Differential Diagnosis for Lower Right Leg Pain

The patient presents with worsening lower right leg pain, requiring assistance to walk and prevent falls. The patient's medication list and recent lab results, including a D-Dimer of 338, are considered in the differential diagnosis.

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): The patient is on Eliquis, an anticoagulant, which may indicate a history of blood clots. The elevated D-Dimer level also suggests a possible thrombotic event. The worsening leg pain and need for assistance with walking could be indicative of a DVT, which is a common cause of leg pain and swelling.

• Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Musculoskeletal Injury: The patient's use of Icy Hot Balm and Arthritis Pain Reliever Gel suggests musculoskeletal pain, which could be due to a strain or sprain.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): The patient is on Losartan and Atorvastatin, which may indicate hypertension and hyperlipidemia, risk factors for PAD. The worsening leg pain could be due to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities.
  • Neuropathic Pain: The patient is on Amitriptyline, which is sometimes used to treat neuropathic pain. The worsening leg pain could be due to nerve damage or compression.

• Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although the patient is on anticoagulation therapy, a PE is a life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially with an elevated D-Dimer level.
  • Compartment Syndrome: This is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. The worsening leg pain and need for assistance with walking could be indicative of compartment syndrome.
  • Infection or Abscess: The patient's use of Hydrocortisone and Selenium Sulfide suggests skin conditions, but an infection or abscess must be considered, especially if there are signs of redness, swelling, or warmth.

• Rare Diagnoses

  • Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that could cause worsening leg pain and require prompt attention.
  • Tumor or Cancer: A rare cause of leg pain, but must be considered, especially if there are other systemic symptoms such as weight loss or fatigue.
  • Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels that could cause worsening leg pain and require prompt attention.