Differential Diagnosis for Anterior Ankle Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anterior Ankle Impingement: This condition is characterized by pain in the front of the ankle due to bone spurs or soft tissue inflammation, often resulting from repetitive ankle motion or trauma. It's a common issue in athletes and individuals with a history of ankle injuries.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tendinitis of the Anterior Ankle Tendons (e.g., Tibialis Anterior, Extensor Digitorum Longus): Inflammation of the tendons in the anterior ankle can cause pain, especially with activities that involve ankle dorsiflexion.
- Ankle Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane within the ankle joint can lead to anterior ankle pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: These are defects in the cartilage and bone of the talus, which can cause pain in the ankle, especially with weight-bearing activities.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Infection (e.g., Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Although less common, infections in the ankle can present with pain and require urgent medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Tumor (e.g., Osteoid Osteoma, Chondroblastoma): Bone tumors can cause localized pain and should be considered in the differential diagnosis to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Fracture (e.g., Avulsion Fracture, Stress Fracture): Fractures around the ankle can sometimes present with anterior ankle pain and must be identified to provide appropriate management.
Rare Diagnoses
- Nerve Entrapment (e.g., Superficial Peroneal Nerve Entrapment): Entrapment of nerves around the ankle can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in specific areas of the foot and ankle.
- Gout or Pseudogout: These are forms of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain in the ankle, although they are less common in this location compared to the big toe.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the feet and ankles, often related to underlying myeloproliferative disorders.