Differential Diagnosis for Numbness on the Outside of the Right Foot and Heel Moving Up to Mid Calf
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peripheral neuropathy (specifically, peroneal neuropathy or superficial peroneal nerve entrapment): This condition is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, which can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. The distribution of symptoms on the outside of the foot and up to the mid calf aligns with the territory of the superficial peroneal nerve.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Radiculopathy (L5 nerve root compression): Compression of the L5 nerve root can cause symptoms in the lateral aspect of the leg, including the foot and calf, due to the nerve's distribution.
- 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, but can sometimes cause symptoms on the outside of the foot.
- Peripheral artery disease: Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities can cause numbness, pain, and weakness, although it typically presents with more systemic symptoms like claudication.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less likely to present with isolated numbness, DVT can cause swelling, pain, and numbness in the affected leg and is a medical emergency due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Compartment syndrome: This is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment can lead to nerve and muscle damage, presenting with pain, numbness, and weakness, and is a surgical emergency.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Neurofibromatosis: A genetic disorder that can cause nerve sheath tumors, potentially leading to nerve compression and symptoms like numbness.
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease): A chronic bacterial infection that can cause nerve damage and numbness, particularly in the extremities, although it is rare in many parts of the world.
- Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems, including the nervous system, causing neuropathy and numbness, although this would typically be part of a more systemic presentation.