Ouch! My Feet & Legs Go Numb

Wrong Posture is a Great Numbness Trigger

Try to get up after sitting down continuously and you might experience a numb sensation in your legs and feet due to pressure on the nerves or inconsistent blood flow. Numbness that prolongs for longer than expected or occurs without valid reasons is something that needs further probing. Sitting down continuously for studies, at school functions, during prayer or simply sitting for hours together can cause numbness in the whole leg, below the knee or in the feet. A wrong posture or seating can be the underlying cause for such numbness, but chronic numbness indicates a medical condition. The medical conditions that influence numbness include:

Posture:Incorrect posture is mainly the root cause for numbness in the feet and legs. Sitting on the feet, crossing the legs for too long periods, sitting/kneeling for long periods and wearing garments that fit too tightly on the feet and legs can cause numbness.

Injury:Injuries to the spine, torso, hip, legs, ankles and feet can cause pressure on nerves making the feet and legs go numb.

Tumors: Tumors and other abnormal growth can pressurize the brain, spinal cord, feet and legs. This in turn restricts blood flow causing numbness.

Strokes:Strokes cause brain damage and might lead to temporary or prolonged numbness to different parts of the body

Fibromyalgia:This condition causes widespread body pain, aching and tenderness. Stiffness, soreness and restless leg syndrome are common symptoms but some people also experience numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

Lower Back issues: Herniation of spinal discs or other back problems can cause nervous compression leading to numbness. Sciatic nerves run from the lower back to the legs and when these nerves become compressed and irritated the individual might experience numbness in the legs and feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This causes peripheral blood arteries in the legs, arms and stomach to narrow thereby reducing blood flow. Individuals with PAD are subjected to pain and cramping in the legs and hips while walking or going upstairs. 

Symptoms
Numbness is a symptom but chronic numbness is also accompanied by other symptoms such as tingling, burning, tickling, itching and a sense of crawling under the skin.

Treatment
The cause of the problem determines the solution to it too. Physicians might recommend medications such as antidepressants or corticosteroids while alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, meditation and vitamin B (B3, B6 and B12) supplements can reduce symptoms and keep numbness at bay. Few individuals also prefer home treatments for dealing with numbness. This includes:

1. Giving plenty of rest improves the condition
2. Pressurized nerves that result from swelling decrease with applying ice packs on the swollen area.
3. Massaging the numb area can improve blood flow 
4. Inactivity can disable heart and blood vessels from pumping blood to the lower limbs and activities such as yoga and exercises improve blood flow throughout the body
5. Stress can aggravate CNS-related disorders and practicing meditation can minimize stress
6. Nutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin B deficiency, can cause inflammation, pain or nerve damage which in turn can lead to numbness. This increases the need to eat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. For planning a wholesome diet plan get in touch with deemed dietitian and nutritionists at www.firsteatright.com.
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Numbness is common to you and me, but it might be time to consult the physician when it lasts for longer periods, causes changes in the color, shape and temperature of legs and feet and seems unrelated to posture or lifestyle.