What are the Nerves of the Leg?
There are two main nerves in the leg: the femoral nerve serves the front and the sciatic nerve controls the back of the leg. The nerves of the leg can have many nerve roots, and when pain or discomfort is felt in these areas, it usually indicates a compressed or pinched nerve. The location of the nerve pain can determine which of the nerves is injured.
The femoral nerve is the largest part of the lumbar plexus. It can help to strengthen the leg muscles and increases the sensitivity of the front area of the thigh and the lower leg. An injury to this area is referred to as a mononeuropathy. When nerve damage is also suspected, this is called a mononeuritis multiplex. Typically, this is due to an injury in the area or compression from a blood clot or tumor.
A sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve found in the body. It begins in the lower back and runs down to the lower leg. This nerve controls sensations of the skin, muscles, and the leg and foot. If there is a compression or blockage of the sciatic nerve, pain can be felt in any of these areas. When the nerve is injured, this is referred to as sciatica.
Injuries to the nerves of the leg can be caused by many things. A broken bone or an incorrect placement of a catheter are common problems associated with nerve damage. Diseases such as diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, as can temporary internal bleeding or cysts and tumors. Tight-fitting clothing or heavy tool belts can cause symptoms that indicate a nerve compression problem.
The symptoms of compressed nerves can include tingling and numbness in the back and legs. Muscle weakness in the legs, knees, and feet are also common symptoms, as are pain or a burning sensation. When there is severe nerve damage, an individual may be unable to walk.
In most cases, damage to the nerves of the leg can be corrected when the initial injury starts to heal by itself. Anti-inflammatory or pain medications can be given to relieve discomfort. Surgery may be needed to remove any blood clots or tumors that can compress a specific nerve. A patient suffering with nerve damage may have to undergo physical therapy to keep the muscles strong while going through recovery.
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![A broken bone may be associated with nerve damage.]()
By: asifeA broken bone may be associated with nerve damage. -
![Diabetes may cause damage to the nerves.]()
By: Ljupco SmokovskiDiabetes may cause damage to the nerves. -
![People with severe nerve damage may experience difficulty walking.]()
By: Mat HaywardPeople with severe nerve damage may experience difficulty walking. -
![Tight-fitting clothing may cause symptoms that indicate a nerve compression problem.]()
By: GoodMood PhotoTight-fitting clothing may cause symptoms that indicate a nerve compression problem. -
![Symptoms of compressed nerves may include tingling and numbness in the back.]()
By: LoloStockSymptoms of compressed nerves may include tingling and numbness in the back. -
![Anti-inflammatory or pain medications may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with nerve damage.]()
By: LevAnti-inflammatory or pain medications may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with nerve damage. -
![Surgery may be required to treat nerve damage.]()
By: Photographee.euSurgery may be required to treat nerve damage. -
![Physical therapy may help treat nerve damage discomfort and weakness.]()
By: Andres RodriguezPhysical therapy may help treat nerve damage discomfort and weakness. -
![A medical professional examining a patient for femoral nerve damage.]()
By: JPC-PRODA medical professional examining a patient for femoral nerve damage. -
![Wearing heavy tool belts may cause a nerve compression problem.]()
By: JGimaWearing heavy tool belts may cause a nerve compression problem. -
![Damage to nerves of the leg can generally be corrected when the initial injury starts to heal itself.]()
By: DirimaDamage to nerves of the leg can generally be corrected when the initial injury starts to heal itself. -
![If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.]()
By: rob3000If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
Discussion Comments
I have had diabetes for several years, and this affects a lot of different areas of my body. I now have some nerve damage in my legs as a result of this diabetes.
This is a strange sensation because I have this discomfort in my legs, yet it feels kind of numb at the same time. It is a very weird feeling and it causes me to feel unsteady on my feet sometimes.
When you have damaged nerves like this, it is frustrating, because it is something you don't have any control over. I have had leg cramps in the past, but this is a completely different feeling.
I was having a lot of lower back pain and went to see my chiropractor. I thought the problem was with my back, but it was actually the sciatic nerve in my leg.
This makes sense now that I understand that the sciatic nerve in my leg is connected to my back. I didn't know that it was the longest nerve in the body, but I do know how much pain it can cause.
I still don't know what I did to set this off. I have been able to treat it with chiropractic treatments and haven't had to take any pain medication for it.
Every once in awhile if I feel a little twinge in my back, I know it is time for another treatment so I can keep it from getting worse. If you have ever experienced sciatic nerve leg pain, you know how miserable this can be.
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