Differential Diagnosis for Swollen and Red Inner Ankle
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Ankle sprain: This is the most common cause of a swollen and red inner ankle, often resulting from inversion injuries that stretch or tear the ligaments on the inner aspect of the ankle.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth, often spreading from a break in the skin.
- Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the back of the ankle, potentially radiating to the inner aspect.
- Gout or pseudogout: These conditions involve the deposition of urate crystals (gout) or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals (pseudogout) within the joints, leading to acute inflammatory arthritis, which can affect the ankle joint.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause swelling and redness in the ankle and leg, and if missed, can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause pain, redness, and swelling, often requiring prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Septic arthritis: A joint infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent joint destruction.
- Rare diagnoses
- Erythema nodosum: An inflammatory condition characterized by the formation of nodules under the skin, often on the shins, but can occasionally affect the ankles.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the joints and skin, leading to swelling and redness in the ankles.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Although more commonly affecting the hands and feet, rheumatoid arthritis can also involve the ankles, causing swelling, redness, and pain.