Lateral Foot Pain

Foot pain can severely limit your ability to stand, walk, or engage in physical activity. One common type is pain on the side of your foot (lateral foot pain), which affects the outer edge of the foot. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may significantly impact daily life. Understanding what causes lateral foot pain and how to treat it is crucial for maintaining mobility and comfort.

Common Causes of Lateral Foot Pain

Lateral foot pain can develop due to various conditions or injuries. Here are the most frequent causes:

Peroneal Tendonitis: This condition involves inflammation of the peroneal tendons, which run along the outer side of the ankle and foot. Overuse, previous ankle injuries, or wearing improper footwear are common causes. Symptoms include pain and swelling near the outer ankle.

Stress Fracture of the 5th Metatarsal: A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone, often caused by repetitive impact. This is common in activities like running, jumping, or playing high-impact sports. Symptoms include sharp pain, especially with activity, and may require imaging such as X-rays or MRIs for diagnosis.

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the joints in the feet, including those on the outer side. OA typically results from long-term wear and tear, while RA is an autoimmune condition. Both cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, limiting mobility over time.

Cuboid Syndrome: This occurs when the cuboid bone becomes dislocated or injured. Common causes include overuse and wearing tight or unsupportive footwear. Symptoms include sharp pain on the side of the foot, particularly when standing on toes or twisting the foot.

Lateral Ankle Sprain: An ankle sprain happens when the foot rolls inward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. This can happen during sports or even while walking on uneven surfaces. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and bruising.

Tarsal Coalition: A congenital condition where two or more bones in the foot do not separate properly during development. Symptoms often start in the teenage years, and include pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking after physical activity.

Differential Diagnosis

Identifying the correct cause of lateral foot pain requires a thorough evaluation, as the symptoms of these conditions can overlap. Here are some diagnostic methods your podiatrist may use:

Physical Examination: This includes checking your range of motion, feeling for swelling, and assessing your gait. The location of the pain and any swelling or tenderness will offer clues to the underlying issue.

Imaging: To confirm the diagnosis, X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be used. Ultrasound is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries such as peroneal tendonitis and ligament damage. These imaging tests can reveal stress fractures, dislocations, or other structural damage.

Medical History: Understanding any past injuries, your level of physical activity, and footwear choices can help your podiatrist pinpoint the cause of your lateral foot pain.

Treatment Options for Lateral Foot Pain

Once we’ve identified the underlying cause of your pain, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

Rest: Taking time to reduce weight-bearing activity can allow injuries like stress fractures and tendonitis to heal properly. Adjusting your routine to give your foot time to recover can prevent further damage.

Medications: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen are often used to reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended, particularly for arthritis or severe tendon inflammation.

Exercises: Regular exercises can play an essential role in treating and preventing lateral foot pain. These exercises help improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce the risk of future injuries. Here are some targeted exercises you can try:

1. Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall, place your hands on it, and stretch one leg behind you. Keep the heel of the stretched leg on the ground and hold for 30 seconds. This exercise helps lengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle, preventing strain.

2. Ankle Circles: While sitting, extend your leg and slowly rotate your ankle in circles, both clockwise and counterclockwise. This improves joint mobility and flexibility in the ankle and foot.

3. Toe Raises: Stand with your feet flat and slowly raise yourself onto your toes, then lower back down. This strengthens the muscles in the feet and ankles, providing better support for the arch and outer side of the foot.

4. Resisted Ankle Flexion: Using a resistance band, loop it around the ball of your foot. Slowly push your foot away from you and then return to the starting position. This exercise helps strengthen the tendons and muscles in the ankle, reducing the risk of future injuries like peroneal tendonitis.

By consistently incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can prevent further injury and reduce ongoing pain. Your podiatrist may recommend additional exercises depending on the specific condition.

Functional Orthotics: Custom-made functional orthotics are a highly effective way to treat lateral foot pain. These orthotic devices are tailored to the shape of your foot and help correct biomechanical issues by redistributing pressure and stabilizing the foot. Functional orthotics are particularly useful for conditions like peroneal tendonitis, stress fractures, and arthritis, as they provide the support needed to prevent further injury.

Preventing Lateral Foot Pain

Taking preventive steps can help reduce the likelihood of developing lateral foot pain. Here’s how you can protect your feet:

– Wear supportive footwear with proper arch and ankle support.
– Stretch regularly to maintain flexibility in your feet and ankles.
– Gradually increase the intensity of physical activities to avoid overworking muscles and tendons.
– Vary your workouts to prevent repetitive stress on the same foot muscles and bones.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

At The Foot Hub, we provide comprehensive care for all foot-related conditions, including lateral foot pain. Our team of podiatrists specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet and ankles. We can provide expert care for your lateral foot pain, including: