If you’re experiencing numbness, burning, or weakness in one leg, it may be more than just a minor issue. These symptoms often point to an underlying nerve or spinal condition, especially when they occur intermittently or worsen with activity. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, with locations across Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, New Mexico, and beyond, our specialists are experts at diagnosing and treating the root causes of leg pain and neurological symptoms.
Common Causes of Leg Numbness and Weakness
The sensation of numbness or burning in the leg can come from several sources, but one of the most common culprits is a lumbar spine condition. When nerves in the lower back are compressed or irritated, they can affect the muscles and sensation in the legs.
Possible causes include:
- Herniated Disc: A slipped or ruptured disc in the lumbar spine can press on nearby nerves, causing leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or muscle weakness.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal, which can pinch nerves leading to burning or tingling sensations in the legs.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear-and-tear on the spinal discs can irritate surrounding nerves, causing intermittent leg symptoms.
- Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over another, it can compress nerve roots and trigger neurological issues in one leg.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Although often caused by diabetes, neuropathy can also result from spinal issues or injury and causes burning or tingling in the legs and feet.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
It’s normal to occasionally feel fatigue or mild cramping in a leg, especially after intense physical activity. However, if you’re noticing persistent or worsening symptoms like:
- Numbness in the foot or calf
- Sharp, shooting leg pain (especially on one side)
- Burning sensations along the back of the thigh
- Muscle weakness or difficulty walking
These may be signs that it may be time to consult a specialist. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, sciatica affects up to 40% of adults during their lifetime and is often linked to spinal compression.
Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment are Key
At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we use advanced diagnostic tools—including MRI, nerve conduction studies, and physical exams—to pinpoint the exact cause of your leg symptoms. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward effective relief.
Depending on your condition and lifestyle, we offer a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments:
- Physical therapy and guided exercise
- Epidural steroid injections
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Nerve decompression techniques
- Regenerative medicine (where applicable)
We take a conservative approach whenever possible and focus on long-term outcomes, not just short-term fixes.
Get Help at One of Our Many Locations
Whether you’re in Atlanta, Nashville, Charleston, Albuquerque, or another location we serve, Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians has a team of specialists ready to help. Our board-certified experts deliver personalized care that targets the source, not just the symptoms, of your leg discomfort.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find lasting relief from numbness, burning, or weakness in your leg.
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