Infections and autoimmune disorders
There are some bacteria and viruses that attack the nerve tissue directly. Some viruses can damage the sensory nerves and cause a lot of pain in the feet. Some of these viruses include varicella zoster virus [4], herpes simplex which causes shingles, chickenpox, and Epstein-Barr virus [5]. Bacterial infections when left untreated can result in nerve damage and shooting pain. An example of such bacterial infection is Lyme disease [6]. People with HIV/AIDS are also at risk of peripheral neuropathy.
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis could also in several ways affect the nervous system.