Differential Diagnosis for Active Arthrosis in Feet with Elevated CRP
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common form of arthritis and can affect any joint, including those in the feet. Elevated CRP indicates inflammation, which can be seen in OA, especially in active or advanced stages.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe. Elevated CRP supports the presence of an inflammatory process.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including those in the feet. Although less common than OA, RA is a significant consideration with elevated CRP.
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): A type of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The feet can be involved, and elevated CRP indicates active inflammation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A medical emergency caused by a bacterial or fungal infection within a joint. It presents with severe pain, swelling, and redness, and elevated CRP. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent joint destruction.
- Lyme Arthritis: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by ticks. It can cause arthritis, particularly in the knees but also in other joints, including those in the feet. Elevated CRP and a history of tick exposure make this a critical diagnosis not to miss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Charcot Arthropathy: A condition characterized by progressive degeneration of a weight-bearing joint, often in the context of neuropathy (e.g., diabetic neuropathy). It can mimic other forms of arthritis but is less common.
- Sarcoid Arthritis: A manifestation of sarcoidosis, a condition in which inflammatory cells form lumps known as granulomas in various parts of the body. Joint involvement, including the feet, can occur, but it is relatively rare.