Differential Diagnosis for Shin Pain
Single most likely diagnosis
- Medial tibial stress syndrome (Shin splints): This is the most common cause of shin pain, especially in individuals who have recently increased their physical activity. It is characterized by pain and inflammation in the medial (inner) aspect of the tibia.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Stress fracture: A small crack in the bone, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse. It is more common in athletes or individuals with poor bone density.
- Compartment syndrome: A condition where pressure within the muscle compartments increases, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Periostitis: Inflammation of the periosteum, a layer of tissue surrounding the bone, often caused by repetitive stress or trauma.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg, which can be life-threatening if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and damage to the bone and surrounding tissue.
- Tumor: A rare but potentially life-threatening cause of shin pain, such as osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma.
Rare diagnoses
- Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: A condition where the pressure within the muscle compartments increases during exercise, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: A condition where the popliteal artery is compressed, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the leg.
- Nerve entrapment: Compression or irritation of the nerves in the leg, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.