Foot numbness is an abnormal condition where you experience a loss of sensation in both feet (bilateral) or one foot, including the toes. The feet depend on the sense of touch to get away from hot surfaces and to allow us to know when to move. But if you experience numbness, you may have limited to no feeling in the feet. Here are some home remedies to help manage foot numbness at home.
1) Heat
Sometimes heat helps to relax painful, stiff or tense muscles that strain nerves and cause numbness. For instance, applying compressed heat to a numb leg or foot will reduce the sensation and relax muscles and nerves. Soak a cloth in warm water or fill a bottle with water and apply it to the numb area. Gently massage the product around the numb area for about five minutes, but do not overheat the numb legs and feet. This could aggravate the inflammation and cause even more pain and numbness.
2) Massage
You can stimulate blood circulation, nerves, and muscles with a massage. Mix a tablespoon of warm olive oil, coconut or mustard oil on your palm. Apply the mixture to the affected area and massage gently with circular motions for at least 5 minutes.
3) Epsom Salt Bath
Another tip: soak your feet in a warm water bath with Epsom salt for 10 minutes, several times a week. Magnesium sulfate crystals can improve blood circulation and reduce numbness because they increase the magnesium in the body.
4) Ice
Ice helps decrease swelling that can strain nerves. Use cold compresses or wrapped ice packs on numb legs and feet for 15 minutes each at a time, several times a day.
5) Vitamins and Minerals
Abnormal calcium levels, sodium, and potassium in the body can cause numbness in the legs and feet. Besides, a lack of vitamin B-12 can contribute to numbness. Vitamin B-12 is essential for metabolism and contributes to red blood cells’ formation and the central nervous system’s proper functioning.
6) Warm Bath
A hot bath can be a great help for people with foot numbness. It helps to relieve pain and warm water also improves blood circulation in the body.
7) Sports
Sport can relieve foot numbness by facilitating blood circulation. In addition, with each step you make while exercising, the blood flows more quickly towards the heart.
8) Herbs
Numbness may be due to an enlargement of the blood vessels. Herbs such as ginkgo biloba have been used to treat circulatory disorders and promote healthy blood circulation. Ginkgo supplements help blood circulation by preventing blood platelets from sticking together and dilating blood vessels. Please consult a doctor before taking herbal supplements as they may interact with other medications.
9) Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains many chemicals and nutrients, including manganese and potassium, and several essential B vitamins. Its nutritional properties can help improve blood circulation in the arms and legs and help treat numbness in the hands and feet. The daily consumption of 2 to 4 grams of cinnamon powder helps improve blood circulation. Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm water. Drink this amount once a day. Another option is to mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey and drink this mixture every morning for a few weeks.
10) Elevation
Elevation can also help alleviate numbness in feet. Keep the concerned area elevated for several minutes to improve circulation. Once the blood flow in the affected area returns to normal, the numbness will disappear. Use pillows to keep your hands and legs elevated.
Let us know whether these home remedies have helped you in the comments below!
