Maybe you have experienced numbness in your thighs several times, but you often ignore it because you think this is normal. Yes, numbness can occur due to you resting for too long or not moving that body part for a long time. So blood flow is not smooth and eventually numb. However, if the thigh is numb should not be underestimated.
It could signify certain severe health conditions that need immediate treatment. Then, what are the health problems that can cause numb thighs?
Causes of Thigh Numbness
Numb thighs can cause muscle weakness and affect the overall function of your legs. In addition, you will usually experience various other symptoms, such as burning, sensitivity to touch, and tingling. Here are multiple causes of numb thighs that you need to know:
1. Meralgia paraesthetica
Meralgia paraesthetica is the most common cause of numbness in your thigh. In addition to numbness, this condition is characterized by tingling, pain, and burning in the outer thigh.
It happens because the nerve is compressed until it finally gives the sensation to the skin’s surface on your thigh.
This condition is caused by obesity, pregnancy, diseases such as diabetes, or tight clothing. In some cases, this condition can be relieved by wearing looser clothing. However, the doctor will recommend medication and surgery for more severe conditions if this condition persists for a long time.
2. Femoral neuropathy
The femoral nerve is the part of the nerve that provides sensation to the front of the thigh or part of the lower leg.
So it can conclude that femoral neuropathy or femoral nerve dysfunction is a condition when the thigh nerve is damaged so that it cannot move that part. This condition usually occurs due to injury or prolonged pressure on the nerves.
In some cases, this condition makes the thigh numb, and even this symptom extends to the lower leg. Most of these conditions will go away without special treatment, but some require medication and physical therapy.
3. Muscle Tension
Tight muscles from injury or exercise can cause pain or numbness in your thigh. This condition is not severe to treat with adequate stretching and rest.
If the thigh condition still feels uncomfortable, don’t force yourself to do activities as usual until it feels better. However, if the situation does not improve, you can consult a doctor for further examination.
4. Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve pathway becomes inflamed. The sciatic nerve is a nerve that branches from the lower back, hips, and buttocks to the feet. Usually, this condition occurs when you have a herniated disk or pinched nerve.
This condition is characterized by pain from the lower spine to the feet. As a result, you will find it challenging to get up and walk because of the excruciating pain.
The pain experienced by each person is also different, ranging from mild discomfort to a sharp burning sensation.
Sometimes, this pain can also feel like a jolt or electric shock. The condition will worsen when you sit too long, cough, and sneeze.
5. Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetes can trigger nerve damage, which is known as diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar levels during diabetes can damage and numb the body’s nerves. This condition is usually felt in the legs first and eventually spreads to the hands and other areas of the body.
It can prevent the condition by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The reason is diabetic neuropathy is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Therefore, consult your doctor not to experience various difficulties during diabetes.
