If Your Feet Feel Numb, It Could Be A Sign Of This

Most people have felt their legs or feet "fall asleep" before, and the tingling sensation can feel uncomfortable and sometimes painful. According to Mayo Clinic, your feet and legs can go numb for a number of reasons, but it usually means a nerve has been compressed, irritated, or damaged. When a nerve has too much pressure applied to it, this can result in less blood flow and numbness, per Verywell Health. Some describe the feeling as "pins and needles," which can occur on both sides of the body. However, the feeling is generally temporary.

Aside from the tingling sensation in your feet, you might experience other symptoms of numbness, including itchiness, muscle spasms, and sensitivity to touch. The tingling sensation normally goes away once you've moved your feet again, but in the meantime you may also have trouble sitting or standing, and may feel weakness in the affected foot. While numbness is usually temporary, it could be a sign of an underlying condition if it's happening more often than not.

Your foot can go numb for many reasons, such as having bad posture, having underlying conditions, or being injured. According to Medical News Today, sitting on your feet, crossing your legs, or any other postural movements that put pressure on nerves may end in numbness. Many people who cross their legs notice the "pins and needles" feeling if they haven't uncrossed or moved their legs for a long period of time. The numbness often trickles down the legs and into the feet, making it temporarily hard to walk without feeling uncomfortable.

While it's normal for feet to fall asleep every once in a while, it may point to an underlying health condition if it happens regularly or the numbness is persistent. For example, diabetes can lead to foot numbness as the health condition may damage nerves. Healthline reports that numbness is a common symptom of diabetes, and is known as peripheral neuropathy. It may cause balance loss or sharp pains and cramps.

Other health conditions, including fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, are conditions that could be the culprit behind your numbness if it's constant. This is why it's important to see a doctor if your numbness is persistent or happens frequently. Treatment is going to depend on what your doctor recommends, but possibilities include medication, home remedies like ice and massages, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture.