Metatarsalgia caused by an increase in circulating platelets: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Orthopedics
• Oncology

Background:

• Metatarsalgia, or foot pain, can have various underlying causes.
• Essential thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by elevated platelet counts.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a year-long history of metatarsalgia.
• The patient was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia, leading to an elevated platelet count.

Findings:

• Treatment with chemotherapy resulted in a reduction of the patient's platelet count.
• The reduction in platelet count led to the complete resolution of the patient's foot pain.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential link between elevated platelet counts and metatarsalgia.
• Authors recommend incorporating platelet count assessment in the diagnostic work-up for patients with unexplained metatarsalgia.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms connecting thrombocythemia and foot pain.