Numbness in the soles of the feet of the elderly

It is very common for elderly people to experience numbness in the soles of their feet. There are several reasons for this phenomenon, such as cold and frostbite, long-term posture, sympathetic cervical spondylosis, etc. If persistent numbness in the soles of the feet occurs, you should seek medical attention and treatment promptly to avoid delaying the treatment of the disease.

1. Cold and freezing cause numbness in the soles of the elderly’s feet

The human body has a sensitivity to temperature. When the temperature is colder than the human body's sensitivity, the sensory nerves in the hands and feet will malfunction, resulting in numbness and loss of sensation in the hands and feet. If the area is frozen for too long, permanent tissue necrosis will occur.

2. Long-term fixed posture leads to numbness in the soles of the elderly’s feet

Maintaining a fixed posture for a long time will cause poor blood circulation, paralysis of nerve endings, and numbness in the hands and feet. As long as you move your hands and feet in time, you can return to normal in a short time.

3. Sympathetic cervical spondylosis causes numbness in the soles of the feet of the elderly

It is particularly pointed out that the sympathetic type of cervical spondylosis is most likely to cause dizziness, numbness of the limbs, and loss of sensation.

4. Physical stimulation causes numbness in the soles of the elderly’s feet

Burns, heavy hammering, slapping, etc. can cause numbness in the hands and feet, which can be treated symptomatically.

5. Arteriosclerosis causes numbness in the soles of the elderly’s feet

For people with cerebral arteriosclerosis, the speed of nerve conduction will slow down, the local blood and oxygen supply to the brain will also decrease, and central dysfunction will occur. In particular, ischemia and hypoxia dysfunction in the central nervous system can cause numbness in the corresponding limb parts. This type of numbness in the hands and feet is often unilateral and paroxysmal. As the condition of blood vessels improves, the numbness symptoms may naturally improve or disappear after a few hours or days. For some patients, if numbness on one side is accompanied by weakness in the limbs on the same side, they need to be hospitalized for treatment in time to avoid developing hemiplegia.

6. Side effects of medications cause numbness in the soles of the elderly’s feet

People who suffer from multiple diseases may also take multiple medications at the same time. Among them, antibiotics such as sulfa, furazolidone, furazolidone, ofloxacin, anti-tuberculosis drugs such as remifentanil and ethambutol, and chemotherapy drugs such as vinblastine may induce peripheral neuritis and cause limb numbness if the dose is too large or the medication time is too long. This numbness usually starts from the hands and feet, then gradually spreads upward, and is often accompanied by hyperesthesia or paresthesia. Therefore, the dosage should be strictly controlled when taking these drugs.

What to do if the elderly have numb hands and feet

1. Yunnan Baiyao wine foot bath

Use 40 grams of Yunnan Baiyao powder. Soak it in 500 ml of white wine (over 50 degrees) and leave it for a day and night. When using, soak the affected limb in the medicinal wine and rub it repeatedly until the skin becomes warm. Repeat twice a day for 30 minutes each time. Perform treatment at noon when the Yang energy is strong and at midnight when the Yin energy is strong. 15 days constitutes a course of treatment. 500 ml of medicinal wine can be used for one course of treatment. During the treatment, avoid eating greasy, cold and sour foods, avoid wading in cold water and avoid overwork.

2. Old loofah tendon soup

Take 50 grams of old loofah tendons, boil them into a bowl of soup and drink it once, twice a day, for 1 week, it is very effective.

3. Lulutong Chinese medicine foot bath

Take 15 grams each of Pittosporum tobira bark, cinnamon twig, turmeric, angelica dahurica, pubescens, turpentine, Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae, Herba Ligustici Urticae, Safflower, and Angelica sinensis, add water and white wine, boil and filter the decoction. Soak your numb hands or feet in hot water twice a day.

4. Mulberry leaf foot bath

Use an appropriate amount of frosted mulberry leaves, dry them, then use a casserole to add an appropriate amount of water and boil them, take out the mulberry leaves, and soak your hands and feet for 15 minutes while they are hot. Take twice a day, usually effective in 3 days.

5. Pepper juice

Take 300 grams of fresh peppercorns (60 grams of dried peppercorns), add 500 milliliters of water and boil until 200 milliliters remain. Pour into a bowl, place on the roof in the dew overnight, cover with a basket, take out when the sun is about to rise, and serve cold. Cover yourself with a blanket and sweat, and the disease will usually heal in one time.