Differential Diagnosis for Medial Knee, Shin, and Foot Pain after Taking up Running
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), also known as shin splints. This is the most likely diagnosis due to the location of the pain and the recent increase in running activity, which is a common cause of MTSS.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Medial meniscus injury: The medial meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee that can be injured with running, especially if the runner has a history of trauma or degenerative changes.
- Pes anserine bursitis: This condition involves inflammation of the bursa at the insertion of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles on the medial aspect of the tibia, which can cause pain in the medial knee and shin.
- Overuse injuries such as medial knee ligament sprains or strains: These can occur due to repetitive stress and overuse from running.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Stress fracture: Although less common, a stress fracture of the tibia or fibula can cause severe pain and should not be missed, as it can lead to further complications if not properly treated.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can cause pain and swelling in the leg, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if there are other risk factors present.
- Compartment syndrome: This is a serious condition that can cause pain, swelling, and numbness in the leg, and requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Peripheral artery disease: This condition involves narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs, which can cause pain and cramping with exercise.
- Nerve entrapment syndromes such as tarsal tunnel syndrome: These conditions involve compression of nerves in the leg, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Osteochondritis dissecans: This is a rare condition that involves a piece of cartilage and bone becoming detached from the surrounding bone, which can cause pain and swelling in the knee.