What causes numbness in the legs and feet?
Disease description:
My legs and feet have been frequently numb lately. Sometimes this occurs after sitting or standing for prolonged periods. The numbness is quite uncomfortable and even slightly affects my walking. I would like to know what is causing this condition.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Leg and foot numbness can be caused by various factors, mainly including:
1. Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to cold environments or cold stimulation may affect the blood circulation in the lower limbs, leading to numbness in the legs and feet.
2. Incorrect posture: Maintaining the same posture for a long time, such as sitting or standing for prolonged periods or crossing legs, can cause poor local blood circulation and result in numbness.
3. Vitamin deficiency: Deficiency of certain vitamins in the body can also lead to abnormal nerve function, causing numbness.
4. Poor blood circulation: This may be due to atherosclerosis, blood clots, or other vascular diseases that lead to insufficient blood supply to the lower limbs, resulting in numbness.
5. Peripheral neuritis: Particularly peripheral neuritis caused by diabetes, which requires blood sugar control and nerve nutrition.
6. Diabetes: Patients with diabetes often have peripheral nerve damage due to high blood sugar damaging the nervous system, manifesting as numbness, tingling, and other symptoms in the extremities.
7. Cerebrovascular disease: For example, damage to the sensory center caused by cerebral ischemia may lead to numbness in the legs and feet.
The above are only possible causes. If symptoms of leg or foot numbness occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the exact cause through specialized examinations and receive targeted treatment.
