Why do my feet easily go numb when squatting, and what should I do about it?

Numbness in the legs when squatting may result from physiological causes, or it could be due to medical conditions such as lumbar disc herniation or deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs. Treatment depends on the specific underlying cause and may involve medication. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Causes

During deep squatting, muscles in the lower limbs compress each other, leading to ischemia of nerves in the area. This can disrupt nerve signal transmission and cause temporary numbness due to impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities. Symptoms typically resolve or disappear after resting.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Lumbar Disc Herniation

This condition is usually caused by the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus within the intervertebral disc, which compresses nerves in the spinal canal. When squatting, forward bending of the waist further compresses the nerve roots, resulting in numbness and pain in the lower limbs. Medications such as Yao Bitong capsules or Tongluo Huoxue capsules may be taken under a doctor's guidance.

2. Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Lower Limbs

This generally refers to abnormal blood clot formation within the deep veins of the lower limbs. During squatting, reduced blood flow exacerbates ischemia, leading to numbness in the legs. Treatment may include medications such as Mailluoning oral solution or Rivaroxaban tablets, taken as directed by a physician.

In addition to the above common causes, leg numbness during squatting may also be caused by spondylolisthesis, cerebral hypoperfusion, or varicose veins in the lower limbs. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment if any discomfort occurs.