What causes numbness in the legs and feet?
Jun 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, leg numbness may be caused by maintaining the same posture for a long time, cold environments, pressure or compression, multiple sclerosis, lumbar disc herniation, or other similar causes. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches. It is recommended to move the legs regularly in daily life to help promote blood circulation and alleviate symptoms of leg numbness.
Generally, leg numbness may be caused by prolonged maintenance of the same posture, cold environments, pressure or compression, multiple sclerosis, lumbar disc herniation, and other similar factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment, medication, or surgical treatment may be necessary. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended, and treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Prolonged Maintenance of the Same Posture
Maintaining the same posture for a long time can cause poor local blood circulation, affecting oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues, leading to ischemia and hypoxia of nerve endings, thus causing numbness. It is recommended to change postures appropriately and engage in moderate physical activity, such as walking or jogging, to promote blood circulation.
2. Cold Environment
In cold environments, blood vessels constrict and blood circulation slows down, affecting blood supply to the lower limbs, which can lead to ischemia and hypoxia in nerve endings, causing numbness. Symptoms may be accompanied by coldness and pain in the lower limbs. It is recommended to wear additional clothing and apply local heat compresses or massage to improve blood circulation.
3. Pressure or Compression
Clothing or shoes that are too tight can compress nerves and blood vessels in the legs, affecting blood circulation and nerve signal transmission, thus causing numbness. External compression can similarly affect nerves and blood vessels, leading to poor circulation and impaired nerve signal transmission, which may be accompanied by leg discomfort or pain. It is recommended to wear well-fitting, breathable clothing and shoes and avoid excessively tight garments.
4. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath in the central nervous system, leading to impaired nerve signal transmission. Myelin damage in the spinal cord and brain can affect sensory nerves in the lower limbs, causing leg numbness. Symptoms may also include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, and balance disorders. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as recombinant human interferon beta-1b for injection, glatiramer acetate injection, and dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules to relieve symptoms.
5. Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar disc herniation refers to the protrusion or extrusion of the intervertebral disc nucleus, which may compress adjacent nerve roots, impairing nerve signal transmission. Nerve root compression can cause sensory abnormalities in the lower limbs, such as numbness and tingling. It is recommended to undergo surgical treatments such as percutaneous laser disc decompression or lumbar discectomy under medical guidance.
It is also recommended to regularly move the legs and feet in daily life, such as walking, ankle exercises, and knee joint movements, which can help promote blood circulation and alleviate leg numbness.
