Differential Diagnosis for Lower Extremity Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or sprain: This is often the most common cause of lower extremity pain, resulting from overuse, injury, or trauma to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Osteoarthritis: A common condition characterized by wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in older adults.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): A condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing pain, especially during walking.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and warmth.
- Nerve compression or neuropathy: Conditions such as sciatica or peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower extremities.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment syndrome: A serious condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment can lead to nerve and muscle damage, requiring prompt medical attention.
- Septic arthritis: A bacterial infection within a joint, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms, requiring urgent treatment.
- Aortic aneurysm or dissection: Although rare, these conditions can cause lower extremity pain due to impaired blood flow or compression of surrounding structures.
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissue, which can cause joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition characterized by intense burning or aching, usually affecting one limb after injury or trauma.
- Pseudogout: A type of arthritis caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition, leading to sudden, severe joint pain and swelling.
- Lymphedema: A condition characterized by chronic swelling of the limbs due to impaired lymphatic drainage, which can cause pain and discomfort.