Differential Diagnosis for 61 Year Old Female with Right Foot Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Plantar Fasciitis: This condition is characterized by pain underneath the ball of the foot, often described as burning, and is associated with swelling and pain upon ambulation. The nonradiating nature of the pain and its location are typical for plantar fasciitis, making it the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Morton's Neuroma: This condition involves a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, causing pain in the ball of the foot, which can be described as burning. It's more common in women and can cause pain with walking.
- Metatarsalgia: This refers to pain in the ball of the foot, which can be caused by various factors including poor foot mechanics, overuse, or ill-fitting shoes. The symptoms can include burning pain and swelling, especially with ambulation.
- Gout: Although less common in women, gout can cause sudden, severe pain in the foot, often accompanied by swelling and redness. The pain can be burning and is typically worse with movement.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): While less common as a primary cause of foot pain, DVT can cause swelling and pain in the foot and toes. It's crucial to consider DVT due to its potential for severe complications, such as pulmonary embolism.
- Osteomyelitis or Septic Arthritis: Infections of the bone or joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness. These conditions are medical emergencies and require prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD can cause pain in the feet when walking (claudication), which improves with rest. While the description doesn't perfectly match, PAD is a critical condition that should not be overlooked due to its implications for cardiovascular health.
Rare Diagnoses
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition characterized by severe, burning pain at the site of an injury, which can be out of proportion to the injury. It's rare and typically follows an injury, but the burning pain and swelling could fit this diagnosis.
- Erythromelalgia: A disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet. It's rare and can be primary or secondary to other conditions, making it a less likely but possible diagnosis.
- Charcot Foot: A condition that affects the nerves and joints in the foot, causing pain, swelling, and deformity. It's more common in people with diabetes or nerve damage, making it less likely without additional context but still a consideration in a differential diagnosis.