Causes of Foot Numbness

Jul 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 22-year-old female. My feet become numb while sleeping. I would like to ask, what are the causes of foot numbness?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Shichang
There are various causes for numbness in the feet, mainly including the following: 1. Poor blood circulation: Maintaining the same posture for a prolonged period, such as sitting or standing for long durations, crossing legs, or applying continuous pressure on the feet may lead to poor blood circulation, resulting in foot numbness. 2. Medical conditions: Disorders such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy and lumbar spine diseases (e.g., lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis) can affect the normal function of the nervous system, causing numbness in the feet. 3. Nerve compression: For example, compression of the sciatic nerve is commonly seen in conditions like lumbar disc herniation and piriformis syndrome. These conditions may compress the nerves of the lower limbs, leading to foot numbness. 4. Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to cold environments may cause nerve dysfunction in the feet, resulting in numbness. If numbness in the feet occurs frequently or is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, prompt medical consultation and examination are recommended.