Differential Diagnosis for Heel Pain Radiating Up
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Plantar fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel pain, often radiating up the foot or leg due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can cause pain in the heel that radiates up the back of the leg.
- Heel spur: A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone can cause pain when walking or standing, sometimes radiating up the foot.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the heel and foot, potentially radiating up the leg.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause leg pain and swelling, and if missed, can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
- Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis: Infections of the bone or joint can cause severe pain and have serious consequences if not promptly treated.
- Peripheral artery disease: Reduced blood flow to the legs can cause pain when walking (claudication) and is a marker of systemic vascular disease.
- Rare diagnoses
- Entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve: This rare condition can cause heel pain due to nerve compression.
- Calcaneal stress fracture: A fracture in the heel bone can cause pain, especially with weight-bearing activities.
- Rheumatologic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis): These conditions can cause heel pain among other systemic symptoms, though they are less common causes of isolated heel pain.