Differential Diagnosis for Top of Foot Pain after Squating
Single most likely diagnosis
- Extensor Tendinopathy: This condition is a common cause of top of foot pain, especially after activities that involve repetitive ankle dorsiflexion, such as squatting. The extensor tendons on the top of the foot can become inflamed and irritated, leading to pain.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Stress Fracture: A stress fracture of one of the metatarsal bones or other bones in the foot can cause pain on the top of the foot, especially after weight-bearing activities like squatting.
- Morton's Neuroma: Although more commonly associated with pain between the toes, Morton's neuroma can also cause pain on the top of the foot, especially if the neuroma is located in a position where it is compressed by the extensor tendons.
- Gout: Gout can cause acute, severe pain in the foot, including the top of the foot, especially after activities that increase uric acid production, such as intense exercise.
Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Osteonecrosis: Osteonecrosis of one of the bones in the foot can cause severe, persistent pain and can be a serious condition if left untreated. Although less common, it is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially devastating condition.
- Infection: An infection of the bone, joint, or soft tissue on the top of the foot can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Tumor: A tumor on the top of the foot, although rare, can cause persistent pain and should not be missed.
Rare diagnoses
- Freiberg's Disease: A rare condition that affects the metatarsal bones, causing pain and stiffness on the top of the foot.
- Kohler's Disease: A rare condition that affects the navicular bone, causing pain on the top of the foot.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare condition that causes burning pain, redness, and heat in the feet, including the top of the foot.