Differential Diagnosis for Right Foot Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peroneal Tendinopathy: This condition is a common cause of lateral foot pain, especially in runners. The peroneal tendons run along the lateral side of the foot and ankle, and overuse or repetitive strain from running can lead to inflammation and pain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lateral Ankle Sprain: A common injury in runners, lateral ankle sprains can cause pain and swelling on the lateral side of the foot and ankle.
- Cuboid Syndrome: This condition involves inflammation of the cuboid bone and surrounding tissues on the lateral side of the foot, which can be caused by repetitive stress from running.
- Stress Fracture of the Fifth Metatarsal: A stress fracture in this bone, which is located on the lateral side of the foot, can cause severe pain and swelling, especially with weight-bearing activities like running.
- Peroneal Neuroma: A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue that can occur in the peroneal nerve, causing pain and numbness on the lateral side of the foot.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteonecrosis of the Talus or Cuboid: Although rare, osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue) in these bones can cause severe pain and disability, and is a potentially devastating condition if left untreated.
- Infection (Cellulitis or Osteomyelitis): Infection in the foot can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Although less common in the foot, a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) can cause severe pain and swelling, and can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
Rare Diagnoses
- Erythromelalgia: A rare condition characterized by burning pain, redness, and heat in the feet, which can be exacerbated by exercise like running.
- Tarsal Coalition: A rare congenital condition where two or more of the tarsal bones in the foot are fused together, which can cause pain and stiffness in the foot, especially with weight-bearing activities.
- Gout or Pseudogout: Although more common in the big toe, these conditions can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling in other joints, including those in the foot.