Differential Diagnosis for Dorsal Midfoot Pain and Swelling
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Midfoot sprain: This is a common injury that can occur from twisting or rolling the foot, leading to pain and swelling in the dorsal midfoot area. The midfoot is a complex region with multiple small bones and ligaments, making it prone to sprains.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Extensor tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the top of the foot can cause pain and swelling in the dorsal midfoot area, especially with activities that involve toe extension.
- Midfoot arthritis: Osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis can affect the joints in the midfoot, leading to pain and swelling, especially with weight-bearing activities.
- Cuboid syndrome: This condition involves the cuboid bone in the midfoot and can cause pain and swelling on the dorsal aspect of the midfoot, often due to overuse or repetitive strain.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment syndrome: Although less common, compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur in the foot, including the midfoot region. It is characterized by increased pressure within the muscle compartments, leading to severe pain, swelling, and potentially permanent damage if not promptly treated.
- Infection (cellulitis or abscess): Infections in the foot can cause significant pain and swelling and require urgent medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Fracture: While less likely than a sprain, a fracture in one of the midfoot bones can cause similar symptoms and needs to be ruled out, especially if there was a significant trauma or if pain and swelling are severe.
- Rare Diagnoses
- coalition: A tarsal coalition is an abnormal connection between two or more of the tarsal bones in the foot, which can cause pain and stiffness in the midfoot area, although it is a congenital condition and symptoms may not always be limited to the dorsal midfoot.
- Freiberg's disease: A rare condition that affects the metatarsal bones, causing pain and swelling, but it is more commonly associated with the metatarsal heads rather than the dorsal midfoot.
- Bone tumor: Although extremely rare, tumors such as osteoid osteoma can occur in the bones of the midfoot, causing localized pain and swelling.