There are many different causes for experiencing numbness in the legs and feet.
PosturePostural 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 longsitting or kneeling for long periodssitting on the feetwearing pants, socks, or shoes that are too tightMany people describe this feeling as their leg hing “fallen asleep.”
InjuryInjuries to different parts of the body may put pressure on certain nerves that could cause feet and leg numbness. These may include the:
torsospinehipslegsanklesfeetSome causes of injury may include:
whiplashslipped or herniated discship dislocationfoot or ankle injuriessitting on the feet for too longother back problems that trap a nerveDiabetesSome 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 sciaticaProblems 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 syndromeTarsal 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:
paincrampingnumbnessweaknessSymptoms of PAD typically go away after a few minutes of rest.
Tumors or other abnormal growthsTumors, 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 useChronic 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.
FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia 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:
muscle stiffness and soreness, especially in the morning or after sleepingchronic exhaustionirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)memory problems and difficulty thinking clearly, sometimes called fibro-fogrestless leg syndromeIf 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 sclerosisMultiple 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-strokesStrokes 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.