Differential Diagnosis for Numb Feet
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Peripheral neuropathy: This is the most common cause of numb feet, often due to diabetes, but can also be caused by other factors such as vitamin deficiencies, alcohol abuse, or certain medications. The numbness is usually symmetrical and can be accompanied by other symptoms like pain or tingling.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause numbness, especially when walking or exercising. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause numbness in the feet, often accompanied by back pain and radiating pain down the legs.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid onset of numbness, weakness, and paralysis in the feet and legs, which can ascend to the upper body. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial.
- Spinal cord compression: Compression of the spinal cord can cause numbness, weakness, and loss of bladder and bowel control. Causes include trauma, tumors, and herniated discs.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet, and can be a sign of a systemic disease.
- Rare diagnoses
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, causing numbness, weakness, and muscle wasting in the feet and legs.
- Fabry disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause numbness, pain, and tingling in the feet due to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body's cells.
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause numbness and tingling in the feet, often accompanied by dry eyes and mouth.