Neuropathy / Numbness
Causes of Neuropathy and Numbness
A number of diseases, disorders and behaviors can cause the numbness or pain in one or both feet. Read more about some of these causes by clicking on the related web links. The most common causes include the following:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Injury to a nerve, especially a lower back injury (which can cause numbness or tingling down the back of the leg and into the feet)
- Pressure on the spinal nerves, especially from a herniated disk
- Lack of blood supply, often due to plaque buildup from peripheral arterial disease in the legs
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Underactive thyroid
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Certain medications (read labels carefully and discuss potential side effects with your doctor)
- Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, alcohol, or tobacco
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer treatments
- Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in the body
- Low levels of vitamin B12 or other vitamins
- Overexposure to cold temperatures or frostbite
- Remaining in the same seated or standing position for an extended period