**What Disease Causes Frequent Numbness in the Legs?

Understanding the Causes and When to Seek Help**

Leg numbness is a common sensation — but when it happens frequently, it may be more than just “sitting too long” or “poor circulation.” Persistent numbness can be an early sign of an underlying medical condition that affects your nerves, blood flow, or spine. Understanding the possible causes is the first step toward getting proper treatment.

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1. Peripheral Neuropathy: The Most Common Cause

One of the leading causes of recurrent leg numbness is peripheral neuropathy — a condition where the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged.

Why It Happens

Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by:

• Diabetes (the number one cause)

• Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12

• Excessive alcohol use

• Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism)

• Chronic kidney or liver disease

• Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs

• Infections, including shingles

What It Feels Like

• Tingling (“pins and needles”)

• Burning sensation

• Weakness in the legs

• Loss of sensation in feet or calves

If left untreated, the numbness can gradually worsen.

2. Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)

Another very common cause is sciatica — a condition where the sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the lower spine.

Causes of Sciatic Nerve Compression

• Herniated or bulging disc

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

• Degenerative disc disease

• Poor posture or heavy lifting

• Muscle spasms in the lower back

Symptoms

• Numbness in one leg

• Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back to the foot

• Worsening pain when sitting or bending

• Weakness in the affected leg

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3. Poor Blood Circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease)

If the arteries supplying blood to the legs become narrowed, the legs may feel:

• Numb

• Heavy

• Cold

• Painful when walking

This condition is called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and is strongly linked to:

• Smoking

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

PAD is serious because it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

4. Spinal Cord Disorders

Conditions affecting the spinal cord can also cause persistent numbness:

• Spinal tumors

• Multiple sclerosis

• Trauma

• Inflammation or infection around the spinal cord

These are less common but require prompt evaluation.

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5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of certain vitamins directly affects nerve function:

• Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin E

A deficiency can lead to chronic numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

You should seek medical attention if:

• The numbness occurs frequently or progressively increases

• It is one-sided or affects your ability to walk

• It is accompanied by pain, weakness, or loss of bladder control

• You have diabetes or thyroid problems

• You recently had a back injury

Early treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage.

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Key Takeaway

Frequent leg numbness is not a disease itself — it is a warning sign.
The most common underlying conditions include:

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Sciatica

• Poor blood circulation (PAD)

• Vitamin deficiencies

If you experience numbness regularly, it’s important to identify the root cause and get proper medical evaluation.