Understanding Pain on the Side of Your Foot
Foot pain can be caused by a variety of conditions and can occur in different areas of the foot. Pain on the side of the foot is often the result of issues that affect the fifth metatarsal bone, located on the outside of the foot towards the little toe.
Causes of Pain on the Side of the Foot
There are several potential causes for pain on the side of the foot:
- A stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone is a common injury in athletes or people who suddenly increase their activity level. The repetitive impact causes the bone to crack or fracture.
- A condition called peroneal tendonitis results from inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that run along the outer side of the ankle. This can cause pain on the outer side of the foot or ankle.
- Mortons neuroma is when the tissue around a nerve thickens between the third and fourth toe bones. This causes burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate to the side.
- Some people have an accessory navicular bone, which is extra bone just above the arch towards the side of the foot. This can become irritated and inflamed, causing pain.
Symptoms of Side Foot Pain
Common symptoms associated with pain on the side of the foot include:
- Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain on the outer side of the foot
- Pain that is worse when bearing weight on the foot or when pushing off when walking/running
- Tenderness or swelling over the fifth metatarsal or along the peroneal tendons
- Pain at the base of the fifth metatarsal or between the metatarsal bones
- Numbness or tingling in the outer toes
Diagnosing the Cause of Side Foot Pain
To properly diagnose the underlying cause of pain on the side of your foot, a foot and ankle surgeon will typically:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Examine your foot and press along the fifth metatarsal to pinpoint areas of tenderness
- Order x-rays to look for potential fractures or bone spurs
- Consider an MRI or CT scan to get clear images of soft tissues
Common Diagnosis for Side Foot Pain
Based on this assessment, the doctor can determine what is causing your pain. Common diagnoses may include:
- Stress fractures: Seen as an area of sclerosis or gray shading on x-ray
- Peroneal tendonitis: Diagnosed clinically but may have swelling visible on MRI
- Mortons neuroma: Often appears normal on imaging so is typically a clinical diagnosis
- Accessory navicular syndrome: Extra bone visible on x-ray at inner arch
Treating Side Foot Pain
Most cases of pain on the side of the foot can be treated nonsurgically with some combination of:
- Rest to avoid putting weight on the affected foot
- Immobilization with a walking boot or cast to protect the foot
- Icing and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
- Custom orthotics to redistribute weight away from pressure points
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles, restore range of motion, and retrain proper gait mechanics
When is Surgery Necessary?
If nonsurgical treatments do not resolve symptoms after several months, surgery may be warranted. Common surgeries include:
- Fifth metatarsal repair using screws for severe or nonhealing stress fractures
- Debridement of peroneal tendons if torn or severely inflamed
- Excision of Mortons neuroma tissue or accessory navicular bone
Preventing Side Foot Pain
You can reduce your risk of developing pain on the side of the foot by:
- Warming up calf/foot muscles properly before exercise
- Wearing supportive shoes with cushioning and stability features
- Losing weight if overweight to reduce pressure on feet
- Avoiding sudden increases in activity levels
- Taping or bracing feet during athletic activities
Catching and addressing foot pain early is key to effective treatment. See a podiatrist or orthopedic foot specialist if you have unexplained pain on the side of your foot.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of pain on the outer side of the foot?
The most common causes are stress fractures, peroneal tendonitis, Morton's neuroma, and problems with an accessory navicular bone.
What symptoms may occur with side foot pain?
Symptoms can include sharp or burning pain on the outer foot that worsens when bearing weight, swelling, tenderness along the fifth metatarsal or peroneal tendons, and numbness in the outer toes.
How is pain on the side of the foot diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves examining the foot, ordering x-rays or other imaging tests, and assessing factors like medical history and symptoms. This allows the doctor to pinpoint the underlying problem.
How can I prevent pain on the outer side of the foot?
Prevention tips include properly warming up before exercise, wearing supportive shoes, losing weight if overweight, avoiding sudden increases in activity, and taping or bracing the foot during athletic activities.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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