Differential Diagnosis for Popliteal Pain Radiating to Calf and Thigh

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Muscle Strain or Overuse Injury: This is a common cause of popliteal pain that can radiate to the calf and thigh, often due to overuse or direct injury to the muscles in the posterior thigh or calf.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Baker's Cyst: A fluid-filled swelling that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee, which can cause pain radiating to the calf and thigh.
• Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: A condition where the popliteal artery is compressed, leading to pain in the calf and thigh, especially during exercise.
• Peroneal Tendinopathy: Inflammation of the peroneal tendons, which can cause pain behind the knee and radiate to the calf and thigh.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected leg, and is a medical emergency.
• Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: A bulge in the popliteal artery that can cause pain, swelling, and potentially lead to limb-threatening complications if ruptured.
• Osteosarcoma or Other Bone Tumors: Although rare, bone tumors can cause pain in the knee, calf, and thigh, and early diagnosis is crucial for treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

• Cystic Adventitial Disease: A rare condition where a cyst forms around the popliteal artery, causing compression and leading to claudication pain.
• Popliteal Vein Aneurysm: An extremely rare condition where the popliteal vein is dilated, potentially causing pain and swelling.
• Neurogenic Tumors: Rare tumors that arise from nerve tissue, which can cause pain and other neurological symptoms in the affected limb.