Why Do My Legs Go Numb After Sitting for a Long Time?

Prolonged sitting can lead to numbness in the legs, which may be caused by compression of nerves due to lumbar disc herniation. It could also be due to prolonged sitting resulting in pressure on the blood vessels in the legs and impeded blood flow. Different causes require different treatment methods to alleviate this symptom. Additionally, regular exercise of the lumbar and back muscles is recommended. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention should be sought.

1. Regularly change positions. For instance, taking brief walks within a small area can help alleviate the numbness.

2. Frequently alter walking posture to distribute weight evenly among different muscle groups, reducing the sensation of numbness.

3. Stand up and spread your feet to the same width as your shoulders. Place your left foot on the ground, lift your right leg, and bend it backward. Use your right hand to hold the toe of your right foot and pull it towards your buttocks. Contract your abdominal muscles while breathing slowly and hold for 10 seconds. Alternate between left and right legs. If you feel unsteady, you can hold a chair or table with your left hand to prevent falling. This exercise can effectively stretch the leg muscles, promote blood circulation, and help restore vitality to the legs.

4. If numbness occurs, gently rubbing or applying heat to the affected area can also promote blood circulation and relieve the numbness.