Numb legs and feet may be caused by sitting in a position that puts too much pressure on the nerves or reduces blood flow. Long-lasting numbness in the legs and feet may indicate an underlying condition.


Numbness refers to a lost, reduced, or dulled sensation in a particular area of the body, while tingling feels like a prickling sensation.

These sensations are types of temporary paresthesia, which is often described as having “pins and needles.”

Numbness or tingling in the legs may be felt in the whole leg, below the knee, or in different areas of the foot.

Short-term numbness is typically caused by a person’s posture and will resolve on its own. However, chronic numbness may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

In this article, we look at some of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of numbness in the legs and feet.

Bare, numb legs crossed.Share on Pinterest
Image Source/Getty Images

There are many different causes for experiencing numbness in the legs and feet.

Posture

Postural habits that put sustained pressure on nerves or reduce blood flow in the lower limbs are the most common cause of temporary numbness in the legs and feet.

These may include:

  • crossing the legs for too long
  • sitting or kneeling for long periods
  • sitting on the feet
  • wearing pants, socks, or shoes that are too tight

Many people describe this feeling as their leg having “fallen asleep.”

Injury

Injuries to different parts of the body may put pressure on certain nerves that could cause feet and leg numbness. These may include the:

Some causes of injury may include:

Diabetes

Some people with diabetes develop a type of nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy.

This may cause numbness, pain, and weakness that begins in the toes and may gradually rise up to the feet, ankles, and knees.

Lower back issues and sciatica

Problems in the lower back, such as a breakdown or herniation of spinal discs, may cause compression of the nerves going to the legs, leading to numbness or sensory disturbances.

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the legs and is the longest nerve in the body.

If this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, a person may experience numbness or tingling in their legs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve that runs down the back of the leg, along the inside of the ankle, and into the foot is compressed, squeezed, or damaged.

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the inside of the ankle. People with tarsal tunnel syndrome tend to feel numbness, burning, tingling, or shooting pain in their ankles, heels, and feet.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes the peripheral blood arteries in the legs, arms, and stomach to narrow. This reduces the amount of blood they can pump, reducing blood flow.

PAD may cause the following symptoms in the legs, hips, and calves when a person is walking:

  • pain
  • cramping
  • numbness
  • weakness

Symptoms of PAD typically go away after a few minutes of rest.

Tumors or other abnormal growths

Tumors, cysts, abscesses, and benign (non-cancerous) growths can put pressure on the brain, spinal cord, or any part of the legs and feet. This pressure can restrict blood flow to the legs and feet, causing numbness.

Alcohol use

Chronic or excessive alcohol consumption may also lead to signs of peripheral neuropathy, such as limb numbness. This is referred to as alcoholic neuropathy.

This type of nerve damage is linked to reduced levels of B vitamins, such as B-1 (thiamine), B-9 (folate), and B-12, which is caused by excessive alcohol intake.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread body pain, aching, and tenderness. Some people with fibromyalgia also experience numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

Most people with fibromyalgia experience a variety of symptoms, including:

If numbness in the legs and feet is not accompanied by any other symptoms or is not long-term, it is unlikely to be caused by fibromyalgia.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes sensory nerve damage that may lead to numbness in a region of the body.

Numbness associated with MS may only last a short period of time. However, in some cases, it could gradually worsen and become physically disabling.

Stokes and mini-strokes

Strokes or mini-strokes can cause brain damage that may affect how the mind interprets and processes nerve signals. A stroke or mini-stroke can sometimes cause temporary or long-term numbness in parts of the body.

Numbness is just one of the many symptoms associated with temporary and chronic numbness.

Many people with numbness in their legs and feet also experience dysesthesia, which may feel like:

  • tingling
  • burning
  • tickling
  • itching
  • a crawling feeling under the skin

The proper treatment for numb legs and feet depends entirely on the cause.

Medication

Some medical options for long-term numbness in the legs and feet include:

  • Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as duloxetine and milnacipran, have been approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
  • Corticosteroids: Some corticosteroids may help reduce chronic inflammation and numbness associated with conditions such as MS.
  • Gabapentin and pregabalin: Medications that block or change nerve signaling, like gabapentin and pregabalin, may help reduce numbness associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, MS, and diabetic neuropathy.

Home remedies

Some home remedies may help relieve uncomfortable numbness in the legs and feet by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, or reducing nerve pressure.

These include:

Alternative therapies

Some alternative therapies may also help with symptoms of conditions that may cause numbness in the legs and feet. Therapies include:

Here are some frequently asked questions about tingling and numbness in the legs and feet.

When should I worry about tingling in my legs?

A person should see a doctor about tingling and numbness in their legs and feet if it:

  • is not related to postural habits or lifestyle factors, such as tight clothing and footwear
  • lasts for long periods
  • is accompanied by other chronic symptoms
  • is accompanied by permanent or long-term changes in the color, shape, or temperature of the legs and feet

Does a blood clot in the leg cause tingling?

A blood clot in the leg, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), may cause tingling and numbness. However, the more common symptoms include:

  • throbbing calf or leg pain when standing or walking
  • swelling in one leg
  • hot or warm skin in the affected leg
  • change of skin color in the affected area
  • sore, swollen veins

How do I stop my legs and feet from being numb?

Treatments for numbness in the legs and feet might involve taking medication to treat the underlying cause. Some home remedies may also help. These include resting, massage, hot or cold therapy, and using supportive devices. If a person regularly experiences numbness, a doctor can help determine if there is a medical condition causing the symptoms.

What is the most common cause of leg numbness?

There are numerous possible causes of leg numbness. Posture can cause temporary numbness that should resolve once a person changes position. Recurring leg numbness may be due to an underlying condition such as diabetes. A doctor can order tests to help diagnose the cause of recurring or constant leg numbness.

Numbness in the legs and feet is common and typically goes away on its own. However, when it becomes chronic, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Anyone who experiences numbness that is unexplained, persistent, painful, or accompanied by other chronic symptoms should see a doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.