For example, if you were sitting with your legs crossed, you might uncross them or stretch them out. On the other hand, if you were sitting on your feet, releasing them and moving them around might be all you need to do to restore feeling. If you have a chronic back injury, or recently had an acute back injury, that can cause numbness in your legs and feet.
Be careful not to massage too deeply. You might inadvertently bruise yourself because, without feeling in your leg or foot, you wouldn’t be able to tell when the pressure was too intense.
If you’re wearing socks or stockings, check the top seam to see if it’s too tight. If it’s causing an indention in your skin, it might be cutting off the blood flow to your ankles and feet.
Generally, it’s better to change position before your legs and feet start to go numb. You’ll be more comfortable and you won’t have to deal with the pain and frustration of waiting for your legs or feet to “wake up. "
You usually won’t have a B-12 deficiency unless you have an underlying condition or if you have decreased intake for a few years, like if you’re vegetarian or vegan. If you’re not already taking a multivitamin each day, you can typically add one of these to your daily routine without any complications and see if that helps. However, if you’re taking medications or other supplements, you might want to ask your doctor before you start. If you’re already taking a multivitamin, it’s less likely that a vitamin deficiency is the cause of your numbness. However, you can have your doctor measure the vitamin levels in your blood to be sure.
Weakness or inability to move A sudden, severe headache Loss of control of your bladder or bowels Confusion or loss of consciousness Slurred speech, difficulty talking, or a change in vision
Some common conditions your doctor may rule out include diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel, or a compressed nerve in your back. Tell your doctor about any recent illnesses, injuries, or infections you’ve had and how they were treated. You also want to make sure your doctor is aware of all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you’re currently taking. Numbness can be a side effect of some drugs and supplements. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor might also ask questions about your medical history and your family’s medical history to determine your risk level for having a stroke.
These tests can also help your doctor determine if your thyroid and liver are functioning properly. Problems with either of these organs can result in numbness in your legs and feet. If your doctor identifies a vitamin deficiency, they will likely recommend supplements to correct the deficiency. Taking these supplements according to your doctor’s instructions should relieve your symptoms within a few days.
You’ll usually only get a nerve study completed if your doctor can’t identify the cause by any other means since it’s an invasive procedure. Abnormal results from this test indicate that you have nerve damage or destruction in your legs that is likely responsible for your numbness. This nerve damage may also be related to a specific condition, such as diabetic neuropathy or Guillain-Barré syndrome. If nerve conduction tests show nerve damage, your doctor will attempt to find the cause of the damage. Once that cause is eliminated, the nerves will likely heal and you’ll have less numbness. For example, if you have nerve damage due to high blood sugar, lowering your blood sugar will reduce the numbness in your legs. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
For example, if your numbness is caused by peripheral artery disease, your doctor might prescribe medications to treat any underlying conditions that contribute to that disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar. Antidepressants and corticosteroids can also sometimes effectively treat long-term nerve problems. [14] X Research source
Your doctor can help you come up with an effective diet and exercise plan that will help you lose weight and keep it off. You might also involve a nutritionist or personal trainer to work with you to 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.
Typically, you’ll have a better chance of quitting for good if you cut down before you quit and use a nicotine replacement therapy, such as a patch or gum, after you quit to help cut down on the cravings. You might also try taking up a new hobby to keep your hands busy so idleness doesn’t create the urge to smoke.
The more active you are, the better your circulation will be. Cardiovascular exercise is especially important if you have numbness in your legs and feet due to poor circulation. Incorporate activity into your everyday life as well. For example, you might take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park further away from your destination and walking across the parking lot.
You can typically schedule a consult with a practitioner to describe your symptoms and find out if their therapeutic treatment would help you. At that time, you can also discuss how many sessions they’d recommend and what they’ll charge. Keep in mind that alternative therapies typically aren’t covered by private health insurance plans, so if you decide to go this route, you’ll most likely be paying out of pocket for the treatments.
