Foot Pain Diagnosis
A personal and family medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests (e.g., imaging tests, blood tests) may be used to help diagnose foot pain. A family history includes information about structural foot problems and other medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, and arthritis in the patient's family.
A medical history includes information about the following:
- Additional symptoms (e.g., swelling, redness, numbness, warmth)
- Circumstances surrounding the pain's onset (e.g., sudden or gradual, whether an injury occurred)
- Exact location of the pain
- Severity of the pain
- Whether pain worsens or improves with rest or with activity
During a physical examination, the physician assesses the feet, legs, and back. The position of the body as a whole (posture), the position of the body while standing (stance), and the manner of walking (gait) are also evaluated.
X-rays can be used to rule out fractures and other conditions (e.g., arthritis) and to determine bone density. Blood tests may be performed to detect conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 31 Jan 2007
Reviewed by: J. Michael Lunsford, D.P.M., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 31 Jan 2007
Foot Pain, Foot Pain Diagnosis reprinted with permission from podiatrychannel.com
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