Foot numbness, tingling, and cramps are very common with SLE — so you're definitely not alone in this! Many MyLupusTeam members share similar experiences, with one member saying "my feet feel like I'm walking on glass whenever I walk," and another describing feeling like they're "walking on rocks."
Studies show that 77% of Show Full Answer
Foot numbness, tingling, and cramps are very common with SLE — so you're definitely not alone in this! Many MyLupusTeam members share similar experiences, with one member saying "my feet feel like I'm walking on glass whenever I walk," and another describing feeling like they're "walking on rocks."
Studies show that 77% of people with lupus experience foot pain at some point, with heels and ankles being most commonly affected. There are a few lupus-related reasons this can happen:
- Peripheral neuropathy — lupus can damage nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing numbness, tingling, or unusual sensations in the feet and toes
- Raynaud's phenomenon — lupus can trigger narrowed blood vessels, causing coldness and numbness in the toes and feet
- Arthritis/joint pain — about 95% of people with lupus experience joint pain, which can affect the feet and toes
It's really worth tracking when these symptoms occur and discussing them with your doctor. They can identify the underlying cause and put together a treatment plan — which might include anti-inflammatory medications, lupus medications, compression socks, or even a referral to a foot specialist.
August 18
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