Differential Diagnosis for Nerve Pain to Back of Foot with Burning Pain

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Peripheral neuropathy: This condition is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, often causing burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. The burning pain in the back of the foot could be due to compression or damage to the nerves supplying this area.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This condition involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel on the inner side of the ankle, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot, including the back.
  • Plantar fasciitis: Although primarily causing heel pain, plantar fasciitis can sometimes radiate pain to the back of the foot, especially if the fascia is severely inflamed.
  • Morton's neuroma: This condition involves a benign growth of nerve tissue in the foot, typically between the toes, but can cause burning pain in the foot, including the back, due to nerve compression.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Diabetic neuropathy: A complication of diabetes, this condition can cause severe nerve damage leading to burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent further complications.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although DVT typically presents with swelling, redness, and warmth of the leg, in some cases, it can cause nerve pain due to compression or inflammation. Missing this diagnosis can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, leading to nerve damage and potentially causing burning pain in the feet.
  • Fabry disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause burning pain in the hands and feet due to nerve damage.
  • Erythromelalgia: A disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which can be primary or secondary to other conditions like myeloproliferative disorders.