What causes numbness in the feet of elderly people?

Generally, foot numbness in the elderly may be caused by prolonged standing or maintaining fixed postures, environmental factors, cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, diabetes, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Prolonged Standing or Fixed Postures

Prolonged standing or maintaining a fixed posture can slow down blood circulation in the lower limbs, leading to ischemia and hypoxia in the calves and feet. This affects nerve endings and causes numbness. Elderly individuals should regularly move their legs, avoid prolonged standing or sitting, use compression stockings to promote venous return, and perform local massage to improve blood circulation.

2. Environmental Factors

Cold and damp environments can cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict, resulting in tissue hypoxia in the feet and impaired nerve conduction, which may trigger numbness. The elderly should pay attention to keeping warm, dress appropriately, and avoid exposure to cold.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Long-term poor sitting posture may lead to cervical spondylosis, compressing or irritating the spinal cord and nerve roots, disrupting nerve conduction, and causing foot numbness. Symptoms may also include neck pain, stiffness, and upper limb numbness. Patients can take medications such as Jinfukang Granules, Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules, and Eperisone Hydrochloride Tablets under a doctor's guidance.

4. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Trauma may cause lumbar disc herniation, compressing nerve roots and affecting sensory and motor functions of the lower limbs, resulting in foot numbness. Symptoms may also include low back pain and sciatica. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as Yaotongning Capsules, Mecobalamin Dispersible Tablets, and Tizanidine Hydrochloride Tablets.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is often caused by long-term consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods. Chronic hyperglycemia leads to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, manifesting as foot numbness, possibly accompanied by skin ulcers and infections. Patients should follow medical instructions and use medications such as Metformin Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Tablets, Beraprost Sodium Tablets, and Mecobalamin Tablets for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to engage in regular physical activity, maintain a warm and dry environment, control blood glucose levels, follow a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and perform appropriate foot massage to promote blood circulation.