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Differential Diagnosis for Distal Plantar Foot Pain and Swelling

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel pain and can extend to the distal plantar aspect of the foot. It is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, often due to overuse or poor foot mechanics.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Morton's Neuroma: A common condition that causes pain, numbness, and swelling in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It is due to compression or irritation of the intermetatarsal nerve.
  • Fat Pad Atrophy: A condition where the fatty tissue under the ball of the foot becomes thinner, leading to pain and discomfort. This can be due to aging, overuse, or certain medical conditions.
  • Metatarsalgia: A general term for pain in the ball of the foot, which can be caused by various factors including poor foot mechanics, overuse, or certain types of footwear.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common in the foot, DVT can cause swelling and pain. It is crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors for DVT, as it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  • Infection (Cellulitis or Abscess): Infections can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the foot. It is essential to identify and treat infections promptly to prevent serious complications.
  • Fracture: Stress fractures or acute fractures of the metatarsal bones can cause pain and swelling in the distal plantar foot. Missing a fracture can lead to further complications and prolonged recovery.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot due to compression of the posterior tibial nerve. It is less common than carpal tunnel syndrome but can cause significant discomfort.
  • Gout or Pseudogout: These are forms of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling in the foot, often in the big toe but can affect other areas as well.
  • Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder that causes burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which can be primary or secondary to other conditions.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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