Differential Diagnosis for Feeling of Sock Bunching Up Under Ball of Foot and Toes
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Morton's neuroma: This condition involves a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, often causing a sensation of a lump or bunching under the ball of the foot, which can mimic the feeling of a sock bunching up.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause pain and discomfort under the heel and ball of the foot, potentially leading to sensations that might be described as a sock bunching up.
- Metatarsalgia: This condition involves pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, which could cause discomfort that might be interpreted as a sock feeling bunched up.
- Bunions or hammertoes: These deformities can cause uneven pressure distribution and discomfort under the ball of the foot and toes, potentially leading to sensations similar to a sock bunching up.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less likely, DVT can cause swelling and pain in the leg, which might be perceived as a sensation of a sock being bunched up. Missing this diagnosis could be deadly due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause pain and discomfort, potentially leading to unusual sensations. PAD is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This condition involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel on the inner side of the ankle, which can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the foot, including sensations that might be described as a sock bunching up.
- Peripheral neuropathy: Certain types of neuropathy can cause abnormal sensations in the feet, including feelings that might be likened to a sock being bunched up under the ball of the foot and toes.