Differential Diagnosis for Numbness in Feet
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diabetic Neuropathy: This is the most common cause of numbness in feet, especially in patients with a history of diabetes. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause numbness, pain, and weakness. PAD is often associated with atherosclerosis, smoking, and diabetes.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the feet.
- Herniated Disk or Spinal Stenosis: Compression of the spinal nerves can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet.
- Alcohol-Related Neuropathy: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the nerves, leading to 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. If missed, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Compression of the spinal cord can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet, and if left untreated, can lead to permanent paralysis.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs can cause numbness, pain, and swelling, and if dislodged, can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Rare Diagnoses
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A genetic disorder that affects the nerves, causing numbness, weakness, and muscle wasting in the feet and legs.
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition in which abnormal proteins accumulate in the nerves, causing numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet.
- Leprosy: A rare infectious disease that can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the feet.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet.