It's usually not a cause for alarm if your feet are numb.If you sit or stand in the same position for an extended period of time, you might lose sensation in one or both of your legs.You can take care of numbness like this on your own and get back feeling within a few minutes.If you can't determine the reason for your numbness, or if it persists for more than an hour, you should call your doctor.
Step 1: Determine the cause of the numbness by using the elimination process.
There are many different causes of numbness in the legs and feet.You will be able to treat your numbness more efficiently if you eliminate more of the causes.If you were sitting with your legs crossed, you could uncross them or stretch them out.If you were sitting on your feet, you might be able to restore feeling by releasing them and moving them around.If you have a chronic back injury or have recently had an acute injury, it can cause numbness in your legs and feet.
Step 2: The massage of your legs and feet increases blood flow.
Rub your legs and feet in a circular motion.Making a kneading motion might help.Don't massage too deeply.Without feeling in your foot or leg, you wouldn't be able to tell when the pressure was too much.
Step 3: Less restrictive clothing is worn.
It might be a problem if you're wearing tight clothing.If your shoes are too tight, your feet could go numb.Check the top seam of your socks or stockings to make sure it's not too tight.It might be cutting off the blood flow to your feet if it's causing an indention in your skin.
Step 4: Change your body position more often.
If you're sitting with your legs crossed or under you, your feet will go numb if you sit or stand in the same position for too long.Circulation is encouraged by moving around and shifting weight.It's a good idea to change position before your feet go numb.You won't have to deal with the pain and frustration of waiting for your legs or feet to wake up because you'll be more comfortable.
Step 5: You should take vitamins if you have a deficiency.
Your arms, hands, legs, and feet are more likely to be affected by vitamins deficiencies.Achy joints can be caused by B-complex vitamins.Deficiency of calcium, calcium carbonate, and sodium can cause numbness.If you have an underlying condition or have decreased intake for a few years, you won't have a B-12 deficiency.If you're not already taking a multivitamin each day, you can add one of these to your daily routine and see if it helps.If you're taking supplements, you might want to talk to your doctor.If you're already taking a multivitamin, it's less likely that you have a deficiency.If you want to know if you have enough vitamins in your blood, you can have your doctor measure it.
Step 6: You can call your local emergency number if you have more serious symptoms.
It's fairly common for legs and feet to be numb.Sometimes this numbness is a sign that you have a more serious health problem, such as a stroke, that requires immediate treatment.If you notice weakness in your legs or feet, seek emergency medical care.
Step 7: If you can't find the cause of your numbness, you need to see your doctor.
If you can't figure out why your legs and feet are numb, your doctor can help you.Tell your doctor all about the issues you're having with numbness, including the circumstances under which it starts, how long it lasts, and what you have done to try to stop or prevent it.Your doctor will try to find the cause.Your symptoms should go away once the cause is fixed.Diabetes, carpal tunnel, and a compressed nerve are some of the conditions that may be ruled out by your doctor.Tell your doctor about any illnesses, injuries, or infections you've had.You want to make sure your doctor is aware of all the supplements you're taking.Some drugs and supplements can cause nausea.Your doctor might ask about your family's medical history to determine your risk level for having a stroke.
Step 8: You can get blood tests to measure your levels of vitamins and minerals.
Depending on your medical history and other symptoms, your doctor might order a series of blood tests.If your numbness is caused by a toxin, heavy metal toxicity, or a deficiency in vitamins, these tests are for you.The results of these tests will be used to make a recommendation to your doctor.Your doctor can use these tests to determine if your organs are functioning correctly.Problems with either of these organs can cause numbness in your legs and feet.If your doctor discovers a deficiency, they will recommend supplements to correct it.Taking these supplements will relieve your symptoms in a few days.
Step 9: Nerve damage can be checked using nerve conduction tests.
The nerve conduction test involves attaching patches to different parts of your legs.Your doctor will look at the muscle's response to the patch.You won't feel any pain after this test.If your doctor can't identify the cause, you'll only get a nerve study done.Abnormal results from this test show that you have nerve damage in your legs.It is possible that this nerve damage is related to a specific condition.Your doctor will try to find the cause of nerve damage if the tests show it.You will have less numbness once the cause is eliminated.If you have nerve damage due to high blood sugar, it's a good idea to lower it.
Step 10: Take drugs to relieve symptoms.
Depending on the cause of your numbness, your doctor may prescribe a medication to treat it or to ease it.The reasons for your numbness, as well as your overall health and normal lifestyle, determine the specific medications recommended for you.If your numbness is caused by peripheral artery disease, your doctor might prescribe medications to treat any underlying conditions that contribute to that disease.Steroids can sometimes be effective in treating long-term nerve problems.
Step 11: If you are obese, you need to diet and exercise to lose weight.
If you have a body mass index greater than 30 you are considered obese.Obesity can affect circulation in your legs and feet.Being obese increases your risk of diabetes, which can cause numbness in your legs and feet.Your doctor can help you come up with a plan to lose weight and keep it off.A personal trainer can help you achieve your goals.Generally, plan to exercise most days for at least 30 minutes a day and eat whole foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Step 12: If you smoke, create a cessation smoking plan.
Smoking reduces blood flow to your legs and feet, which can lead to numbness.Smoking can damage your nerves.If you want to quit smoking, tell your doctor.They can help you figure out a plan to decrease gradually.If you cut down before you quit and use nicotine replacement therapy, such as a patch or gum, you will have a better chance of quitting for good.It is possible to keep your hands busy by taking up a new hobby.
Step 13: You should develop a regular exercise routine.
Your blood flow will be improved by regular exercise.Even if you're not overweight, you still need to exercise.The more active you are, the better your circulation is.Poor circulation can cause numbness in your legs and feet.It's a good idea to incorporate activity into your daily life as well.You could take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park further away from your destination and walk across the parking lot.
Step 14: Alternative therapies can help improve circulation.
The circulation in your legs and feet can be improved with alternative therapies.Do you know if your doctor recommends any of these therapies?If you want to find out if your treatment would help you, you can schedule a consult with a practitioner.You can discuss how many sessions they recommend and what they charge at that time.If you choose to go this route, you'll most likely be paying out of pocket for the treatments because alternative therapies aren't covered by private health insurance plans.