Differential Diagnosis for Numbness Outside of Foot and Heel Moving Up to Mid Calf
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peripheral neuropathy: This condition is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, often causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected areas. The symptoms described, such as numbness outside of the foot and heel moving up to mid calf, are consistent with peripheral neuropathy, particularly if it involves the peroneal or sural nerves.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sciatica: Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. While it typically presents with pain, numbness in the outer foot and calf can occur, especially if the nerve root involved (like L5 or S1) affects these areas.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This condition involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel on the inner side of the ankle. Symptoms can include numbness on the bottom of the foot but can sometimes extend up the calf if the compression affects nerve branches that supply this area.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): PAD involves narrowing of the peripheral arteries, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the limbs. While it more commonly presents with claudication (pain in the legs or arms during exercise), severe cases can cause numbness due to ischemia.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although DVT typically presents with swelling, warmth, and discoloration of the affected limb, in some cases, it can cause neurological symptoms due to compression or ischemia of nerves. Missing a DVT can lead to potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
- Compartment syndrome: This is a condition where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, decreasing blood flow and potentially leading to nerve damage. It's an emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Neurofibromatosis: A genetic disorder that can cause tumors to form on nerve tissue, potentially leading to nerve compression and symptoms like numbness.
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease): A chronic bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, leading to numbness and discoloration, particularly in the extremities.
- Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the nerves, leading to numbness and other neurological symptoms.