Question
Hi,
I am a 26-year-old female who is having numbness and tingling in my lower left leg. It started about 3 days ago and doesn't seem to be causing any pain or anything. the feeling starts from just above my ankle to my knee, but only on the shin. My calf seems to be just fine. I can walk, run, stretch it out, and poke it with no pain whatsoever. It kind it just feels like it is asleep, but only when I touch it. It feels pretty much normal when not touching. A little less than halfway up my thigh on the inside it feels like I have a bruise when touching, but there it are no signs of bruising. I have no discoloration or swelling in any of the areas. I wouldn't say I'm extremely active, but I don't lay around the house all day either. about a week before it all started I did go for a 2 1/2 mile run, but didn't feel any discomfort up until my leg started feeling numb at the touch. just wondering what this could be. I was told I might have an issue with a pinched nerve, but I do not know how to manage it.

Thanks

Answer
Dear Rebecca,

Sometimes symptoms like this are hard to define, track down, and diagnose.  Yes, it is possible that you have irritated, or "pinched" a nerve, and that it is the result of the run that you had the week before.

Since I am completely in the dark as to your general health and well-being, I have to consider a wide range of possibilities, including diabetes, circulatory disorders, pyriformis syndrome, sciatic neuralgia, radicular neuritis, shin splints, etc. etc.

Odds are that you are simply experiencing a passing symptom.  If I were you, I would simply monitor the symptoms for 2-3 months and see if they go away. If they don't, or if the symptoms appear to progress or get worse, then you need to see your medical doctor to have some initial lab work performed.

Chiropractors treat patients through manipulation of the spine, trying to affect the nerves that exit the spine and travel down the legs and arms, and to essentially all parts of the body.  Usually, when there is leg paresthesia (tingling/numbness) related to a spinal condition, there is also back or neck pain. I realize that you do not have back pain, but seeing a chiropractor is still a good idea.

I hope that this gives you some thoughts.  Good luck. I hope that the sensation simply eases over time.

Dr. Biggs

http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com