What causes leg numbness and cold feet?

　　Under normal circumstances, leg numbness and cold feet may be caused by prolonged sitting or squatting, cold environments, Raynaud's phenomenon, lower limb varicose veins, lumbar disc herniation, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatments, medications, and other methods is recommended. If discomfort persists, timely medical consultation is advised to receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Prolonged Sitting or Squatting

　　Maintaining the same posture for an extended period, such as sitting or squatting, may compress leg nerves and blood vessels, affecting blood circulation and nerve conduction, leading to leg numbness and cold feet. Usually, no other symptoms accompany this condition. It is recommended to change posture promptly and engage in appropriate physical activity, such as walking or performing leg-stretching exercises, to promote blood circulation and nerve conduction.

　　2. Cold Environment

　　When exposed to a low-temperature environment, the feet lose heat rapidly, causing cold feet. Prolonged exposure to cold or wearing insufficient clothing can also cause a drop in foot temperature. Cold stimulation may lead to abnormal sensations in leg nerve endings, resulting in numbness. It is recommended to add warm clothing and wear warm shoes and socks in cold environments.

　　3. Raynaud's Phenomenon

　　Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by abnormal vascular reactivity, primarily triggered by cold exposure, emotional stress, or autoimmune diseases. It may cause fingers and toes to turn white, purple, and then red when exposed to cold or emotional excitement, accompanied by numbness and cold sensations. It is recommended to use medications such as nitroglycerin patches, amlodipine tablets, and prazosin hydrochloride tablets under a physician's guidance.

　　4. Lower Limb Varicose Veins

　　Lower limb varicose veins result from impaired venous valve function or weak venous walls. This condition leads to poor venous return, causing blood to pool in the lower limbs, reducing blood supply to the legs and feet, and increasing venous pressure, which affects nerve conduction. This may cause symptoms such as coldness and numbness in the legs and feet, possibly accompanied by lower limb edema, heaviness, and pain. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as diosmin tablets, sodium aescinate tablets, and dicoumarol tablets to alleviate symptoms.

　　5. Lumbar Disc Herniation

　　Lumbar disc herniation is primarily caused by chronic strain, trauma, and other factors. In this condition, the protruding nucleus pulposus or annulus fibrosus may compress adjacent nerve roots, impairing nerve conduction and causing sensory abnormalities in the lower limbs, such as leg numbness and cold feet. It may also be accompanied by low back pain and limb weakness. Patients are advised to use medications such as Gentengping Granules, Yaotongning Capsules, and Duhuo Jisheng Pills under a physician's guidance.

　　It is also recommended to incorporate warm-natured and nourishing foods into the daily diet, such as lamb, red dates, and longan, which help replenish qi and blood and improve peripheral circulation.