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Differtinal diagnosis of lower extremity Pain

Intermittent claudication (calf)Calf musclesCramping painAfter same degree of exerciseQuickly relievedNoneReproducible
Chronic compartment syndromeCalf musclesTight, bursting painAfter much exercise (e.g., jogging)Subsides very slowlyRelief speeded by elevationTypically heavy-muscled athletes
Venous claudicationEntire leg, but usually worse in thigh and groinTight, bursting painAfter walkingSubsides slowlyRelief speeded by elevationHistory of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis, signs of venous congestion, edema
Nerve root compression (e.g., herniated disk)Radiates down leg, usually posteriorlySharp lancinating painSoon, if not immediately after onsetNot quickly relieved (also often present at rest)Relief may be aided by adjusting back positionHistory of back problems
Symptomatic Baker's cystBehind knee, down calfSwelling, soreness, tendernessWith exercisePresent at restNoneNot intermittent
Intermittent claudication (hip, thigh, buttock)Hip, thigh, buttocksAching discomfort, weaknessAfter same degree of exerciseQuickly relievedNoneReproducible
Hip arthritisHip, thigh, buttocksAching discomfortAfter variable degree of exerciseNot quickly relieved (and may be present at rest)More comfortable sitting, weight taken off legsVariable, may relate to activity level, weather changes
Spinal cord compressionHip, thigh, buttocks (follows dermatome)Weakness more than painAfter walking or standing for same length of timeRelieved by stopping only if position changedRelief by lumbar spine flexion (sitting or stooping forward) pressureFrequent history of back problems, provoked by increased intra-abdominal pressure
Intermittent claudication (foot)Foot, archSevere deep pain and numbnessAfter same degree of exerciseQuickly relievedNoneReproducible
Arthritic, inflammatory processFoot, archAching painAfter variable degree of exerciseNot quickly relieved (and may be present at rest)May be relieved by not bearing weightVariable, may relate to activity level

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