Differential Diagnosis for Feeling of Socks Wrinkled Up Under Ball of the Foot

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Morton's neuroma: This condition involves a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, often causing a sensation of having a pebble or wrinkle in the shoe, which could be mistaken for feeling socks wrinkled up under the ball of the foot.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause pain and discomfort under the heel or ball of the foot, potentially leading to sensations that might be described as feeling like wrinkled socks.
  • Metatarsalgia: This condition involves pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, which could cause unusual sensations, including feeling like there are wrinkles under the foot.
  • Poorly fitting shoes or socks: Ill-fitting footwear can cause a variety of sensations, including feeling like socks are wrinkled under the foot.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less likely, DVT can cause swelling and pain in the leg, potentially leading to unusual sensations in the foot. Missing this diagnosis could be serious due to the risk of pulmonary embolism.
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause a range of symptoms, including pain and unusual sensations. PAD is a significant condition that should not be overlooked.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which could potentially cause unusual sensations.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves can cause a wide range of sensations, including tingling, numbness, and pain, which might be described as feeling like socks are wrinkled under the foot.
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but affecting the foot, this condition involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve, leading to pain and sensations in the foot.