Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Feet Pain in a 7-Year-Old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Growing Pains: This is a common condition in children, characterized by recurrent pain in the legs, often in the feet, calves, or thighs. The pain typically occurs at night and resolves by morning. Growing pains are usually bilateral and can be related to the child's growth spurts.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Overuse Injury: Children who are actively involved in sports or physical activities can experience overuse injuries, such as stress fractures or shin splints, leading to bilateral foot pain.
- Poorly Fitting Shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or do not provide adequate support can cause foot pain in children.
- Flat Feet: Children with flat feet or low arches may experience foot pain, especially after physical activities.
- Sever's Disease: This is a common cause of heel pain in children, usually affecting those between 8 and 14 years old. However, it can also cause pain in the feet.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Although less common, JIA can cause foot pain and swelling in children. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid delayed treatment.
- Neuroblastoma: This rare type of cancer can cause bone pain, including foot pain, in children.
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause severe foot pain, redness, and swelling.
- Septic Arthritis: A joint infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fabry Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause foot pain, among other symptoms.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders that can affect the connective tissue, leading to foot pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the nerves, leading to foot pain, weakness, and deformities.
- Tarsal Coalition: A rare condition where two or more bones in the foot are abnormally connected, leading to foot pain and stiffness.