What is the reason for numbness in hands and legs?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 06, 2026
What is the reason for numbness in hands and legs?
There are many possible causes of numbness and tingling, including: Sitting or standing in the same position for a long time. Injuring a nerve (a neck injury may cause you to feel numbness anywhere along your arm or hand, while a low back injury can cause numbness or tingling down the back of your leg)
What does numbness in legs indicate?
Leg numbness is usually due to a lack of blood supply to an area or nerve damage. Leg numbness can also result from infection, inflammation, trauma, and other abnormal processes. Most cases of leg numbness are not due to life-threatening disorders, but it does occur with stroke and tumors.
Should I worry about numb legs?
Temporary numbness in your foot or lower leg from sitting too long is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Frequent, recurring, or persistent numbness in the area could be a sign of a more serious medical condition, and should be diagnosed by a doctor immediately.
When should I be worried about numbness?
Go to a hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if: You have weakness or are unable to move, along with numbness or tingling. Numbness or tingling occur just after a head, neck, or back injury. You cannot control the movement of an arm or a leg, or you have lost bladder or bowel control.
How do I get rid of numbness in my legs and feet?
Home remedies that may help to relieve uncomfortable numbness in the legs and feet include:
- Rest. Many of the conditions that cause leg and foot numbness, such as nerve pressure, improve with rest.
- Ice.
- Heat.
- Massage.
- Exercise.
- Supportive devices.
- Epsom salt baths.
- Mental techniques and stress reduction.
How do I get rid of numbness in my leg?
Does leg numbness go away?
Once you move your leg, the numbness should go away. You can prevent paresthesia if you change your sitting positions often and try not to cross your legs for too long.
How can I stop my legs from being numb?
Can diabetes cause leg numbness?
Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart.
What is the home remedy for leg numbness?
Home remedies
- Rest. Many of the conditions that cause leg and foot numbness, such as nerve pressure, improve with rest.
- Ice. Ice can help reduce swelling that can put pressure on nerves.
- Heat.
- Massage.
- Exercise.
- Supportive devices.
- Epsom salt baths.
- Mental techniques and stress reduction.
How can I test my numbness at home?
You hold your arms out in front of you and then flex your wrists, letting your hands hang down for about 60 seconds. If you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers within 60 seconds, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.