How to Treat Numbness in Legs and Feet

At first, experiencing numbness in your legs and feet can be a disconcerting sensation. However, you’re not alone. More often than not, many individuals deal with this phenomenon. Due to the fact that it can be caused by various health conditions, it’s important to understand the possible reasons and treatments available. In this guide, we will discuss these issues and give you some actionable tips.

Potential Causes

The numbness could be due to:

• Peripheral neuropathy: Often linked to diabetes, this condition affects the nerves in your legs and feet.
• Sciatica: A pinched sciatic nerve can lead to numbness along its path, including the legs and feet.
• Lumbar herniated disc: This condition can put pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in numbness in the legs or feet.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This condition reduces blood flow to your legs, causing numbness.
• Certain medications: Some drugs can cause numbness as a side effect.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): MS affects the central nervous system, causing symptoms like numbness and tingling.
• Stroke: Numbness in the legs or feet can be a sign of a stroke, which requires immediate medical attention.

Treating Numbness at Home

Sometimes, numbness in the legs and feet can be addressed with home remedies or lifestyle changes. Among other things, you might want to consider:

• Rest: If the numbness is due to overuse or strain, rest might be all you need. Elevate your legs and avoid activities that worsen the numbness.
• Massage: Gentle massage can often help stimulate blood flow and reduce numbness. Always use a soft touch and avoid massaging any area that causes pain.
• Stretching: Gentle stretching can help reduce numbness. Always ensure you are stretching correctly to avoid any injuries.
• Warm compress: Applying a warm compress can improve blood circulation, thus reducing numbness.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity like walking, biking on a stationary cycle, or swimming can help improve circulation, which might alleviate numbness.
• Diet: Ensure your diet is balanced and nutritious. Some vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, potassium, and magnesium, are essential for nerve function.

Over-the-counter Options

There are also over-the-counter options that may provide relief:

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can temporarily relieve discomfort associated with numbness.
• Topical creams: Creams and ointments containing capsaicin might help with peripheral neuropathy.

Always remember, though, to consult your doctor before starting any over-the-counter treatment.

Lifestyle Changes to Consider

However, if the numbness is persistent, you might need to consider making some lifestyle changes:

• Vitamin Supplements: Vitamin deficiencies can sometimes contribute to nerve problems. Supplements, especially Vitamin B1, B6, B12, folic acid, and magnesium, may be helpful in treating your numbness.
• Manage chronic conditions: If you have diabetes or other chronic conditions that can cause numbness, managing them effectively can help reduce symptoms.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can affect your circulation, which in turn can typically lead to numbness in your extremities.
• Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage your nerves, leading to numbness.

Medical Treatments

In cases where the numbness is severe, persistent, or caused by a serious underlying condition, medical treatment may be necessary. This might include:

• Prescription medications: Depending on the cause, doctors may prescribe medications to treat the underlying condition or relieve symptoms.
• Physical therapy: If your numbness is due to nerve compression, physical therapy might help relieve pressure and reduce numbness.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery might be necessary to treat the underlying condition causing numbness.

When to Seek Medical Help

That said, if your symptoms persist despite trying these home remedies and lifestyle changes, it’s time to seek professional help. Also, immediate medical attention is needed if the numbness is accompanied by:

• Weakness or paralysis
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• A sudden, severe headache
• Confusion or difficulty speaking

A healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause of the numbness and suggest appropriate treatments, which might include physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.

Key Takeaways

Numbness in your legs and feet can be discomforting and may interfere with your daily activities. However, with a variety of treatments available, it can be managed effectively.

From lifestyle changes like regular exercise and quitting smoking to home remedies and medical treatments, there are numerous ways to tackle this issue.

However, it’s important to remember that persistent numbness may signal an underlying condition. Therefore, always consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist. Don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a stroke or have severe symptoms.

Further Reading: Why You Have Numbness And Tingling In The Hands And Feet