Differential Diagnosis for Foot Pain Radiating to Calf
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Plantar Fasciitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, leading to pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, which can radiate to the calf due to referred pain or associated muscle strain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can cause pain in the back of the ankle, which may radiate up to the calf.
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): This condition involves pain and inflammation in the front or sides of the lower leg, which can be felt in the calf and sometimes radiates down to the foot.
- Morton's Neuroma: A condition where a nerve in the foot becomes irritated or compressed, leading to pain between the toes and potentially radiating to the calf due to nerve pathways.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the limbs can cause pain in the legs, including the calf and foot, especially during exercise.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected leg, including the calf and potentially radiating to the foot.
- Compartment Syndrome: Increased pressure within a muscle compartment can cause severe pain, swelling, and potentially permanent damage if not treated promptly.
- Popliteal Artery Aneurysm or Embolism: These are vascular emergencies that can cause acute limb ischemia, leading to severe pain in the leg, including the calf and foot.
Rare Diagnoses
- Erythromelalgia: A disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which can sometimes radiate up the legs.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that can cause severe, burning pain in the legs, including the foot and calf, often following an injury.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel on the inner side of the ankle can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and potentially radiate to the calf.