Differential Diagnosis for Sharp Hip Pain Radiating Down to Toes
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lumbar Radiculopathy: This condition, often resulting from a herniated disk, can cause sharp pain that radiates from the hip down to the toes due to nerve root compression. The pain pattern and radiation are classic for this diagnosis, making it the most likely.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sciatica: Similar to lumbar radiculopathy, sciatica involves pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. The pain can be sharp and is often associated with inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
- Trochanteric Bursitis: This condition involves inflammation of the bursa over the outside of the hip, leading to pain and tenderness in the area. While the pain primarily affects the hip, it can sometimes radiate down the thigh.
- Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle runs from the base of the spine to the thighbone, and when it compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain that radiates down the back of the leg to the toes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A serious condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. It's a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
- Spinal Infection (e.g., Abscess or Osteomyelitis): Infections of the spine can cause severe back pain that radiates to the legs, along with other symptoms like fever and neurological deficits.
- Spinal Tumor: Tumors in the spine can compress nerves, leading to pain and neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): While more commonly associated with claudication (pain in the legs when walking), in rare cases, PAD can cause sharp pain that radiates down to the toes, especially if there's significant ischemia.
- Diabetic Amyotrophy: A condition associated with diabetes that affects the nerves, leading to severe pain, weakness, and wasting of the muscles in the thighs. It can cause sharp pain that radiates down the legs.
- Tarlov Cyst: A rare condition where fluid-filled sacs form on the nerve roots in the spine, potentially causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.