Numb feet affect a number of individuals for a variety of reasons. Some people feel numbness when running. Some experience numb feet first thing in the morning, or after they've been standing for too long. Others experience numb feet after sitting or being inactive for a while, or because of bad circulation. For whatever the reason that your numb feet occur, exercise can help keep your blood pumping and even relax you so that you experience numb, tingling feet less often.
Step 1
Try water aerobics. A guide to peripheral neuropathy written by John A. Senneff notes that those who suffer from a circulatory and muscle condition often resulting in numb feet find that water aerobics helps circulate the blood, without putting unnecessary pressure on the joints and muscles around the feet.
Step 2
Walk or run if you can. Running or walking at a low intensity helps to circulate the blood through your legs and feet, which should do away with that temporary numb feeling, especially when you've been sitting for too long or if you have numbness when you get out of bed in the morning.
Step 3
Join a yoga class or practice daily stretching. Numb feet can be the result of other chronic pains, some of which can be alleviated by properly stretching each day, says Senneff. He also recommends tai chi as a way to control your muscles to combat the numbness that sometimes occurs in your limbs, hands and feet.
Step 4
Stand up, walk around and even complete a few jumping jacks if you experience occasional foot numbness when sitting at your desk, sitting on an airplane or lying in bed in the middle of the night. Foot numbness is sometimes caused by a pinched nerve or lack of circulation due to the position that you're in. It isn't serious, and jumping in place can help restore the feeling in your feet.
Step 5
Visit your doctor if the numbness persists or doesn't go away with exercise. Numbness in your extremities is often a sign of more serious problems, notes William Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR. It could be the result of arthritis, a neurological disorder or a serious circulation problem that should be handled with evaluation and medication.
