Tingling in Legs: 10 Main Causes & What To Do

Some possible causes of tingling in the legs include multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, anxiety and stress, poor circulation, or staying in the same position for a long time.

Depending on the underlying condition, tingling in the legs may also come with other symptoms like muscle stiffness or spasms, palpitations, weakness, muscle tremors, pain, and cramps in the legs, buttocks, hips, or thighs.

When tingling in the legs is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to identify the cause and start appropriate treatment. This may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Main causes

1. Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the myelin sheath—the protective covering of nerves. This inflammation disrupts the transmission of signals that control body movements such as walking or speaking.

In addition to tingling in the legs or arms, multiple sclerosis can also lead to muscle stiffness, spasms, and difficulty walking.

What to do: There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment is lifelong and includes medications that help slow disease progression, reduce the duration and intensity of relapses, and manage symptoms. These may include anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants.

Physical therapy is also important to strengthen muscles, improve balance and coordination, reduce numbness and pain, and help with daily tasks like walking, brushing teeth, or combing hair.

2. Anxiety, panic, and stress

Tingling in the legs can also be linked to anxiety, panic attacks, or stress. These conditions often trigger hyperventilation—rapid or deep breathing—which can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, weakness, and tingling sensations.

What to do: Treatment may include breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, regular exercise, yoga, or Pilates, and drinking calming herbal teas such as chamomile and lemon balm. A doctor may also recommend psychotherapy or acupuncture.

Some herbal remedies—like chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian—may help reduce anxiety and stress due to their calming and relaxing properties. Check-out a list of herbs for anxiety that you can prepare to help soothe nerves that could be contributing tingling sensations.

3. Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes caused by nerve damage. It can lead to reduced sensation or symptoms like burning, numbness, or tingling in the legs, hands, or feet, as well as muscle pain, weakness, and tremors.

What to do: Treatment is guided by a doctor and typically involves insulin or oral antidiabetic medications to control blood sugar levels. Pain management may include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioid pain relievers such as tramadol or amitriptyline.

4. Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease is the buildup of plaque in the leg arteries, which reduces blood flow to the muscles. This can cause tingling in the legs, pain, and cramps in the legs, hips, thighs, or calves during walking, as well as leg or foot wounds that don’t heal.

What to do: Treatment may include oral antiplatelet medications like aspirin or clopidogrel, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and pain relievers.

Healthy habits are also essential, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, following a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

5. Poor circulation

Poor circulation is a condition where blood flow through veins and arteries is restricted, which can cause symptoms such as tingling in the legs and feet, numbness, swelling, cold feet, and dry skin.

It may be related to pregnancy, atherosclerosis, being overweight, lack of physical activity, or standing for long periods.

What to do: A general practitioner, cardiologist, or vascular specialist may recommend compression stockings or medications that improve circulation and prevent clots. These may include statins, antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, or thrombolytics.

Additional measures such as elevating the legs at the end of the day, taking warm showers, massaging from ankles to thighs, and wearing comfortable shoes can also help relieve discomfort. Read more about ways to improve circulation to help relieve this symptom.

6. Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or reduced, leading to a lack of oxygen. It is a medical emergency that may cause sudden headache, paralysis, blurred vision, weakness, and numbness or tingling in the leg or arm, usually on one side of the body.

Learn about the stroke symptoms you should not ignore.

What to do: Treatment must be provided in a hospital and may involve medications like antihypertensives or antifibrinolytics, thrombolysis, brain catheterization, hemostatic therapy, or surgery.

7. Staying in the same position for too long

Remaining in one position for too long—such as sitting or lying down, or crossing your legs—can compress nerves or reduce blood flow. This can cause temporary tingling in the legs.

What to do: Changing positions often and doing stretches at least once a day can help stimulate circulation. During long trips or in jobs that require sitting all day, it’s recommended to take short breaks to walk around.

8. Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is a condition marked by involuntary leg movements and sensations of itching, burning, or tingling in the legs or feet, usually while lying down or during the night.

What to do: Treatment often involves dietary adjustments and avoiding stimulants like coffee, green tea, and alcohol.

In more severe cases, where symptoms interfere with sleep, doctors may prescribe medications like dopamine agonists to reduce symptom intensity, sedatives to aid sleep, or Alpha-2 agonists.

9. Herniated disc

A herniated disc is a spinal condition where the soft cushion between vertebrae is displaced and compresses nearby nerve roots. This can cause back or neck pain, as well as tingling or numbness in the legs and arms.

What to do: Treatment typically includes anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers prescribed by an orthopedic doctor, along with physical therapy to reduce pain and restore movement.

Complementary treatments like acupuncture, Pilates, and herbal teas can also help reduce discomfort and enhance treatment effects.

10. Sciatic nerve inflammation

Sciatic nerve inflammation can lead to burning, tingling, or shooting pain along the nerve’s path—from the lower back through the buttock down to the ankle. Other symptoms may include lower back pain, difficulty standing up straight, and pain while walking.

What to do: Treatment may involve pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications, either topical or oral, as well as massage, warm compresses, and physical therapy sessions.