Differential Diagnosis for Right Lower Leg Numbness and Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This is often due to diabetes, but can also be caused by other factors such as vitamin deficiencies, alcohol abuse, or traumatic injury. The symptoms of numbness and pain in the lower leg are consistent with peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lumbar Radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the lumbar spine can cause pain and numbness in the lower leg, typically following a dermatomal pattern.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities can cause pain, numbness, and weakness, especially during physical activity.
- Musculoskeletal Injury: Trauma or overuse injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the lower leg can cause pain and numbness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the lower leg can cause severe pain, swelling, and numbness, and can be life-threatening if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
- Compartment Syndrome: Increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the lower leg can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness, and can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower leg.
Rare Diagnoses
- Neurosyphilis: A rare complication of syphilis infection that can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the lower leg.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower leg, and can be associated with systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
- Tumor or Cyst: A rare cause of numbness and pain in the lower leg, which can be due to compression of nerves or blood vessels by a tumor or cyst.