Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 25, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Numbness and Pain in the Lateral Third of the Foot

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Morton's Neuroma: This condition involves a benign neuroma of an intermetatarsal plantar nerve, typically affecting the area between the third and fourth toes, which aligns with the symptoms described. It causes numbness, pain, and sensitivity, especially on the top of the last three toes.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This can cause numbness and pain in the feet, including the lateral third. It's often associated with diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or alcohol abuse.
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but affecting the foot, this condition involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve, leading to numbness and pain in the foot, including the lateral aspect.
  • Metatarsalgia: This condition causes pain and numbness in the ball of the foot, which could radiate to the toes, potentially affecting the lateral third of the foot.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause pain and swelling in the foot and should not be missed due to its potential for severe complications like pulmonary embolism.
  • Osteomyelitis or Septic Arthritis: Infections of the bone or joints in the foot can cause severe pain and numbness. These conditions are medical emergencies requiring prompt treatment.
  • Compartment Syndrome: This is a condition where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, reducing blood flow. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and is a medical emergency.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Lymphoma or Other Malignancies: Rarely, numbness and pain in the foot can be the first presentation of a malignancy, either primary in the foot or metastatic.
  • Amyloidosis: This condition involves the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, which can lead to neuropathy and numbness in the feet.
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, leading to numbness, muscle weakness, and atrophy, primarily in the feet and legs.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.