Differential Diagnosis for Foot Pain on Bottom of Foot Pad After Injury
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel and bottom of foot pain, especially after an injury. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, supporting the arch.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Contusion or Bruise: Direct trauma to the bottom of the foot can cause a contusion or bruise, leading to pain and swelling.
- Fat Pad Contusion: The fat pad on the bottom of the foot can become bruised or inflamed after an injury, causing pain.
- Metatarsalgia: This condition involves pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, which can occur after an injury, especially if it involves overuse or poor foot mechanics.
- Stress Fracture: A small crack in one of the bones in the foot can cause pain on the bottom of the foot, especially after an injury or overuse.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment Syndrome: Although rare, compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur after an injury, where increased pressure within the compartments of the foot can lead to nerve and muscle damage. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Infection (Cellulitis or Abscess): If the skin is broken after an injury, there is a risk of infection, which can cause pain, redness, and swelling on the bottom of the foot.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although more common in the legs, DVT can occur in the foot and is a life-threatening condition if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
Rare 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, causing pain, numbness, and tingling on the bottom of the foot.
- Plantar Fibromatosis: A rare condition characterized by the growth of benign tumors on the plantar fascia, which can cause pain and discomfort on the bottom of the foot.
- Neuroma: A growth of nerve tissue that can occur on the bottom of the foot, typically between the toes, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.