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What does it mean when the outer side of your foot hurts?

Posted on September 18, 2022 Are you experiencing pain on the side of your foot? It is actually very common. Luckily, once properly diagnosed with lateral foot pain, there are ways to treat it, even in the comfort of your own home. What is Lateral Foot Pain? Lateral Foot Pain Lateral foot pain is pain on the outer side of the foot. This is oftentimes tied to cuboid syndrome, which is when the bone on the outside of the foot shifts out of place. Torn joints and ligaments typically cause the bone to shift. This can happen over time or suddenly due to an ankle sprain.

Quality treatment is needed for relief. Causes of Lateral Foot Pain There are a few different causes of lateral foot pain such as injury to the area of the foot, an ankle sprain, or excessive traction on the bone. Also, repetitive activities such as running and jumping can cause lateral foot pain. This is why ballet dancers, runners, and athletes experience lateral foot pain often.

People with flat feet also tend to suffer more with pain on the side of their foot. Symptoms of Lateral Foot Pain The first sign of lateral foot pain is pain on the side of the foot extending from the ankle to the toes. Lateral foot pain can also cause a limp.

Tenderness, swelling, difficulty walking, and putting pressure on your foot can also be symptoms of lateral foot pain. Diagnosis Lateral Foot Pain by a Foot Doctor in Scottsdale Diagnosing lateral foot pain isn’t always easy. A foot doctor in Scottsdale, AZ can examine to foot, and swelling of the cuboid bone is usually a tell-tale sign.

However, for a more accurate diagnosis from your podiatrist, an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray may be needed.

What causes foot pain on side of foot?

With 26 bones and 33 joints, foot pain can have multiple causes and numerous types of pain. Lateral foot injuries are those on the little toe side of the foot, whereas medial foot injuries are on the big toe side. Although many mechanisms can be to blame, side of foot pain is often due to overuse, improper footwear, or a combination of both, resulting in injuries including stress fractures, peroneal tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.

What is the pain on the side of my foot?

Does Your Foot Hurt Here?: The Outside of the Foot – Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine July 30, 2021 Why does my foot hurt here? You may be asking yourself this common question whether you have had an injury or simply developed pain. Pain can be common on the outside of the foot in this location.

There are several reasons pain can manifest along the lateral border of your foot. Common foot problems seen in this area tend to be Jones fractures and related stress fractures, peroneal tendonitis, and bursitis. Let’s dive deeper into each of these pathologies. Jones Fractures Jones fractures are a common fracture often brought on by injury and falling on the outside of the foot.

This was named after the physician Dr. Robert Jones who described the injury in the 1900’s after sustaining one himself. The fracture occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal. Sometimes these problems begin with a mild soreness before more significant pain develops.

This is because they can be associated with stress to the foot. This area tends to have a paucity of blood supply causing these injuries to not heal very readily and sometimes not heal at all. These fractures will usually present with pain that comes on with walking traditionally, increased activity, or there truly is a twist of the foot and ankle onto the outside of the foot.

Commonly, people will have pain and swelling, but in some cases, its pain and no swelling. Experiencing any ongoing pain in this area is worth an given the problems with healing. These fifth metatarsal fractures, known as Jones Fractures, often need close attention and a follow up with an x-ray. is predicted that it won’t heal or will heal very slowly. Whether it be a person trying to get back to work or an athlete back to the field, intervening in this type of fracture may be crucial to a speedy recovery. Other recovery methods, depending on the results of the x-ray, might include wearing a boot for immobilization and instruction to be non-weightbearing.

1. Surgery often involves either a screw or even a plate and screws depending on the severity of the injury.
2. Tendonitis At the same exact location as a Jones Fracture, there is a tendon on the fifth metatarsal that moves the foot outwards.
3. Tendons are similar to ropes.
4. They connect muscle to bone and allow the foot and leg to move in certain directions.

This tendon moves the foot from side to side and is called the peroneal brevis tendon. Because there could be injury to the tendon but not the bone, there can still be pain but a completely normal X-ray. Often these problems will occur with no injury and come on over time with increased activity. Patients tend to feel pain and swelling on the outside of the foot. This pain may travel along the course of the tendon: the outside of the foot towards the heel.

1. People with a high arch are more prone to tendonitis because they put more of their body weight on the outside of their foot.
2. This predisposes the tendon to having to work harder, therefore potentially having inflammation or even maybe a tear.
3. To figure out what issue is going on with a perfectly clean x-ray, patients are given a trial of immobilization with a brace or a boot.

Depending on the case, patients can also get imaging and MRI to delineate if it is a fracture or a tendon tear. If a boot or brace doesn’t help in the recovery process, physical therapy and/or anti-inflammatories can sometimes be used to alleviate pain and recover.

• In some cases, recalcitrant pain associated with the peroneal brevis tendon can signal a tear.
• This may require surgery for the pain to improve.
• Bursitis Sometimes patients will come in with generalized pain in the same area as tendonitis and Jones fracture due to overload on the side of their foot.
• This can be focal on the base of the fifth metatarsal, similar to a Jones fracture.

However, it can also be more diffuse along the outside border of the foot. This pain is called bursitis because there is inflammation in the local tissue. Often over activity or constant pressure on the outside of the foot over time may cause this issue.

Again the shape of the foot is a high arch in most patients. These patients put more pressure on the outside of the foot. These is often swelling or even callus formation on the bottom of the foot along the outside border. Usually pain is more along the bottom of the foot that the top. With these types of patients, there is an attempt to rebalance their foot.

A properly fitted insert for a shoe may successfully offload the outside of the foot thereby reducing pressure and pain from the bursitis. Stretching of the ankle and calf is crucial to reduce undo pressure along the bottom of the foot. Anti-inflammatories are helpful when able to be taken safely.

If pain continues, then it is important to follow up for a formal with imaging to make sure you obtain proper treatment. We Are Here to Help Do you have high arched feet? Are you experiencing any of these pains on the outside of your foot? Don’t wait, get an evaluation today! Dr. Miller is available at several locations around the Cincinnati area with Beacon Orthopaedics.

Contact us today for more information! to learn more and schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller for foot and ankle injuries. : Does Your Foot Hurt Here?: The Outside of the Foot – Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

When should I go to the doctor for side of foot pain?

Have severe pain or swelling, especially after an injury. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C). Are unable to walk or put weight on the foot.

How do you fix pain on the outside of your foot?

Treating Pain On Outside Of Foot – The best treatment for pain on the outside of the foot will depend on what is causing it and what stage you are at in the healing process.

Rest Ice Compression Elevation: Generally, the best place to start is with RICE – a combination of resting from aggravating activities, regularly applying ice, wearing a compression bandage to reduce swelling and support the foot and elevating the leg to help reduce swelling. When used properly, RICE helps to reduce further damage, speed up healing and reduce pain and inflammation. LEARN MORE > Physical Therapy: As well as advising you on rehab, your physical therapist may also carry out other treatments such as ultrasound or acupuncture for pain on outside of foot. They can also advise on orthotics and whether special shoe insoles will help Exercises: After a few days, any swelling should have started to go down and in most cases you can start some gentle foot and ankle exercises, This helps you to regain the full range of movement and strength, aids healing by bringing fresh nutrients to the injured area and puts the right stresses and strains through the soft tissues so that they heal fully in the correct position. People are often unsure what exercises will help and worry about overdoing things so it is really important to get the right advice. LEARN MORE > Crutches: with severe pain on outside of foot, it may help to use crutches for a few days to take the weight off the foot Surgery: In some cases, foot and ankle surgery may be advised for your lateral foot pain if other treatment methods have failed

You can find out more about specific treatment techniques for each of the different causes of pain on outside of foot by reading the full articles about your specific foot problem.

What nerve causes pain on the outside edge of the foot?

The sural nerve runs along the back of the leg, and around the outside of the ankle and foot, providing sensation to these areas as well as to the outer two toes. The sural nerve can become injured or irritated in a variety of ways. It can get stretched and injured during an ankle sprain or some other injury.

What nerve causes pain along side of foot?

Nerve pain in the foot may result from a pinched nerve or other nerve damage. Possible causes include Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and diabetic neuropathy. Any foot pain can have a significant impact on daily life, and untreated nerve pain may keep a person from enjoying or accomplishing their regular activities.

a burning, aching, or tingling sensationthe sensation of an electric shock in the foot or feetpain that gets worse during the night or specific activitiesmuscle weakness in the area

Also, the same issue that causes nerve pain may alternately cause numbness. The following health issues can lead to nerve pain in one or both feet.

What is the side of your foot called?

2. Cuboid – The cuboid foot bone is found on the outer side of the foot. At the back, it links to the heel bone, known as the calcaneocuboid joint, On the medial side the cuboid bone articulates with the navicular and third cuneiform on the medial side. At the front it forms the lateral link between the tarsal and metatarsal foot bones, known as the tarsometatarsal joints,

What does tendonitis on side of foot feel like?

Symptoms of tendonitis of the ankle or foot – The most common symptoms of foot or ankle tendonitis are localized pain, swelling, and stiffness. Pain is the first sign of foot or ankle tendonitis. The pain typically lessens over time but then resurfaces the longer you spend on the foot or ankle.

What is the muscle on the side of the foot?

Fourth Layer – The plantar and dorsal interossei comprise the fourth and final plantar muscle layer. The plantar interossei have a unipennate shape, while the dorsal interossei are bipennate. Plantar Interossei There are three plantar interossei, which are located between the metatarsals. Each arises from a single metatarsal.

• Attachments : Originates from the medial side of metatarsals three to five. Attaches to the medial sides of the phalanges of digits three to five.
• Actions : Adduction of the lateral three digits and flexion at the metatarsophalangeal joints.
• Innervation : Lateral plantar nerve.

Dorsal Interossei There are four dorsal interossei, which are located between the metatarsals. Each arises from two metatarsals.

• Attachments : Originates from the lateral aspect of the metatarsals. The first muscle attaches to the medial side of the proximal phalanx of the second digit. The second to fourth interossei attach to the lateral sides of the proximal phalanxes of digits two to four.
• Actions : Abduction of the lateral four digits and flexion at the metatarsophalangeal joints.
• Innervation : Lateral plantar nerve.

Fig 5 – The fourth layer of the plantar muscles. Note the unipennate shape of the plantar interossei, and the bipennate shape of the dorsal interossei

What side of the foot is a stress fracture?

Treating Stress Fractures – Treatment will depend on the location of the stress fracture. Most stress fractures will heal if you reduce your level of activity and wear protective footwear for two to four weeks. Your orthopaedist may recommend that you wear a stiff-soled shoe, a wooden-soled sandal, or a removable short leg fracture brace shoe.

• Athletes should switch to a sport that puts less stress on the foot and leg.
• Swimming and bicycle riding are good alternative activities.
• Stress fractures in the fifth metatarsal bone (on the outer side of the foot) or in the navicular or talus bones take longer to heal, perhaps as long as six to eight weeks.

Your orthopaedist may apply a cast to your foot or recommend that you use crutches until the bone heals. In some cases, you may need surgery so that the orthopaedist can insert a screw in the bone to ensure proper healing.

How long does it take for the side of your foot to heal?

There are many bones and ligaments in your foot. A ligament is a strong flexible tissue that holds bones together. When the foot lands awkwardly, some ligaments can stretch and tear. This is called a sprain, When the injury occurs to the middle part of the foot, this is called a mid-foot sprain.

Grade I, minor. You have small tears in the ligaments.Grade II, moderate. You have large tears in the ligaments.Grade III, severe. The ligaments are completely disrupted or detached from the bone.

Symptoms of a foot sprain include:

Pain and tenderness near the arch of the foot. This can be felt on the bottom, top, or sides of the foot.Bruising and swelling of the footPain when walking or during activityNot being able to put weight on your foot. This most often occurs with more severe injuries.

Your health care provider may take a picture of your foot, called an x-ray, to see how severe the injury is. If it is painful to put weight on your foot, your provider may give you a splint or crutches to use while your foot heals. Most minor-to-moderate injuries will heal within 2 to 4 weeks.

Rest. Stop any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot still when possible.Ice your foot for 20 minutes 2 to 3 times a day. Do not apply ice directly to your skin. Always wrap it in a cloth or towel.Keep your foot raised to help keep swelling down.Take pain medicine if you need it.

For pain, you can use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). You can buy these pain medicines at the store.

Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past.Do not take more than the amount recommended on the bottle or by your provider.

You can begin light activity once the pain has decreased and the swelling has gone down. Slowly increase the amount of walking or activity each day. There may be some soreness and stiffness when you walk. This will go away once the muscles and ligaments in your foot begin to stretch and strengthen.

During activity, you should wear a stable and protective shoe. A higher-top shoe can protect your ankle while a stiffer sole shoe can protect your foot. Walking barefoot or in flip flops can make your sprain worse.If you feel any sharp pain, stop the activity.Ice your foot after activity if you have any discomfort.Wear a boot if your provider suggests it. This can protect your foot and allow your ligaments to heal better.Talk to your provider before returning to any high impact activity or sport.

You may not need to see your provider again if your injury is healing as expected. You will need additional follow up visits if the injury is severe. Contact the provider if:

You have sudden numbness or tingling.You have sudden increase in pain or swelling.The injury does not seem to be healing as expected.

Rose NGW, Green TJ. Ankle and foot injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice,10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 49. Rothenberg P, Swanto E, Molloy A, Aiyer AA, Kaplan JR. Ligamentous injuries of the foot and ankle.

• In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds.
• DeLee Drez & Miller’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine,5th ed.
• Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 117.
• Updated by: C.
• Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA.
• Also reviewed by David C.

Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

How long should foot pain last?

Foot problems can cause a range of symptoms including:

pain swelling limping

In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing foot problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.

What is the medical term for outside of foot pain?

When should you contact your healthcare provider? – Contact your healthcare provider if you:

Are unable to walk or put any weight on your foot or ankle. Can’t rotate your ankle in any direction. Experience a snapping or popping sensation in your foot or ankle. Have severe, sudden pain in your foot or ankle. Notice swelling or discoloration in your foot or ankle.

A note from Cleveland Clinic Peroneal tendonitis is irritation or inflammation in the tendons that run along the outside of your ankle and foot. It’s usually due to overexertion and typically heals with a few weeks of conservative treatments. But untreated tendonitis can get worse, leading to a tendon tear.

What is outer foot pain called?

EVENLY DISTRIBUTE YOUR WEIGHT – With proper weight distribution, textured insoles can help you overcome foot pain associated with a variety of issues. By evenly distributing your weight, they can also help you address corns and bunions. Additionally, the even weight distribution helps to address a low arch while protecting your entire body and joints from the stresses of walking, running, and other activities.

What is the outer side of the foot called?

2. Cuboid – The cuboid foot bone is found on the outer side of the foot. At the back, it links to the heel bone, known as the calcaneocuboid joint, On the medial side the cuboid bone articulates with the navicular and third cuneiform on the medial side. At the front it forms the lateral link between the tarsal and metatarsal foot bones, known as the tarsometatarsal joints,

What nerve causes pain on the outside edge of the foot?

The sural nerve runs along the back of the leg, and around the outside of the ankle and foot, providing sensation to these areas as well as to the outer two toes. The sural nerve can become injured or irritated in a variety of ways. It can get stretched and injured during an ankle sprain or some other injury.

What nerves are on the outer side of your foot?

Overview – The sural nerve allows you to feel sensation in the skin on the back of your lower leg, the outer side of your foot and your outer heel.