Everyone experiences numbness or the sensation of "pins and needles" in their bodies from time to time. Numbness and tingling are common in your extremities, including your hands and legs, but it can be a particularly uncomfortable or annoying feeling when it occurs in your feet.
Causes
Numbness and tingling sensations in your feet and other parts of your body can have a variety of causes. Inactivity or sitting or standing in the same position for long periods can cause the sensations. Other possible causes include nerve injuries, shingles or a herpes zoster infection, a lack of circulation or a loss of blood supply to your feet from cholesterol buildup, a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes and multiple sclerosis, the use of certain medications or certain types of nutritional deficiencies. Another often-overlooked cause of numb feet is improperly fitting or too-tight shoes.
Stretching and Exercise
Numbness and feelings of pins and needles can often be resolved by getting up, walking around and shaking out your feet. Certain stretches, such as the Legs-Up-the-Wall yoga pose, may be beneficial in increasing circulation to your feet and alleviating feelings of numbness caused by a lack of circulation or movement, according to yoga instructor and physical therapist Judith Hanson Lasater in her book, "Yogabody: Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Asana." You can also use your hands and fingers to perform a simple foot stretch. Sit cross-legged on the floor and hold your right foot in your left hand, supporting the top of your foot with your right hand. Interlace the fingers of your left hand with your right toes. Stretch the fingers wide to stretch the toes. Wiggle your fingers back and forth to increase circulation. Repeat on your left foot.
Treatment and Prevention
In addition to stretching and exercise, sensations of numbness in your feet can be reduced or treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. If numbness sensations are caused by improperly fitting or too-tight shoes, wear wider shoes or loosen the lace of your shoes to reduce swelling. Podiatrist and chiropractor Steven I. Subotnick in his book, "Sports and Exercise Injuries: Conventional, Homeopathic and Alternative Treatments," suggests that several homeopathic remedies given by injection, such as Ruta Grav, a compound made by soaking parts of the ruta graveolens plant in alcohol, may be beneficial for foot numbness, although check with your doctor before administering. If numbness is caused by a medical condition, your doctor can inform you about possible treatments and other solutions to reduce your symptoms.
Warning
Occasional feelings of numbness or pins and needles in your feet is normal. It's not normal if the sensations persist for several hours or days. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not go away or become worse or are accompanied by a rash or dizziness. Additionally, you should contact 911 immediately if numbness is accompanied by other symptoms such as a loss of range of motion, weakness or paralysis. These can be signs of a more serious medical condition.
