What is the likely diagnosis for a patient experiencing deep burning pain in the plantar aspect of the foot, worsening with walking after a hiking trip?

What is the likely diagnosis for a patient experiencing deep burning pain in the plantar aspect of the foot, worsening with walking after a hiking trip?

• A. Plantar fasciitis
• B. Morton's neuroma
• C. Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• D. Metatarsalgia

Answer: (B)

The diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is consistent with the symptoms described, particularly the deep burning pain in the plantar aspect of the foot that worsens with activity such as walking after a hiking trip. Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, typically between the third and fourth toes. Patients often report burning pain, numbness, and a feeling of having a pebble in their shoe. Walking or hiking can exacerbate the symptoms due to increased pressure on the forefoot and the cramped positioning of the toes, which is common in certain footwear used during these activities. The characteristic location of the pain and its relation to activity make Morton's neuroma a likely diagnosis. In contrast, while other conditions like plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and metatarsalgia may also cause foot pain, they present with different characteristics. Plantar fasciitis usually manifests as heel pain that is most severe in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves pain and numbness that may radiate into the foot, often accompanied by tingling sensations. Metatarsalgia generally refers to pain under the metatarsal heads but does not typically present with the burning sensation associated

The diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is consistent with the symptoms described, particularly the deep burning pain in the plantar aspect of the foot that worsens with activity such as walking after a hiking trip. Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, typically between the third and fourth toes. Patients often report burning pain, numbness, and a feeling of having a pebble in their shoe.

Walking or hiking can exacerbate the symptoms due to increased pressure on the forefoot and the cramped positioning of the toes, which is common in certain footwear used during these activities. The characteristic location of the pain and its relation to activity make Morton's neuroma a likely diagnosis.

In contrast, while other conditions like plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and metatarsalgia may also cause foot pain, they present with different characteristics. Plantar fasciitis usually manifests as heel pain that is most severe in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves pain and numbness that may radiate into the foot, often accompanied by tingling sensations. Metatarsalgia generally refers to pain under the metatarsal heads but does not typically present with the burning sensation associated