Differential Diagnosis for Pain Out of Proportion
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Soft tissue injury (e.g., muscle strain, contusion): This is the most likely diagnosis as pain out of proportion can be a subjective complaint and may not always indicate a severe condition like compartment syndrome. Soft tissue injuries are common and can cause significant pain.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Overuse injury or repetitive strain injury: These types of injuries can cause pain that seems disproportionate to the visible signs of injury.
- Nerve entrapment or compression: Conditions like nerve compression or entrapment can cause significant pain that may seem out of proportion to the physical findings.
- Infection (e.g., cellulitis, abscess): Infections can cause severe pain, and the pain may seem disproportionate to the visible signs of infection.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment Syndrome: Although the likelihood may not be high with pain out of proportion as the only sign, compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Missing this diagnosis can lead to severe and permanent damage.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT can cause pain that seems disproportionate to the physical findings, and it is a potentially life-threatening condition if not treated promptly.
- Osteomyelitis: Bone infections can cause severe pain, and the pain may seem disproportionate to the visible signs of infection.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): This is a rare condition characterized by severe, burning pain, usually in the arms or legs, after an injury or trauma.
- Neuroma: A neuroma is a rare condition where nerve tissue grows abnormally, causing pain that may seem disproportionate to the physical findings.
- Tumor or cancer: Although rare, tumors or cancer can cause pain that seems disproportionate to the visible signs of the condition.