Differential Diagnosis for Right Plantar Foot Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Morton's Neuroma: This condition is characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, often causing pain between the balls of the feet and the toes. The sensation of a "bunched up sock" is a common description of the discomfort caused by Morton's Neuroma.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot, can cause pain in the heel and the ball of the foot, which might radiate towards the toes.
- Metatarsalgia: This condition involves pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, which could be due to various reasons including poor foot mechanics, overuse, or ill-fitting shoes.
- Intermetatarsal Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae between the metatarsal bones can cause pain in the ball of the foot, similar to the symptoms described.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common, DVT can cause leg pain and swelling, and it's crucial to rule out this condition due to its potential for serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism.
- Osteomyelitis or Septic Arthritis: Infections of the bone or joints in the foot can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention to prevent serious outcomes.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause pain, especially when walking, and is a significant condition that should not be overlooked.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A less common condition where the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel on the inner side of the ankle, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot.
- Freiberg's Disease: A rare condition involving avascular necrosis of the metatarsal heads, leading to pain in the ball of the foot.
- Gout or Pseudogout: Although more commonly associated with the big toe, these conditions can cause sudden, severe pain in other parts of the foot as well.