TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH
latest
treatment
information
here.
Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
Calf muscle pain: Calf muscle pain is listed as an alternate name or description for symptom:
Causes of Calf pain (Calf muscle pain): See detailed list of causes below.
Medical Book Extracts related to Calf pain (Calf muscle pain): Refer to the excerpt book sections about Calf pain below.
Calf pain (medical symptom): Pain or tenderness of the calf muscle behind the lower leg
The list of medical condition causes of Calf pain (Calf muscle pain) includes:
Research the causes of these related symptoms that are similar to, or related to, the symptom Calf muscle pain:
Research the causes of these symptoms that are more broader types of symptom than Calf muscle pain:
For a medical symptom description of 'Calf muscle pain', the following symptom information may be relevant to the symptoms: Calf pain (symptom). However, note that other causes of the symptom 'Calf muscle pain' may be possible.
More information on symptom: Calf pain:
Research related medical symptoms or conditions such as:
Free access to excerpts from published medical book extracts about the causes and diagnosis of Calf pain from the following published medical books is available for more detailed information that is related to Calf muscle pain.
... Is there a family history of migraine or epilepsy? Migraine and epilepsy both present with abdominal pain. Is the pain colicky or ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Where is the pain located? If it is diffuse, one should consider pancreatitis, mesenteric artery occlusion, or ruptured peptic ulcer. In addition, another viscus may be perforated, such as ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is the pain of acute onset or gradual onset? If it is acute onset, one must consider the possibility of epidural abscess, pyelonephritis, or other abdominal conditions as the cause ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is it unilateral or bilateral? Unilateral breast pain should make one think of an infectious process or advanced carcinoma. Bilateral breast pain should make one think of pregnancy. This may be a ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is the chest pain acute or chronic? If it is acute, one must consider acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is the extremity pain of acute or gradual onset? Acute onset would suggest arterial embolism, deep vein thrombophlebitis, and cellulitis. ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there limitation of motion of the joints? Limitation of motion of a joint would suggest not only various types of arthritis, fracture, or torn ligaments, but also inflammation of surrounding ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there redness of the eye? Redness of the eye suggests definite eye pathology. Without redness, one should suspect disease in the adjacent structures or ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is the pain constant or intermittent? Intermittent pain would suggest trigeminal neuralgia, cluster headaches, or atypical migraine. Constant pain would suggest any local abnormalities in the ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there associated fever? The presence of fever along with chest pain should make one think of a perinephric abscess or pyelonephritis. Occasionally, however, ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there fever or localized erythema? Localized erythema would suggest phlebitis, gout, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, ingrown toenail, and paronychia. The presence ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there an associated rash? Presence of a rash, whether it is macular or vesicular, especially if it is in a dermatomal distribution, would suggest herpes zoster. ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Are there abnormalities on inspection of the heel? Inspection of the heel may disclose an ulcer, foreign body, cellulitis, plantar wart, and other disorders. Is the patient a child? ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there a positive straight-leg raising test or other neurologic signs? The presence of positive straight-leg raising tests or other neurologic signs would suggest a herniated disk, a cauda ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Are there abnormalities on examination of the teeth or gums? A thorough examination of the teeth and gums may disclose dental caries, gingivitis, oral tumors, ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Low back pain is the second most common cause of doctor visits in the U.S. and is the most common cause of disability. Up to 90% of the population will experience back pain during their lives. Studies show that, at any given time, up to... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Lower abdominal pain is a common complaint that must be evaluated carefully and systematically to reach the appropriate diagnosis in timely manner. All diagnoses must be considered, with the... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Upper abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom. A complete differential diagnosis should be developed based on the organs in the upper abdomen in addition to the associated... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... In evaluating an acute abdomen, rebound tenderness is one of the most important signs of peritonitis. It is elicited by pressing deeply on the abdomen and then suddenly releasing pressure, which stretches the peritoneum and causes increased... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Breast pain (or mastalgia) is a common complaint that can often be diagnosed by a careful history and physical examination. Pain and tenderness may be normal during early pregnancy and before... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The elbow joint is formed by the radius, ulna, and distal humerus. Trauma is a common cause of injury. Injuries frequently result from falling on an outstretched hand and may be associated with nerve... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Pain and/or tenderness on the side of the trunk from the ribs to the ileum is often associated with renal disease; however, nonrenal etiologies are very common. Of course, renal disease should be... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Jaw pain is a common presenting or incidental complaint; its etiology is often identified by a careful history and physical examination. In many cases, consultation with a dentist will aid in the diagnosis and treatment. In... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and orthopedists frequently encounter complaints about the knee. Because the range of illnesses affecting the knee varies greatly, a thorough history and... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Neck stiffness may be caused by inflammation, infection, or trauma. True nuchal rigidity is characterized by the inability to actively or passively touch the chin to the chest and is due to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. A positive... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Pelvic pain is a common primary care complaint that should be distinguished as acute (<6 months) versus chronic (>6 months), and cyclic, noncyclic, or pregnancy-related.>... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The shoulder is a complex arrangement of the humerus held loosely in place by ten muscles acting on the scapula, clavicle, and humerus, which form three articulations (acromioclavicular,... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The wrist is composed of eight carpal bones that are held in alignment by a series of ligaments and cartilaginous connective tissue. Wrist pain is fairly common in primary care. Although carpal... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Ankle pain is a common problem that generally occurs secondary to acute or chronic injury or degenerative joint disease. Ankle sprains, most commonly due to traumatic inversion injury,... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Although most cases of chest pain are due to benign etiologies, such as gastroesophageal reflux or a muscle strain, life-threatening etiologies must be assessed and treated immediately... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Not all ear pain is otologic; the ears have rich sensory innervation from multiple nerves, and secondary pain is common. Most otologic ear pain has some associated physical findings; if none... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint and associated with an enormous number of causes. Many causes of acute abdominal pain require surgical intervention, so a prompt diagnosis is needed.... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Back pain is an uncommon complaint in children, but relatively more common in adolescents. Although relatively benign causes (such as muscular strain in adolescents) account for the majority of cases,... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Chest pain is a frequent complaint in pediatrics, especially in the adolescent age group. Although rarely cardiac in etiology, this often represents the patient's/family's greatest fear. A careful history and physical exam, with attention... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hip pain encompasses a broad differential that relies on a focused and detailed history to determine the acute and emergent diagnoses from the less urgent hip problems. The most urgent diagnosis to make is septic... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Knee pain is a common complaint that is readily evaluated by focusing on the anatomic structures. A focused history and exam will often give the diagnosis. Because hip pain can radiate to the knee, a thorough lower extremity... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Acute scrotal pain demands immediate attention. Although not every cause constitutes an emergency, testicular torsion must be discovered immediately to save the testicle. Testicular pain should be triaged to an emergency center with access to... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Again, anatomic breakdown of the leg into its various anatomic components is the basis of a sound differential diagnosis ( Table 44 ), Before that, however, one should determine if the pain is ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Many patients presenting with pain in the foot or toes have joint disease (see pages 341 and 343 for a discussion of these differentials). Other anatomic components of the foot and toes may cause pain as well, so a ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The GI tract is the only “organ” that really covers the abdomen from one end to the other. Anything that causes an irritation of all or a large portion of this “tube” ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Nothing is more challenging to diagnose than a case of low back pain. That is why it is so important to have an extensive list of causes in mind before approaching the patient. Anatomy forms the ... READ EXCERPTS »
... An anatomic breakdown of the arm into its components is the key to a sound differential diagnosis in arm pain. Pain may be referred from more proximal portions of the extremity such as the shoulder ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Division of the breast anatomically into various components is interesting but not worthwhile in the differential diagnosis of breast pain. It is rather more instructive and practical to use VINDICATE in developing a ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hardly a day goes by in a busy practitioner’s office that he or she is not confronted with a patient complaining of chest pain. The main concern, of course, is to exclude an acute myocardial infarction, which is not an ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A painful elbow really does not require a detailed analysis of the anatomy to discover the various causes, almost all of which are bursal or bone and joint disorders. Of course, the skin may be ... READ EXCERPTS »
... By mental dissection of the epigastrium layer by layer from the skin to the thoracolumbar spine, one encounters all the important organs that are the sites of origin of epigastric pain ( Table 11 ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Applying the mnemonic MINT to the various anatomic parts of the eye will aid in systematically developing a list of diagnostic possibilities for eye pain. M—Malformations most certainly suggest ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Visualize the structures of the face in a systematic fashion to develop a differential diagnosis of facial pain. With the skin, herpes zoster and carbuncles come to mind. Next, the internal maxillary artery suggests histamine ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Most cases of flank pain are associated with inflammation of the kidney. As is shown in Table 29 , however, jumping to that conclusion in any given case may be hazardous. ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The anatomic components of the groin consist of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, lymph nodes, the femoral nerve, arteries and veins, and underneath, the hip bones. With these ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Visualize the anatomy when a patient presents with pain in the hand or fingers ( Table 31 ). The skin may show contact dermatitis, fungal infection, furuncle, cellulitis, or traumatic lesion. An ... READ EXCERPTS »
... When confronted with a case of hip pain in an adult, the clinician is most likely to think of fracture or joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis, realizing however that there are many other possibilities ( ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Homans’ sign is positive when deep calf pain results from strong and abrupt dorsiflexion of the ankle. This pain results from venous thrombosis or inflammation of the calf muscles. However, because a positive Homans’sign... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Most common in the legs, intermittent claudication is cramping limb pain brought on by exercise and relieved by 1 to 2 minutes of rest. This pain may be acute or chronic; when acute, it may signal acute... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Although leg pain commonly signifies a musculoskeletal disorder, it can also result from a more serious vascular or neurologic disorder. The pain may arise suddenly or gradually and may be localized or affect the entire leg. Constant or... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... An unreliable indicator of cancer, breast pain commonly results from benign breast disease. It may occur during rest or movement and may be aggravated by manipulation or palpation. (Breast tenderness refers to pain... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals... Emergency interventions ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Arm pain usually results from musculoskeletal disorders, but it can also stem from neurovascular or cardiovascular disorders. (See Causes of local pain.) In some cases, it may be referred pain from another... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Back pain affects an estimated 80% of the population; in fact, it's the second leading reason — after the common cold — for lost time from work. Although this symptom may herald a spondylogenic... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Chest pain usually results from disorders that affect thoracic or abdominal organs — the heart, pleurae, lungs, esophagus, rib cage, gallbladder, pancreas, or stomach. An important indicator of several acute and life... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Eye pain may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation. This sign varies from mild to severe; its duration and... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Pain in the flank, the area extending from the ribs to the ilium, is a leading indicator of renal and upper urinary tract disease or trauma. Depending on the cause, this symptom may vary from a dull ache to severe stabbing or... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Jaw pain may arise from either of the two bones that hold the teeth in the jaw — the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). Jaw pain also includes pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ),... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Neck pain may originate from any neck structure, ranging from the meninges and cervical vertebrae to its blood vessels, muscles, and lymphatic tissue. This symptom can also be referred... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common symptom of anorectal disorders, rectal pain is discomfort that arises in the anorectal area. Although the anal canal is separated from the rest of the rectum by the internal... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Throat pain — commonly known as a sore throat — refers to discomfort in any part of the pharynx: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, or the hypopharynx. This... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Diffuse Gastroenteritis Peritonitis Pancreatitis Leukemia Sickle cell ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal Disorders Inflammatory disorders Peritoneum Peritonitis (chemical or bacterial) ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Functional, mechanical causes: postural imbalance Anteroposterior (e.g., pregnancy)   ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Skin and subcutaneous lesions [including adiposis dolorosa, thrombophlebitis of thoracoepigastric vein (Mondor's disease)] Breast lesions Fibroadenosis ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Chest Wall Disease Bony thorax Costochondritis (Tietze's syndrome) Rib fracture or tumor ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Fracture Contusion Acromial-clavicular joint separation or injuries Rotator cuff tendinitis or impingement syndrome ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (CRPS1) or causalgia (CRPS2), is a chronic pain disorder that results from abnormal healing after an injury — either minor... Causes and incidence ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The striking feature of pain disorder is a persistent complaint of pain in the absence of appropriate physical findings. The symptoms are either inconsistent with the normal... Causes and incidence ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Homans’ sign is positive when deep calf pain results from strong and abrupt dorsiflexion of the ankle. This pain results from venous thrombosis or inflammation of the calf muscles.... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Most common in the legs, intermittent claudication is cramping limb pain brought on by exercise and relieved by 1 to 2 minutes of rest. This pain may be acute or chronic; when acute, it may signal acute arterial... Emergency Interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Although leg pain commonly signifies a musculoskeletal disorder, it can also result from a more serious vascular or neurologic disorder. The pain may arise suddenly or gradually and may be localized or affect... Emergency Interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... An unreliable indicator of cancer, breast pain commonly results from benign breast disease. It may occur during rest or movement and may be aggravated by manipulation or palpation. (Breast... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Eye pain may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation. This sign varies from mild to severe; its... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can also be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Arm pain usually results from musculoskeletal disorders, but it can also stem from neurovascular or cardiovascular disorders. (See Causes of localized arm pain, page 74.) In some cases, arm pain may be referred from... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Back pain affects an estimated 80% of the population; in fact, it’s the second leading reason—after the common cold—for lost time from work. Although this symptom may herald... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Chest pain usually results from disorders that affect thoracic or abdominal organs—the heart, pleurae, lungs, esophagus, rib cage, gallbladder, pancreas, or stomach. An... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Facial pain may result from various neurologic, vascular, or infectious disorders. The most common cause of facial pain is trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux). In this disorder, intense, paroxysmal facial pain... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Pain in the flank, the area extending from the ribs to the ilium, is a leading indicator of renal and upper urinary tract disease or trauma. Depending on the cause, this symptom... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Jaw pain may arise from either of the two bones that hold the teeth in the jaw—the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). Jaw pain also includes pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ),... Emergency Interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Neck pain may originate from any neck structure, ranging from the meninges and cervical vertebrae to its blood vessels, muscles, and lymphatic tissue. This symptom can also be referred from other areas of the body. Its location,... Emergency Interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common symptom of anorectal disorders, rectal pain is discomfort that arises in the anorectal area. Although the anal canal is separated from the rest of the rectum by the internal sphincter, the patient may refer to... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Throat pain—commonly known as a sore throat—refers to discomfort in any part of the pharynx: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, or the hypopharynx. This common... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Alicia J. Curtin Calf pain, a common complaint that has many causes, can pose a challenge diagnostically. Approach Assess potential risk factors and the chronology of events. Common... History ... Physical examination (PE) ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Jim Nuovo Atypical chest pain is defined as pain that does not have a characteristic anginal quality (heaviness or squeezing sensation), precipitating factors (e.g., exertion), or location (substernal and... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Marie K. Yamamotoya Substernal chest pain requires a rapid and accurate assessment to identify potentially life-threatening events. Substernal chest pain of cardiac origin encompasses the entire... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Stephen Davis Approach Low back pain is a common problem with many causes. The differential diagnosis can be grouped into three over-lapping... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Margaret A. Tryforos Approach Evaluation of monarticular joint pain should differentiate inflammatory from degenerative conditions and clarify whether immediate treatment is needed... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Richard W. Emerine Abdominal pain of varying causes, ranging from the functional to the organic, is one of the top ten outpatient complaints; it is the chief complaint for 5%... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Albert A. Meyer Approach A woman has an approximate 5% chance of having chronic pelvic pain in her lifetime (1). It is defined as an episodic or... History ... Physical examination ... Testing (3) ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Meredith A. Goodwin and Elise M. Coletta Approach The evaluation of hip pathology is challenging for several reasons. Compared with other joints, the hip is relatively inaccessible to... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Charles B. Eaton Knee pain is a very common condition, ranking number seven in the National Ambulatory Care survey. It has been suggested that 90% of knee pain in patients can be diagnosed after an... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Elise M. Coletta and Meredith A. Goodwin Approach The differential diagnosis for neck pain can be thought of by pattern of onset (Table 12.8). Disease, which can originate in the neck, can be... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hal S. Shimazu Pleuritic pain is the characteristic pain of inflamed pleura (i.e., pleurisy—a term often used synonymously with pleuritic pain). Pleuritic... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... George R. Wilson Approach Most patients seen with scrotal pain are adults and have either epididymitis (1) or varicocele. However, the patient... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Gowri Anandarajah Shoulder pain is the second most frequent orthopedic complaint seen in the primary care setting (1). The joint’s complex anatomy,... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment (3,4) ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Irritable bowel syndrome ❑ Peptic ulcer disease ❑ Cholecystitis ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Costochondritis ❑ Pneumonia ❑ Rib fracture ❑ Pulmonary... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Chest wall pain ❑ Angina ❑ Unstable angina ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Ear Pain ❑ Acute otitis media ❑ Acute otitis externa ❑ Eustachian dysfunction ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Maxillary sinusitis ❑ Dental infection ❑ Temporomandibular joint dysfunction ❑ Myofascial masseter... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Musculoligamentous strain ❑ Lumbar disc herniation ❑ Osteoarthritis ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Pain Predominant ❑ Epididymitis ❑ Testicular torsion ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Generalized/Periumbilical ❑ Gastroenteritis ❑ Obstipation ❑ Small... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Osteoarthritis ❑ Patellofemoral pain ❑ Collateral ligament sprain ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Ankle Pain ❑ Ankle sprain ❑ Fibular fracture ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑Lateral epicondylitis ❑Olecranon bursitis ❑Medial epicondylitis ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Conjunctivitis ❑ Corneal abrasion ❑ Foreign body ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Ureteral calculus ❑ Acute pyelonephritis ❑ Latissimus strain ❑ Perinephric... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑Hip osteoarthritis ❑Trochanteric bursitis ❑Ischial bursitis ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Posterior ❑ Musculoligamentous strain ❑ Cervical spondylosis ❑ ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (CRPS1) or causalgia (CRPS2), is a chronic pain disorder that results from abnormal healing after an injury — either minor or major —... Causes ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnostic tests ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Homans’ sign is positive when deep calf pain results from strong and abrupt dorsiflexion of the ankle. This pain results from venous thrombosis or inflammation of the calf muscles. However,... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Most common in the legs, intermittent claudication is cramping limb pain brought on by exercise and relieved by 1 to 2 minutes of rest. This pain may be acute or chronic; when acute, it may... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but can also be caused by drug use, ingestion of toxins, or disorders of the reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular systems. At times, such pain signals... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Back pain affects an estimated 80% of the population and is the second leading cause of absence from work. Although this symptom may indicate a spondylogenic disorder, it may also... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Disorders that affect thoracic or abdominal organs — the heart, pleurae, lungs, esophagus, rib cage, gallbladder, pancreas, or stomach — are typical causes of chest... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Eye pain may be described as a burning, throbbing, itching, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation. This sign varies from mild to severe; its duration and exact... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Pain in the flank, the area extending from the ribs to the ilium, is a leading indicator of renal and upper urinary tract disease or trauma. Depending on the cause, this symptom may vary from a dull ache to severe stabbing or... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Jaw pain may arise from either of the two bones that hold the teeth in the jaw — the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). Jaw pain also includes pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Neck pain may originate from any neck structure, ranging from the meninges and cervical vertebrae to its blood vessels, muscles, and lymphatic tissue. This symptom can also be... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Homans’ sign is positive when deep calf pain results from strong and abrupt dorsiflexion of the ankle. This pain results from venous thrombosis or inflammation of the... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Most common in the legs, intermittent claudication is cramping limb pain brought on by exercise and relieved by 1 to 2 minutes of rest. This pain may be acute or chronic; when acute, it may signal acute arterial... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Although leg pain commonly signifies a musculoskeletal disorder, it can also result from a more serious vascular or neurologic disorder. The pain may arise suddenly or gradually and may be... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals life... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Arm pain usually results from musculoskeletal disorders, but it can also stem from neurovascular or cardiovascular disorders. In some cases, it may be referred pain from another area, such as... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Back pain affects an estimated 80% of the U.S. population; in fact, it’s the second leading reason — after the common cold — for lost time from work. Although this symptom may herald a... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... An unreliable indicator of cancer, breast pain commonly results from benign breast disease. Also known as mastalgia, breast pain may occur during rest or movement and may be aggravated by manipulation or palpation. (Breast ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Chest pain usually results from disorders that affect thoracic or abdominal organs — the heart, pleurae, lungs, esophagus, rib cage, gallbladder, pancreas, or stomach. An... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Eye pain, or ophthalmalgia, may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation. This sign varies from mild to severe;... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Facial pain may result from various neurologic, vascular, or infectious disorders. The most common cause of facial pain is trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux). Typically... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Pain in the flank, the area extending from the ribs to the ilium, is a leading indicator of renal and upper urinary tract disease or trauma. Depending on the cause, this symptom may... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Jaw pain may arise from either of the two bones that hold the teeth in the jaw — the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). Jaw pain also includes pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where the... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Neck pain may originate from any neck structure, ranging from the meninges and cervical vertebrae to its blood vessels, muscles, and lymphatic tissue. This symptom can also be referred from other areas of... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common symptom of anorectal disorders, rectal pain is discomfort that arises in the anorectal area. Although the anal canal is separated from the rest of the rectum by the internal sphincter, the patient may refer... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Throat pain — also known as a sore throat — refers to discomfort in any part of the pharynx: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, or the hypopharynx. This... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Many diseasescause abdominal pain, and clinical dilemma is to distinguish life-threateningones from those that are mild and self-limited. Best way to approach diagnosis is toconsider age of child and... Principal Causes of Acute Abdominal Pain ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Acute Abdominal Pain ... Diagnostic Approach: Acute Abdominal Pain ... Principal Causes of Chronic or Recurrent Abdominal Pain ... Diagnostic Approach: Chronic or Recurrent Abdominal Pain ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
...Although less common in children than inadults, a specific cause can frequently be identified. Principal Causes of Back Pain Congenital Spineanomalies ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis ... Diagnostic Approach ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
...Although chest pain is common complaint inchildren and adolescents, serious underlying disease presentingas chest pain is uncommon in this population. Principal Causes of Chest Pain Musculoskeletaldisorders ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis ... Diagnostic Approach ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Homans' sign is deep calf pain resulting from strong and abrupt dorsiflexion of the ankle. This pain results from venous thrombosis or inflammation of the calf muscles. However, because Homans'sign... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Most common in the legs, intermittent claudication is cramping limb pain brought on by exercise and relieved by 1 to 2 minutes of rest. This pain may be acute or chronic; when acute, it may signal acute... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Although leg pain commonly signifies a musculoskeletal disorder, it can also result from a more serious vascular or neurologic disorder. The pain may arise suddenly or gradually and may... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... An unreliable indicator of cancer, breast pain commonly results from benign breast disease. It may occur during rest or movement and may be aggravated by manipulation or palpation. (Breast tenderness refers to pain elicited by... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Eye pain may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation. This sign varies from mild to... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Arm pain usually results from musculoskeletal disorders, but it can also stem from neurovascular or cardiovascular disorders. (See Causes of local pain, page 52.) In some cases, it may be referred pain... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Back pain affects an estimated 80% of the population; in fact, it's the second leading reason—after the common cold—for lost time from work. Although this symptom may herald a spondylogenic... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Chest pain usually results from disorders that affect thoracic or abdominal organs—the heart, pleurae, lungs, esophagus, rib cage, gallbladder, pancreas, or stomach. An important indicator of several... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Pain in the flank, the area extending from the ribs to the ilium, is a leading indicator of renal and upper urinary tract disease or trauma. Depending on the cause, this symptom may vary from a dull... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Jaw pain may arise from either of the two bones that hold the teeth in the jaw—the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). Jaw pain also includes pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where the... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Neck pain may originate from any neck structure, ranging from the meninges and cervical vertebrae to its blood vessels, muscles, and lymphatic tissue. This symptom can also be referred from other... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common symptom of anorectal disorders, rectal pain is discomfort that arises in the anorectal area. Although the anal canal is separated from the rest of the rectum by the internal sphincter, the patient may refer to all local pain... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Throat pain—commonly known as a sore throat—refers to discomfort in any part of the pharynx: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, or the hypopharynx. This common symptom... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Again, anatomic breakdown of the leg into its various anatomic components is the basis of a sound differential diagnosis (Table 44). Before that, however, one should determine if the pain... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Many patients presenting with pain in the foot or toes have joint disease (see pages 284 and 286 for a discussion of these differentials). Other anatomic components of the foot and toes may cause pain... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The GI tract is the only “organ” that really covers the abdomen from one end to the other. Anything that causes an irritation of all or a large portion of this “tube” may cause... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Nothing is more challenging to diagnose than a case of low back pain. That is why it is so important to have an extensive list of causes in mind before approaching... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... An anatomic breakdown of the arm into its components is the key to a sound differential diagnosis in arm pain. Pain may be referred from more proximal portions of the extremity such as... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Division of the breast anatomically into various components is interesting but not worthwhile in the differential diagnosis of breast pain. It is rather more... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hardly a day goes by in a busy practitioner’s office that he or she is not confronted with a patient complaining of chest pain. The main concern, of course, is to exclude... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A painful elbow really does not require a detailed analysis of the anatomy to discover the various causes, almost all of which are bursal or bone and joint disorders.... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... By mental dissection of the epigastrium layer by layer from the skin to the thoracolumbar spine, one encounters all the important organs that are the sites of... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Applying the mnemonic MINT to the various anatomic parts of the eye will aid in systematically developing a list of diagnostic possibilities for eye pain. M—... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Visualize the structures of the face in a systematic fashion to develop a differential diagnosis of facial pain. With the skin, herpes zoster and carbuncles come to mind.... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Most cases of flank pain are associated with inflammation of the kidney. As is shown in Table 29, however, jumping to that conclusion in any given case may be hazardous. ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The anatomic components of the groin consist of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, lymph nodes, the femoral nerve, arteries and veins, and underneath, the hip bones. With these... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Visualize the anatomy when a patient presents with pain in the hand or fingers (Table 31). The skin may show contact dermatitis, fungal infection, furuncle, cellulitis, or... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... When confronted with a case of hip pain in an adult, the clinician is most likely to think of fracture or joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis, realizing however... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.