Foot numbness is a common problem that has numerous possible causes. Certain types of activities where your feet are in the same position for extended periods of time, such as sitting or driving, biking or kayaking, can result in numb feet. In more serious cases, numbness may be caused by a medical illness, such as diabetes, or by an injury, in which case you should consult your doctor immediately. Stretches and other solutions for numb feet can help increase circulation and decrease the annoying tingling and pins and needles feeling.
Products for Numb Feet
A number of products claim to reduce foot numbness or cure it all together. Some companies sell socks made from materials that purportedly reduce numbness by reducing the amount of heat your feet lose and reflecting the heat back to your skin. Wearing socks that are too tight can be a potential cause of numbness, according to NumbFoot.org. Wear socks that are comfortable and that keep your feet dry, such as those made from wicking materials, which help to pull moisture away from your skin.
Shoes
Wearing properly fitting shoes can help reduce numbness. According to podiatrist Paul Langer in his book, "Great Feet for Life: Footcare and Footwear for Healthy Aging," wearing shoes that have soft insoles and rounded toes can ease numbness. You should take time to break in new shoes, as shoes that are too tight can cause numbness or pain.
Thunder Pose
When numbness results from inactivity, simple foot stretches that increase circulation may help reduce your symptoms. Thunder pose, a yoga posture, may help decrease numbness by stretching the bottoms of your feet and increasing circulation. Kneel on the floor, keeping your feet together but your knees about a foot and a half apart. Curl your toes under by resting the bottoms of your toes on the floor. Sit back on your calves and rest your hands on your thighs.
Foot Stretch
This foot stretch helps reduce numbness and stretches the tiny ligaments between your toes. Sit on the floor in a cross-legged position. Bring your left ankle in toward your chest by holding it with your left hand. Interlace the fingers of your right hand with your left toes. Spread your fingers wide apart, holding the stretch for a few seconds, then wiggle your fingers around in a side-to-side and up and down motion, stretching the tops and bottoms of your toes.
