Differential Diagnosis for Forefoot Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Metatarsalgia: This condition is characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, which is a common complaint in individuals with forefoot pain. It can be caused by various factors such as poorly fitting shoes, overuse, or abnormal foot mechanics.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Morton's neuroma: A condition where a nerve in the foot becomes irritated, causing pain, numbness, and tingling between the toes.
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, can cause pain in the heel and forefoot.
- Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are located under the first metatarsal bone, can cause pain and swelling in the forefoot.
- Bunion or bunionette: A bony growth on the joint of the big toe or little toe can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the forefoot.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected area, and can be life-threatening if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
- Diabetic foot ulcer: Individuals with diabetes are at risk of developing foot ulcers, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the forefoot, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Freiberg's disease: A rare condition that affects the metatarsal bones, causing pain and stiffness in the forefoot.
- Kohler's disease: A rare condition that affects the navicular bone, causing pain and swelling in the midfoot and forefoot.
- Charcot foot: A rare condition that affects individuals with diabetes, causing nerve damage and degeneration of the joints in the foot, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the forefoot.