Differential Diagnosis for Right MTP Joint Pain and Swelling
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gout: The patient's uric acid level is 6.5, which is slightly elevated, and the presentation of pain and swelling in the MTP joint is consistent with gout, a common condition characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, often occurring at the base of the big toe.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the joint can cause pain and swelling, especially in older adults or those with a history of trauma to the joint.
- Trauma or Injury: Acute injury to the MTP joint, such as a sprain or fracture, can cause pain and swelling.
- Sesamoiditis: Inflammation of the sesamoid bones under the first metatarsal bone can cause pain and swelling in the MTP joint.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae around the MTP joint can cause pain and swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: Bacterial infection of the joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness, and requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent joint destruction.
- Cellulitis or Soft Tissue Infection: Bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues surrounding the joint can cause pain, swelling, and redness, and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause pain, swelling, and warmth, and requires prompt anticoagulation to prevent pulmonary embolism.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pseudogout (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease): A condition characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in one or more joints, often occurring in older adults.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in multiple joints, including the MTP joint.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A condition characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often occurring in people with psoriasis.
- Lyme Arthritis: A condition caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, which can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints, often occurring in people who have been bitten by an infected tick.