The symptoms
Pulling in the leg is a painful symptom that can have various causes. Depending on the cause, pulling in the leg can vary in time of occurrence (for example, after physical exertion or lack of movement, during the day or at night), in intensity (weak to strong) and in duration (lasting from a few days to several months). Other symptoms such as swelling, blue discoloration, paleness, paralysis or loss of strength or sensation can also occur, depending on the cause of the pulling in the leg.
Numbness in the leg that accompanies a pulling action usually has its origin in a problem of the spinal column. For example, after a lumbago, which is caused by a sudden tension of the back muscles, the nerves that pull into the leg can be irritated. As a result, there may not only be pain in the back, but also pulling pain in the leg. Since the nerves are irritated, slight numbness can also occur in the course of the leg. The same symptoms can occur with a slipped disc.
The diagnosis
Since pulling in the leg can be caused by, among other things, diseases of the blood vessels or nerves in the leg, a doctor should be consulted if the complaints persist for a longer period of time or if further symptoms occur. With the help of various examination procedures, the doctor can find out the cause of the pulling in the leg and, if necessary, initiate suitable therapeutic steps. In order to make a diagnosis, it is first necessary to take a detailed anamnesis, i.e. a detailed questioning of the person concerned about the underlying diseases as well as the current complaints. This is followed by a thorough physical examination in order to objectify the current complaints of the affected person and, if necessary, identify further complaints. Depending on the presumed cause of the pulling in the leg, further examinations such as, blood tests and imaging procedures, for example ultrasound, x-rays, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary.
