Differential Diagnosis for Ankle Pain Progressing for 1 Week After Injury
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ankle Sprain: This is the most common injury causing ankle pain, especially after a traumatic event. The progression of pain over a week could indicate a more severe sprain or incomplete recovery.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Ankle Fracture: A fracture could cause progressive pain, especially if the fracture is not properly aligned or if there is an increase in activity level.
- Ligamentous Injury: Injuries to the ligaments surrounding the ankle can cause pain that progresses over time, especially if the injury is not properly treated.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the ankle, such as the Achilles tendon or peroneal tendons, can cause progressive pain after an injury.
- Osteochondral Lesion: A traumatic injury can cause a piece of cartilage and bone to become damaged, leading to progressive pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment Syndrome: A condition where increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the leg can lead to severe pain, numbness, and potentially permanent damage if not promptly treated.
- Infection (Osteomyelitis or Septic Arthritis): Infection within the bone or joint can cause progressive pain, redness, and swelling, and can lead to serious complications if not promptly treated.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause pain, swelling, and warmth, and can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
Rare Diagnoses
- Stress Fracture: A small crack in one of the bones in the ankle or foot, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress.
- Gout or Pseudogout: Deposition of urate crystals or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within the joint can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling.
- Osteonecrosis: Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, which can cause progressive pain and disability.
- Tumor: A benign or malignant tumor within the bone or soft tissue can cause progressive pain and swelling.