Which condition is characterized by numbness followed by severe cramping and paralysis in the legs?

The correct answer is related to the condition known as beriberi, which is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Beriberi can lead to neurological symptoms that include numbness and tingling in the limbs. As the deficiency progresses, it can affect muscle function, leading to symptoms such as severe cramping and even paralysis in the legs. This combination of symptoms results from the body's inability to properly process carbohydrates, causing nerve and muscle dysfunction.

In contrast, hypertension refers to high blood pressure and is not associated with numbness or cramping. Rickets is a condition often seen in children due to a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, primarily affecting bone development, not characterized by the neurological symptoms listed. Osteoporosis involves the weakening of bones, increasing the risk of fractures, but does not manifest with numbness, cramping, or paralysis in the legs. Therefore, the characteristics described in the question align specifically with beriberi.