At Home Remedies for Numbness in the Leg and Foot

According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, numbness is an abnormal sensation that can take place anywhere on the body, but the most common places are the legs, fingers, arms and feet. There are many home remedies available that may help to reduce numbness in the leg and foot.

Young woman holding her numb foot. (Image: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Getty Images)

Heat

According to a 2008 issue of Natural Health Magazine, heat compressed onto a numb leg or foot can help relieve the sensation and help relax the muscles and nerves. Fill a water bottle or soak a cloth in hot water, then apply it to the numb area. Gently massage the product around the numb area for about five minutes. If pain remains for more than a week, see a doctor.

Vitamins and Minerals

According to the Mayo Clinic, abnormal levels of calcium, sodium and potassium in the body can lead to numbness in the legs and feet. Also, a lack of vitamin B-12 may contribute to numbness. Vitamin B-12 is important for metabolism and helps to form red blood cells, along with keeping the central nervous system functioning properly. A natural compound called bioflavonoids may also help numbness. According to Drugs.com, bioflavonoids help to enhance the action of vitamin C and also support healthy blood circulation.

Herbs

The Mayo Clinic says numbness can be a result of enlarged blood vessels. Herbs such as ginkgo biloba have been used to treat circulatory disorders and to promote healthy blood circulation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginkgo supplements have been shown to help blood circulation by stopping blood platelets from sticking to each other and dilating blood vessels. See a doctor before taking any herbal supplements, because they can interact with other medication.