Differential Diagnosis for Feet Not Being Able to Bend
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ankle arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis): This is a common condition that can cause stiffness and limited mobility in the ankle joint, making it difficult to bend the feet.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can cause pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, limiting the ability to bend the feet.
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause pain and stiffness in the bottom of the foot, making it difficult to bend the feet.
- Gout: A form of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain and stiffness in the joints, including the ankle and foot.
- Foot or ankle fracture: A break in one of the bones in the foot or ankle can cause pain and limited mobility, making it difficult to bend the feet.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment syndrome: A condition where pressure builds up in the muscles and tissues of the foot or ankle, which can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, and can be life-threatening if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
- Infection (e.g., cellulitis, osteomyelitis): An infection in the foot or ankle can cause pain, redness, and swelling, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the nerves in the feet and legs, causing weakness, numbness, and limited mobility.
- Peripheral neuropathy: Damage to the nerves in the feet and legs can cause numbness, weakness, and limited mobility.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the nerves in the foot can cause numbness, tingling, and limited mobility.