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What Causes Weakness And Numbness In The Leg?
Posted on
Thu, 27 Oct 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 27 Oct 2016
Answered on
Wed, 16 Nov 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I run (3 times a week, approximately 5 miles), this morning after running for approximately 35 minutes, for one step only, I felt a weakness / numbness in my right leg, should I be concern?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I suppose your major concern is that of a stroke more specifically a TIA (transient ischemic attack). I do not think that to be likely. Usually in that case symptoms involve the upper limb and the face as well, actually typically the upper limb and face are affected more (though there are exceptions depending on the affected brain area). Also you describe it as "for one step only", so from what I understand lasting only for one or two seconds. That would be unlikely as well, even for a TIA symptoms last a little longer. So I do not a TIA is likely, or any other type of brain lesion which represents any risk.
Whether there could be a back issue such as a bulging disk....that is a possibility, a bulging disc in contact with a nerve root may produce some numbness on that side. Since it was so short without any accompanying symptoms it is difficult to say with certainty, but possible.
Other possibilities would include nerve pinching further down due too muscle spasm, inflammation or a metabolic issue such as dehydration and electrolyte alterations due to the exertion. Again not something to panic about, would simply advise to stay well hydrated and warming up before your runs.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I suppose your major concern is that of a stroke more specifically a TIA (transient ischemic attack). I do not think that to be likely. Usually in that case symptoms involve the upper limb and the face as well, actually typically the upper limb and face are affected more (though there are exceptions depending on the affected brain area). Also you describe it as "for one step only", so from what I understand lasting only for one or two seconds. That would be unlikely as well, even for a TIA symptoms last a little longer. So I do not a TIA is likely, or any other type of brain lesion which represents any risk.
Whether there could be a back issue such as a bulging disk....that is a possibility, a bulging disc in contact with a nerve root may produce some numbness on that side. Since it was so short without any accompanying symptoms it is difficult to say with certainty, but possible.
Other possibilities would include nerve pinching further down due too muscle spasm, inflammation or a metabolic issue such as dehydration and electrolyte alterations due to the exertion. Again not something to panic about, would simply advise to stay well hydrated and warming up before your runs.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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