Lack of any sensation of touch and feel is what usually accompanies numbness of hand and feet. Other factors might include a tingling sensation or a burning feeling in the affected area, weakness or a sharp searing pain. Numbness in both arms and legs is extremely common and nearly everyone has suffered from it at least once in their lifetime. For most of you, numbness might have lasted for a very small period of time, from a few seconds to a minute or two. But if you suffer from it frequently or if it lasts for a longer time period, then you should definitely consult a doctor as it might be a matter of concern.
Causes of numbness in feet and hands
Following are a few reasons that might cause your hand and feet to go numb:
- Diabetes is one very common cause
- Vitamin deficiency
- Systematic diseases like liver disease, kidney disorder, vascular damage, cancer etc.
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Excess of body toxins
- Injury in spinal cord
- Mini heart attack
- Brain tumour
- Physical injury
- Infections such as AIDS/HIV, shingles, herpes etc.
- Continuous pressure on feet and hand
- Constant contact with cold substances
- Excessive smoking
- Fatigue
- Lack of physical activity
Home remedies to get rid of numbness in hand and feet
Following are few natural home treatments that you can use to effectively get rid of hand and feet numbness:
1. Warm compress
This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of tingling in feet and hands. All you have to do is apply a warm heating pad on the affected part of your body. This way the blood supply to the numb area will increase and provide you some relief. It will also relax the nerves and muscles of that part.
How to use: This remedy is a no brainer. All you have to do is dip a cloth in warm water and apply it on the part that is affected. Keep repeating this process until you get some relief from the numbness.
2. Body massage
This remedy is used by most when facing the numbness issue. Massaging your numb hands or feet will increase your blood circulation in that part, eventually relieving you from it. Massaging also helps in stimulating the muscles and nerves which increase their functioning. You can perform this yourself at home. There is no need for a masseuse for this.
How to use: Heat up some oil and put it on your palm. You can use different oils for this. The most common ones are coconut, olive and mustard oil. Apply the oil on your hands and feet and massage in circular motion. Keep doing this till you get back your sensation and the pain lessens.
3. Exercise
Exercise is another good and effective way to get rid of the numbing and tingling in hands and feet. You must have heard that exercise improves blood circulation in your body. Not just that, it also helps in bettering your oxygen circulation. These are just two of the many benefits of exercise. Others being improved mobility, prevention of innumerous health issues, better sleep, increase in strength and flexibility etc. You can either go to a gym or opt for swimming, jogging, cycling, whichever you enjoy the most. Aerobics and cardio workout can also help in getting rid of numbness.
4. Turmeric
A compound called curcumin which is present in turmeric has several health benefits. Curcumin is said to better your blood circulation which as you have read earlier, helps in lessening the numbness. This compound also has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce discomfort and pain in the problematic areas.
How to use: Take a glass of milk and add one teaspoon of turmeric to it. Heat the mix, add some honey to it and drink it once a day. You can also prepare a paste with water and turmeric powder and massage it on the affected parts. If you suffer from poor blood circulation, then you can consult a doctor and consider taking turmeric supplements.
5. Epsom salt
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulphate crystals which can help increase the level of magnesium in your body which in turn aids in bettering your blood circulation. Do you know what is the most common remedy that people use for relieving them from numbness? It is to soak your legs in a bucket of hot water containing Epsom salt. This helps in circulation which in turn cures numbness.
How to use: Fill a small bucket with hot water and mix half cup Epson salt in it. Immerse your feet in the water for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this home remedy a few times a week till you start seeing results. A word of caution, those suffering from kidney issues and diabetes are advised against using this remedy.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains several nutrients and chemicals like potassium, manganese and some important vitamins that help in regulating the flow of blood in your hands and feet. This, in turn, takes care of the numbness.
How to use: Take a cup of warm water and mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in it. You need to drink this mix daily. Another option is to add honey to this mix and intake it every morning.
7. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is an herb which is famous for its healing properties. It helps in better functioning of the brain and improves blood flow. It also acts as an antioxidant. This herb is usually taken as a supplement. When suffering from numbness, take this thrice a day.
8. Magnesium and Vitamin B
There are two essential vitamins that are good for your nervous system. They are vitamins B6 and B12. Vitamin B deficiency is often the cause of numbness in legs and hands. In such cases, you can increase your vitamin B consumption by adding foods rich in vitamin B such as eggs, avocados, oatmeal, bananas, nuts, fish, etc. in your diet. As mentioned earlier, magnesium deficiency can also cause numbness to occur. Fish, green vegetables, dark chocolate are some examples of food rich in magnesium.
9. Mustard oil
Mustard oil as you very well must be aware of is quite often used for massaging. It is very helpful in improving blood circulation in your body. Mustard oil usage is absolutely uncomplicated. Just massage it on the problematic body parts to get relief.
10. Avocado
Do you remember what Avocado is good for? It is rich in Magnesium which in turn is extremely effective in improving the flow of blood which helps in providing you relief from the numbness. Include avocados in your daily diet and you will start seeing positive results.
11. Soy beans
Soy beans help in improving your muscle and bone health. It is very effective in preventing the occurrence of feet and hand numbness. Daily consumption of soy beans is often recommended.
12. Nuts
Nuts are a rich source of omega 3 acids. As you all know, omega 3 acids are good for maintaining blood vessels. Different varieties of nuts should be consumed regularly.
13. Milk and eggs
Milk and eggs are very good for your bone and muscle health. It also improves your blood vessel condition. To lessen the occurrence of numbness in hands and feet, you should regularly consume eggs and milk.
14. Water
The loss in body water level can also result in tingling and numbness in hands and feet. It is of extreme significance to keep your body hydrated at all times to prevent the occurrence of numbness. Regular water intake can also help you in fighting weakness.
15. Olive oil
As mentioned earlier, olive oil is an important nutrient for your body. It helps in strengthening bones and muscles. You can use olive oil to massage the affected area and get back your touch sensation.
16. Amla
Amla should never be ignored when looking for an effective home remedy to get rid of numb hands and feet. Amla helps in improving the blood flow in your body and also stimulates nerve health.
17. Turmeric, honey, and milk
You have seen earlier how turmeric and the mix of turmeric and honey help in getting rid of numbness in the body. Add milk to the mix for added benefits.
How to use: Warm a cup of milk and add honey and turmeric powder to it. Stir well and consume this concoction twice daily for two to three months to help in good blood flow.
18. Ginger, cayenne and garlic broth
Garlic and ginger are effective in reducing inflammation owing to their anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne is a good source of magnesium, potassium and vitamin C, E, A. These vitamins and nutrients help in better circulation of blood.
19. Elevate the affected area
You probably know that elevating a body part increases the blood flow in that body part. This is a good way to get rid of numbness. Whenever you feel your hand or feet going numb, just elevate that body part and you will get immediate relief.
20. Yoga
Yoga has been known to cure various health-related issues. Do you know that 30 min of Pranayama can improve circulation of blood in the body? 20-30 min of yoga is recommended in the morning in empty stomach to get rid of body numbness.
21. Rosemary
Rosemary oil can be used to massage your hands and feet during numbness. But you have to remember to use carrier oil before applying this herbal oil. You can also drink rosemary tea.
22. Lavender oil
Lavender smells great right? But apart from its fragrance, lavender oil is also useful during numbness of body parts. All you have to do is massage lavender oil on your hands and feet for 20-25 minutes till you get some relief.
23. Primrose oil
Like lavender oil, primrose oil is also very effective in helping you get rid of numbness in your legs and hands by increasing the blood circulation in the affected body part. Massage primrose oil for 20-25 minutes till you start regaining sensation on the problematic area. Through this remedy, you will experience fast relief.
24. Thyme
Thyme is an herb which adds a lot of flavour to your food. Not just that, this ingredient can work wonders for hand and feet numbness.
25. Sage
Like thyme, sage is another herb that is used while cooking. Most of you must have heard of sage as a cooking ingredient. But it is also important to increase blood circulation in your body, which is why it is recommended to add sage in your diet.
26. Chamomile
The herb chamomile has been in use for centuries. It has plenty of health benefits. It is also popular for its medicinal properties. You can drink chamomile tea to get rid of numbness. You can also opt to use chamomile cream which is extracted from chamomile flowers and apply it onto the affected part. Other than numbness, chamomile is also known to cure infections, skin diseases, mouth sores etc.
27. Bryony
Bryony is a plant that is full of medicinal properties. It is not only good for blood circulation, but it also helps in activating your nerves.
28. St. John’s Wort
This is a herb which not only helps in improving the circulation of blood but also aids in treating depression and insomnia. You are recommended to take 300 mg of St. John’s Wort to get rid of numbness. A word of caution for you, you need to be careful of over dosage of this herb.
Preventive measures to avoid hand and feet numbness:
- Avoid excess of caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid excess of processed and refined foods
- Don’t sit for prolonged time period
- Don’t ignore the issue if it occurs frequently
Above mentioned are the causes of numbness in hands and feet, few effective and DIY home remedies and some preventive measures that you can take to avoid this health issue. However, if you experience frequent numbness in various body parts, then you should immediately consult a doctor to check for any severe health issue.