Differential Diagnosis for Numbness between the Large and Middle Toe
Single most likely diagnosis
- Morton's neuroma: This condition is characterized by numbness or tingling between the toes, often due to compression of the nerve. Given the specific location of the numbness (between the large and middle toe), Morton's neuroma is a highly plausible diagnosis.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Intermetatarsal bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae between the metatarsal bones can cause numbness or pain in the toes, including the area between the large and middle toe.
- Metatarsalgia: This condition refers to pain and numbness in the ball of the foot, which can radiate to the toes, including the area between the large and middle toe.
- LZTR1-related neuropathy: Although the specifics of LZTR1 are not provided, if it's related to a genetic or familial condition affecting the nerves, it could be a contributing factor to the numbness.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause numbness or tingling in the toes due to decreased blood flow. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe consequences, including pulmonary embolism.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause numbness, and PAD is a condition that requires prompt attention to prevent serious complications.
- Diabetic neuropathy: If the patient has diabetes, neuropathy could be a cause of numbness. Given the potential for serious complications, including foot ulcers and infections, diabetic neuropathy should not be missed.
Rare diagnoses
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This condition involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which can cause numbness in the toes, but it's less common than other diagnoses.
- Peripheral nerve tumors: Benign or malignant tumors affecting the nerves in the foot could cause numbness, but these are rare conditions.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, potentially causing numbness in the toes, but this would be a less common diagnosis without a clear family history or other symptoms.