If I sit, my feet go numb, and they don't wake up

Posted by feetnumb @feetnumb, Apr 7, 2021

If I sit / stand for more than 5 minutes, my feet go numb, and they don't wake up. What can I do?

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Hello @feetnumb, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have numbness in my feet whether I'm sitting or standing but it also feels worse if I'm sitting or standing for a long period of time. There can be many different causes for your feet going numb. Here's an article with some information you might find helpful -- Numbness in legs and feet: Causes, symptoms, and treatment: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321560

The numbness in my feet is caused by neuropathy. Have you discussed your feet going numb with your doctor?

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I think the bloodflow stops if I sit. How do you manage not to sit/stand?

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@feetnumb

I think the bloodflow stops if I sit. How do you manage not to sit/stand?

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@feetnumb, A lot of times if I'm sitting I make sure my feet are either flat on the floor or elevated level or higher than my chair to make the blood flow easier. I also make sure I stand for a few minutes every hour. My daily routine includes some walking around the house and yard, and riding an exercise bike along with some other minor stretching exercises. Do you think you are having trouble with blood flowing to your legs? Have you talked to your doctor about it?

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@feetnumb
My feet were extremely painful for many years with neuropathy but about 25 or so years later the pain stopped and they just became numb. It's the same if I sit stand lay or whatever. I keep my legs elevated most of the time. I just figure it helps the circulation.
i’ll take the numbness any day over the neuropathy pain.
Best of luck,
Jake

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@johnbishop

@feetnumb, A lot of times if I'm sitting I make sure my feet are either flat on the floor or elevated level or higher than my chair to make the blood flow easier. I also make sure I stand for a few minutes every hour. My daily routine includes some walking around the house and yard, and riding an exercise bike along with some other minor stretching exercises. Do you think you are having trouble with blood flowing to your legs? Have you talked to your doctor about it?

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I think blood is not flowing to feet because they go numb. If I lie down the feet feel better. If I sit/stand, they go numb.

I'm not sure what the doctor can do? What did your doctor help with?

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@feetnumb

I think blood is not flowing to feet because they go numb. If I lie down the feet feel better. If I sit/stand, they go numb.

I'm not sure what the doctor can do? What did your doctor help with?

Jump to this post

@feetnumb - A doctor can order tests to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Mayo Clinic has some information on diagnosis and treatment here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350563 I didn't have problems with the blood flow but did have a problem with fluid buildup in the legs and had some tests that determined I had lymphedema. I have to wear compression socks to keep the swelling down and help the circulation.

Here's a Mayo Clinic Podcast on Peripheral Artery Disease you may find helpful and also a discussion where you can meet members discussing neuropathy symptoms similar to your symptoms.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/peripheral-artery-disease/
- Vascular neuropathy?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vascular-neuropathy/

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