What causes numbness in the legs and feet after sitting for a short while?

Generally, leg or foot numbness after sitting for a while may be caused by circulatory disorders, muscle and ligament strain, or lumbar disc herniation.

1. Circulatory disorders: When sitting, nerves can become compressed, potentially impairing blood flow to the lower limbs due to pressure on blood vessels. This can lead to nerve ischemia and hypoxia, manifesting as leg numbness. This type of numbness is commonly seen in patients with high blood lipid levels or high blood glucose. If leg numbness occurs frequently, it's important to visit a hospital to check lipid and glucose levels. If elevated levels are detected, medications such as metformin or miglitol should be considered under medical guidance.

2. Muscle and ligament strain: Numbness in the lower limbs can result from nerve irritation due to overuse or excessive physical activity. In such cases, adequate rest, reduced physical activity, avoiding intense movements, and not remaining seated for prolonged periods are recommended. Taking warm baths or receiving appropriate massage may help relieve symptoms. For more severe cases, medical treatment is necessary, and doctors may prescribe blood-activating and stasis-resolving medications. Note: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, not typically for this condition—this may be an error in the original text; please consult a healthcare provider for accurate treatment.

3. Lumbar disc herniation: Sitting for extended periods can increase pressure on the spine, worsening disc degeneration and compressing nerves, leading to numbness in the legs and feet.