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Why am I getting numb only on the left leg?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

At random times, throughout the day while sitting, standing and lying down my left leg will start to go numb. It will start right under the buttock in the hamstring area and slowly work its way down to last from 5 to 10 minutes. Then, it goes away upon movement. This has been happening for around one month. I thought it was because of my same position for a long time. But, it is only in the left leg. Why?

Answered by Dr. Erioli Braholli

Education:

General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Erioli Braholli is a General Surgeon and General Practitioner with 35 years of clinical experience. His field of interest is General and Internal Medicine. He studied General Surgery at the University of Tirane in 1989. He performs operations to treat or prevent diseases, repair damage caused by injuries, correct deformities, and improve the functions of the human body.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Numbness in your leg while sitting, usually happens due to sciatic nerve compression. It can be compressed at different levels through its way, from the lumbar spine down to the feet due to disc herniation or muscle contracture. In your case, lumbar compression or piriformis syndrome (compression through the piriformis muscle) might be the cause. Anyway, if it lasts for a long time, a neurologist consult and an MRI would be necessary to evaluate the condition. I recommend taking Muscoflex 4 mg (Thiocolchicoside) twice daily along with Vitamin B complex for your condition. However, before starting any new medication, it is important to consult your doctor, have a thorough discussion about your symptoms, and take the medicine only with their consent.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 2, 2016
Reviewed At July 26, 2023

Education:

General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Erioli Braholli is a General Surgeon and General Practitioner with 35 years of clinical experience. His field of interest is General and Internal Medicine. He studied General Surgery at the University of Tirane in 1989. He performs operations to treat or prevent diseases, repair damage caused by injuries, correct deformities, and improve the functions of the human body.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Erioli Braholli is a General Surgeon and General Practitioner with 35 years of clinical experience. His field of interest is General and Internal Medicine. He studied General Surgery at the University of Tirane in 1989. He performs operations to treat or prevent diseases, repair damage caused by injuries, correct deformities, and improve the functions of the human body.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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