

5. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain or discomfort in one area can manifest as numbness in another due to the way nerves communicate within the body. The progression of your symptoms from the back to the thigh may suggest a pattern of referred pain.

When to Seek Help
Given that your symptoms have persisted for three weeks, it would be advisable to seek medical attention, especially if:
- The numbness worsens or spreads to other areas.

- You experience weakness in your leg or difficulty walking.

- There are changes in bowel or bladder function.

- You have any new symptoms, such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe headaches.

Recommended Specialists
For your symptoms, it would be best to consult with a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist. A neurologist can evaluate for nerve-related issues, while an orthopedic specialist can assess for musculoskeletal problems. Additionally, a physiatrist (a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation) may also be beneficial, as they can provide a comprehensive approach to managing pain and improving function.

Diagnostic Steps
During your visit, the doctor may perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to evaluate the spine and surrounding structures. Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) may also be used to assess nerve function.

Conclusion
In summary, the numbness in your inner thigh could be related to nerve compression, muscle strain, or other underlying conditions. Given the duration and nature of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. Thank you for sharing your concerns, and I wish you the best in your journey toward recovery.

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