Calf numbness can be caused by restricted blood flow, nerve damage, infections, or exposure to extreme cold. Prolonged or recurring numbness should be addressed by a doctor as it could indicate a serious problem that may require physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Calf numbness can occur for a variety of reasons and some of the causes of this type of condition can be quite serious. The restricted blood flow to the calf can lead to numbness and the person may experience what is commonly known as a pins and needles sensation. As blood recirculates through the limb, the sensation will return. This is not a serious condition until sensation returns if the pressure is released. Other causes of numbness can include exposure to extremely cold temperatures and damage to the nerves that serve that area of the body.
An injury to the leg or spine can lead to numbness in the calf. This is usually a sign that one or more nerves have been compressed or otherwise damaged, and while some cases of nerve compression aren’t serious, others may be. Prolonged numbness or numbness in the calf in both legs can be an indication of a serious problem that should be addressed by a doctor as soon as possible. A herniated disc in the spine, for example, can cause neurological problems throughout the legs, leading to numbness in the legs, and this will need to be resolved with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or, in some cases, surgery.
Sometimes infections or illnesses can lead to numbness in the calf as well. This is an indication that the disease is serious enough and the patient should seek medical help immediately. Bacterial infections can lead to numbness in the calves and a number of other symptoms that can be painful or otherwise unpleasant, and some diseases such as multiple sclerosis can also lead to numbness in the calves. If the numbness lasts more than a few minutes, or if it recurs often, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Exposure to extreme cold can also lead to numbness throughout the body. Once the body has been warmed up and blood flow has been restored, the numbness should subside; if not, more serious damage may have occurred during cold exposure. Freezing, for example, can lead to numbness caused by dying cells, and more severe cases of frostbite may need to be treated surgically to prevent infection. Mild frostbite events require only some milder medical attention, although prolonged or permanent loss of feeling in a particular area of the body can occur.
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