What to do if you feel numbness in your hands and feet after sitting for a long time?

Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet after sitting for a long time is usually caused by a blockage in blood flow or temporary pressure on the nerves (nerve compression). This is also known as �paresthesia�.

Below are the causes, immediate actions and ways to prevent it-

Causes:

Sitting in the same position for a long time (decreased blood circulation)
Pressure on the nerves (e.g. elbows, knees)
Poor blood circulation in the body
Deficiency of vitamin B12 or B6
Diabetic neuropathy
Nerve disease or disc problems can also be caused (if it happens regularly)

What to do if you feel numbness (immediate actions):

Move your hands and feet

Rotate the joints to restore normal blood flow.

Lightly massage

Gently rub the area with your fingers.

Stand up and walk around or stretch

Moving your body will help reduce the feeling of tightness.

Take deep breaths

Helps increase nerve and oxygen flow.

Prevention methods (to avoid tingling next time):

Get up and walk or stretch every 30�45 minutes
Avoid wearing tight clothing or sitting incorrectly on a chair
Eat foods rich in vitamin B:
Eggs, milk, fish, bananas, spinach, etc.
Drink enough water
Control obesity or diabetes

When to consult a doctor:

Frequent or daily tingling

Pain, weakness, or imbalance with tingling

Reduced sense of touch in hands or feet

Special tips

If you feel tingling in your hands or feet after sitting for a long time, the first thing to do is to move away from the position in which you are sitting and causing tingling. Then, gently massage and move the affected area. If necessary, hold the affected area tightly for a while. If the tingling problem persists, consult a doctor. Use a comfortable cushioned chair to avoid pressure on the spine and nerves. It is better to use a desk setup instead of a laptop.