If you’re feeling tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet, but you’ve never been diagnosed with diabetes, you might be wondering: can you have neuropathy without diabetes? The short answer is—yes, you absolutely can. And if that’s you, you’re not alone.
For people living with foot drop, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, neuropathy, or Morton’s neuroma, nerve pain or dysfunction can become a frustrating and even frightening part of everyday life. Understanding where it’s coming from—and what you can do about it—is the first step toward feeling more steady, confident, and supported in your mobility.
When most people hear the word “neuropathy,” they automatically think of diabetes. And while it’s true that diabetes is a leading cause of nerve damage, it’s far from the only one. So if you’ve been asking yourself, “can you have neuropathy without diabetes?”—it’s a completely valid question.
The reality is, many people dealing with walking difficulties experience nerve-related symptoms like numbness, shooting pain, or loss of sensation in their feet or toes, without ever having had a blood sugar issue. That means the root of your pain might lie somewhere else—and it deserves to be taken seriously.
Let’s get into the facts. Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord are damaged or disrupted. That can interfere with how your body sends signals between your brain and your limbs—causing discomfort, instability, or even injury.
So yes—you can have neuropathy without diabetes. Common non-diabetic causes include:
- Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s
- Injuries or trauma that affect the spine or legs
- Autoimmune disorders
- Side effects from chemotherapy or certain medications
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B12)
- Chronic infections or inflammation
- Idiopathic neuropathy, where the cause is unknown but symptoms are very real
If you’re living with mobility challenges—like foot drop, stroke recovery, or MS—nerve-related foot symptoms may be a part of your experience even without a diabetes diagnosis.
Now that we’ve answered “can you have neuropathy without diabetes?”—let’s talk solutions. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you’re likely looking for ways to feel better without invasive procedures or excessive medication.
Even if you’re managing neuropathy without diabetes, how you treat your feet matters. Supportive, adaptive footwear can protect your feet, reduce pain, and restore a sense of stability—especially when nerve damage makes it harder to feel where you’re stepping.
At Cadense, we design shoes for people just like you—those living with neuropathy, walking difficulties, or neurological conditions. Our shoes offer:
- Cushioned, pressure-relieving soles
- Wide, easy-entry designs for limited mobility
- Lightweight structure to reduce foot fatigue
- Non-slip traction for added safety
Still wondering "can you have neuropathy without diabetes?" You’ve got your answer—and now you can take your next step.
Explore Cadense Shoes for Neuropathy — thoughtfully designed for real-life challenges like foot drop, MS, stroke recovery, and beyond. Because every step should feel like progress—not pain.
You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to deserve better support. You deserve it now.