Differential Diagnosis for 59 year old female with idiopathic shin pain for 2 weeks

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints): This is the most common cause of shin pain in adults, especially in those who have recently increased their physical activity. The pain is typically diffuse and located on the medial aspect of the tibia.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Stress fracture: A stress fracture of the tibia or fibula can cause shin pain, especially in athletes or individuals who have recently changed their exercise routine. The pain is usually more localized than in medial tibial stress syndrome.
  • Compartment syndrome: This condition occurs when pressure within the muscle compartments of the leg increases, causing pain and swelling. It can be acute or chronic and is often associated with exercise.
  • Peripheral artery disease: This condition can cause leg pain, especially during exercise, due to decreased blood flow to the muscles.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses
  • Osteomyelitis: This is a bone infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness of the affected area. It is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
  • Deep vein thrombosis: This is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg, which can cause pain, swelling, and warmth of the affected area. It is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
  • Bone tumor: Although rare, a bone tumor such as osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma can cause shin pain and should not be missed.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is a rare condition that can cause leg pain due to decreased blood flow to the muscles.
  • Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: This is a rare condition that occurs when the popliteal artery is compressed, causing leg pain and decreased blood flow to the muscles.
  • Nerve entrapment: Entrapment of the nerves in the leg, such as the peroneal or tibial nerve, can cause shin pain and numbness.