What are the common causes of numbness in the legs and feet?
Jun 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, common causes of leg numbness may include environmental factors, poor posture, short-term stress or fatigue, multiple peripheral neuritis, multiple sclerosis, etc. Symptomatic treatment is required through general therapy, medication, and other methods. It is recommended to engage in moderate daily exercise, such as walking, jogging, yoga, etc., which can help strengthen leg muscle strength and improve blood circulation.
Generally, common causes of leg and foot numbness may include environmental factors, poor posture, short-term stress or fatigue, multiple peripheral neuritis, and multiple sclerosis. Symptomatic treatment through general therapy and medication may be needed. If symptoms are severe, timely medical examination and targeted treatment are recommended. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Environmental Factors
Prolonged exposure to cold environments may affect blood circulation in the lower limbs, leading to numbness in the legs and feet. This occurs because cold environments cause blood vessels to constrict, thereby reducing blood supply to the lower limbs, causing local ischemia and hypoxia, which results in a numb sensation. It is recommended to dress appropriately in warm clothing, avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, and engage in moderate movement to promote blood circulation in the lower limbs.
2. Poor Posture
Maintaining the same posture for extended periods, such as sitting or standing for long durations or crossing legs, may compress the legs and feet, impeding local blood circulation and causing numbness, possibly accompanied by symptoms like local muscle stiffness and soreness. It is recommended to change postures appropriately and engage in moderate activities, such as walking or stretching, to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
3. Short-Term Stress or Fatigue
Excessive use of leg muscles after strenuous exercise or prolonged walking may lead to impaired local blood circulation and temporary nerve compression, causing numbness in the legs and feet, usually accompanied by muscle soreness or fatigue. It is recommended to rest appropriately, perform mild stretching and relaxation exercises, and use hot or cold compresses to relieve muscle tension.
4. Multiple Peripheral Neuritis
Nutritional and metabolic disorders, infections, toxins, and other factors can lead to multiple peripheral neuritis. This condition primarily causes symmetrical sensory abnormalities in the distal limbs, including numbness and pain, possibly accompanied by symptoms like pain, burning sensation, and crawling sensations. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as mecobalamin capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and carbamazepine tablets to alleviate symptoms.
5. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath in the central nervous system, causing impaired nerve signal transmission, leading to numbness in the legs and feet. It may be accompanied by symptoms like vision problems, balance disorders, and muscle spasms. It is recommended to undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance using medications such as glatiramer acetate injection, dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules, and teriflunomide tablets.
It is recommended to engage in moderate daily exercise, such as walking, jogging, or yoga, which can help strengthen leg muscles and improve blood circulation.
