What Causes Painful Spasms, Numbness And Tingling Sensation In Legs?

Posted on Mon, 16 Jun 2014

Question: I have terrible painful spasms in my legs and tingling and numbness. I am also finding walking more difficult and feel weak in the legs. I have seen a neurologist but he says it is peripheral neuropathy and not MS and nothing can be done. I am taking tramadol for pain but it only helps a little. I am much worse If I do not take tramadol. I don't know what to do.

Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
looks more like a peripheral vascular disease

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing to Healthcaremagic.

As per your symptoms, to me it looks more like a peripheral vascular disease than a neuropathy and the spasmodic or crampy pain you are experiencing looks like claudication pain. It usually occurs when the blood supply to the legs gets reduced as a result of blockage in the vessels.

I would suggest that you get an 'arterial color doppler scan' of your legs to help diagnose any block in the blood flow, if any. As further management will depend upon the level, severity and extent of the block.

Till then you can continue tramadol, and may increase its dose for better relief.

Hope, I have been helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Deepika Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T