Numbness and Tingling Down the Leg? Here's What It Means and What to Do
Updated July 20261 minute read
Numbness or tingling that runs down your leg usually means a nerve in your lower back is irritated — commonly from a herniated disc (sciatica) or, in older adults, spinal stenosis. It often comes with back or leg pain. Most cases improve with movement and physical therapy over weeks to months. But numbness in the groin, loss of bladder/bowel control, or quickly worsening leg weakness is an emergency — get care right away.
What this usually means
Most likely causes. A lower-back nerve root irritated by a herniated disc is the leading cause; spinal stenosis can cause leg numbness that builds with standing and walking. Less common causes. Tight buttock muscles or, separately, nerve issues elsewhere (such as in the leg itself) can also cause numbness, which is why an exam matters.
What you can try at home
Keep gently active and find positions that reduce the leg symptoms. Avoid prolonged sitting and bed rest. Because numbness involves a nerve, get it assessed rather than waiting it out indefinitely.
When to see a physical therapist
If numbness or tingling persists, a PT can map the involved nerve and find movements that calm it.
Red flags — don't wait
Emergency signs: numbness around the groin/inner thighs, loss of bladder/bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness.
How a PT treats this
Care typically combines symptom-easing movements, nerve mobility work, walking, and graded strengthening.
Frequently asked questions
Sources (3)
- MedlinePlus: Numbness and tingling. — NIH/MedlinePlus
- MedlinePlus: Sciatica. — NIH/MedlinePlus
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Sciatica. — AAOS OrthoInfo
This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to a licensed clinician about your specific situation.