Differential Diagnosis for Hip and Ankle Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness. The hip and ankle are common sites for osteoarthritis, and the symptoms can be exacerbated by weight-bearing activities.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, including the hips and ankles.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which can occur in the hips and ankles due to overuse or repetitive strain.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, which can cause pain and stiffness in the hips and ankles.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can cause sudden and severe pain in the hips and ankles.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection of the joint, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and stiffness. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including joint destruction and sepsis.
- Osteonecrosis: A condition where the bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, which can cause severe pain and stiffness in the hips and ankles.
- Bone Cancer: A malignant tumor that can cause pain and stiffness in the hips and ankles, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Paget's Disease: A rare condition that causes the bones to become enlarged and deformed, which can lead to pain and stiffness in the hips and ankles.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness, which can affect the hips and ankles.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue, which can cause joint pain and instability in the hips and ankles.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the nerves, which can cause muscle weakness and pain in the hips and ankles.