What causes numbness in the feet after squatting on the toilet for 5 minutes?

Foot numbness after squatting on the toilet for 5 minutes is mainly caused by nerve compression or poor blood circulation, as well as underlying conditions such as lumbar disc herniation.

1. Nerve Compression

When squatting on the toilet for 5 minutes, prolonged squatting may compress the patient's sciatic nerve or other nerves in the legs, leading to foot numbness due to impaired blood flow.

2. Poor Blood Circulation

Squatting compresses the veins and blood vessels in the lower limbs, affecting blood circulation and causing venous return obstruction. As a result, nerves and muscles may become numb due to ischemia and hypoxia. Since squatting has lasted for 5 minutes—an extended period—the sensation of foot numbness becomes more pronounced.

3. Lumbar Disc Herniation

In patients who already have lumbar disc herniation, the altered tissue may compress nerves, leading to foot numbness when squatting on the toilet for 5 minutes.