Differential Diagnosis for Numbness in Feet
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Diabetes Mellitus: This is the most common cause of numbness in the feet, due to peripheral neuropathy caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause numbness, tingling, and pain.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness in the feet.
- Hypothyroidism: Some people with hypothyroidism may experience numbness or tingling in their feet.
- Alcohol Abuse: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to peripheral neuropathy, causing numbness 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.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Compression of the spinal cord can cause numbness, weakness, and paralysis in the feet and legs.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause numbness, weakness, and vision problems.
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection that can cause numbness, weakness, and paralysis in the feet and legs.
- 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, tingling, and pain in the feet and hands.
- Amyloidosis: A rare group of diseases that can cause numbness, weakness, and paralysis in the feet and legs.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and hands.