Numb Leg While Running

by Sarah

I recently started running. I haven't run for a few days now but I have noticed that my left leg is going numb. Is this a result of the running or could this be more serious? My left inner calf tingles and my left leg looks slightly bigger than my right leg, it doesn't hurt though. What's wrong with my leg?

Answer by Dominique:


Hi Sarah,
Thanks for the question about your numb leg. Numbness, pins and needles etc usually happen due to poor blood circulation. This can happen due to low blood pressure or some kind of blockage.

People often get pins and needles in their feet for example when they have tied up the laces of their running shoes a bit too tight. You also get it when you have been sitting in an akward position with your legs all tangled up for a while for example.

Considering you haven't run for a few days, I would doubt that your running would have anything to do with this.

Not to scare you, and it may be harmless, but I would get this checked out by a doctor. Your symptoms point to something called "deep vein thrombosis" also known as "economy class syndrome". It is called that way because you can develop this when you sit in the same position for a long period of time.

If it is DVT then you may need blood thinning medicines to remove the blockage from your blood (not using the right technical terms, but explaining it in simple terms).


Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Dominique