What Causes Neuropathy in Your Feet?

24 Sep What Causes Neuropathy in Your Feet?

If your feet frequently feel numb, tingly, burning, unusually sensitive, or painful, you may be experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or stop functioning properly. Because the nerves in the feet are particularly vulnerable, symptoms often begin in the toes and feet before progressing upward into the legs. 

But what causes neuropathy in your feet? Diabetes is one of the most common causes, but it is not the only one. Vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, alcohol use, infections, autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, thyroid problems, nerve injuries, and other health conditions can also contribute to nerve damage. 

Understanding the potential causes of neuropathy can help you recognize symptoms and know when it is time to seek professional evaluation.

What Is Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a broad term for conditions involving damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves carry information between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body, including the feet. When those nerves are damaged, they may not send or receive signals normally. 

Neuropathy can affect different types of nerves. Sensory nerve damage may cause numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. Motor nerve damage can contribute to muscle weakness, while autonomic nerve damage can affect functions such as sweating, digestion, blood pressure, or bladder function. 

When neuropathy affects the feet, the symptoms can range from mild and occasional to persistent and disruptive.

1. Diabetes Is a Common Cause of Foot Neuropathy

One of the most common answers to the question, “What causes neuropathy in your feet?” is diabetes.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and the small blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients. Diabetic neuropathy most commonly affects the legs and feet and may develop gradually. 

The most common type of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy. It often begins in the feet and can cause:

• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Tingling
• Burning
• Sharp or shooting pain
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness

Because neuropathy can reduce sensation, someone with diabetes may not notice a blister, cut, burn, or other foot injury. This can allow a small problem to worsen before it is discovered. 

2. Vitamin Deficiencies Can Affect Nerve Health

Your body needs certain vitamins and nutrients to maintain healthy nerves. Low levels of some B vitamins, particularly vitamin B-12, can contribute to nerve problems.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling. Certain medications can also contribute to low B-12 levels in some people. For example, Mayo Clinic notes that metformin, a medication commonly used for type 2 diabetes, may contribute to lower vitamin B-12 levels. 

Other nutrients involved in nerve health include vitamins B-1 and B-6, as well as copper and vitamin E. However, taking supplements is not necessarily the right solution for everyone. Excessive amounts of some vitamins can also cause health problems.

3. Alcohol Can Contribute to Nerve Damage

Heavy or prolonged alcohol use can increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy. Alcohol may affect nerves directly, while poor nutrition associated with heavy alcohol use can contribute to vitamin deficiencies that also affect nerve health. 

Alcohol-related neuropathy may cause burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain, particularly in the feet and legs.

If you regularly experience these symptoms, discussing your medical history and alcohol use openly with your healthcare provider can help with identifying possible causes.

4. Certain Medications Can Cause Neuropathy

Some medications can affect peripheral nerves. Chemotherapy drugs are a well-known example, and certain other medications can also contribute to nerve symptoms. 

If you develop numbness, burning, or tingling after beginning a medication or changing your dosage, tell the healthcare professional who prescribed it. Do not stop taking a prescription medication on your own. Your provider can determine whether the medication could be contributing to your symptoms and whether an alternative approach is appropriate.

5. Kidney, Liver, and Thyroid Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy. Kidney disease, liver disease, and an underactive thyroid are among the health conditions associated with nerve damage. 

For example, kidney disease can affect how the body removes waste products. When kidney function is significantly impaired, changes in the body’s chemistry may contribute to nerve problems.

Because neuropathy has many possible causes, persistent symptoms should be evaluated rather than assumed to be caused by one particular condition.

6. Infections Can Damage Nerves

Some infections can affect peripheral nerves. Conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy include shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis B and C, HIV, and certain other bacterial or viral infections. 

The relationship between an infection and neuropathy can vary depending on the condition. If you have developed new neurological symptoms after an infection, make sure your healthcare provider knows about your medical history and any recent illnesses.

7. Autoimmune Conditions May Play a Role

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Some autoimmune conditions can affect the peripheral nerves or the structures surrounding them.

Conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, vasculitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. 

If you have an autoimmune condition and begin experiencing new symptoms in your feet, talk with your healthcare provider. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of determining appropriate treatment.

8. Nerve Pressure or Injury Can Cause Symptoms

Neuropathy does not always result from a systemic health condition. A nerve can also become damaged, compressed, or irritated because of an injury or repeated pressure.

Injuries from falls, vehicle accidents, sports, or other trauma can damage peripheral nerves. Repetitive movements or prolonged pressure can also affect nerves. 

Depending on the location and severity of the nerve problem, symptoms may be concentrated in one area rather than occurring symmetrically in both feet.

9. Toxins and Heavy Metals Can Affect Nerves

Exposure to certain toxic substances can contribute to peripheral nerve damage. Examples include some industrial chemicals and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. 

Occupational or environmental exposure may be relevant when a person’s symptoms do not have an obvious explanation. If you work around chemicals, solvents, metals, or other potentially hazardous substances, mention that exposure when discussing neuropathy symptoms with a healthcare professional.

10. Sometimes the Cause Is Unknown

Even after evaluation, there are situations in which no specific cause for peripheral neuropathy can be identified. This is sometimes called idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. 

That does not mean symptoms should simply be ignored. Your healthcare provider can still evaluate your symptoms, look for treatable contributing factors, and discuss ways to manage them.

What Does Neuropathy in the Feet Feel Like?

Neuropathy can feel different from person to person. Some people experience numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation. Others describe burning, stabbing, shooting, or throbbing pain.

Some people become unusually sensitive to touch. Even something as light as a bedsheet resting on the feet may become uncomfortable. Muscle weakness or balance problems can also occur when certain nerves are affected. 

Symptoms often develop gradually, which means it can be easy to dismiss early changes. However, new or persistent numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or pain in the feet deserves attention.

Why Foot Care Matters When You Have Neuropathy

One of the biggest concerns associated with neuropathy is reduced sensation. If you cannot fully feel your feet, you may not notice injuries caused by shoes, walking barefoot, heat, or other everyday situations.

This is particularly important for people with diabetes. An unnoticed injury can develop into a wound or infection, and reduced sensation may delay recognition. 

If you have neuropathy, make daily foot checks part of your routine. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, cracks, or changes in the skin. Wearing properly fitting footwear and addressing injuries promptly can also help protect your feet. 

When Should You Have Foot Symptoms Evaluated?

Do not assume that numbness, tingling, or burning is simply a normal part of getting older. These symptoms can have many causes, and some may be treatable.

Consider talking with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, especially if they interfere with walking, sleeping, or daily activities. Prompt evaluation can help identify potential causes and determine appropriate next steps. 

If you have diabetes, pay particular attention to any foot wound that does not heal or appears infected. These problems warrant prompt medical attention. 

Take the Next Step for Your Foot Health

At Winds of Change, we understand that understanding your symptoms is an important part of taking care of your feet. Neuropathy can have several possible causes, so recognizing changes early and seeking appropriate evaluation can help you take a proactive approach to your foot health.

If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, burning, or other changes in your feet, our team can help you take the next step toward understanding your foot health and finding appropriate care and support.