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Little Toe Pain: What’s Causing It and How to Fix It
Pain in Your Little Toe and Side of Foot? Here’s What It Might Mean
Pain in your little toe and outer edge of your foot may feel small, but it can signal a larger issue—from nerve compression and bone injuries to improper footwear or posture. If left untreated, it could worsen with time. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our podiatrists help you identify the root cause and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet—comfortably and confidently.
Common Causes of Pain in the Little Toe and Side of the Foot
This type of pain is often caused by repetitive stress or structural imbalances. Common conditions include:
Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette): A bony bump at the base of the fifth toe from shoe pressure or genetics.
Fifth Metatarsal Fracture or Stress Fracture: Pain from overuse or direct injury.
Pinched Nerve (like Baxter’s Nerve): Numbness or tingling on the outer foot side.
Peroneal Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons that run along the outer ankle and foot.
Footwear Issues: Tight or narrow shoes that compress the pinky toe area.
Calluses or Corns: Thick skin can cause pressure pain on the side of the foot.
Arthritis or Joint Inflammation: Stiffness or aching in the small toe joints.
Early diagnosis is key to preventing chronic pain or complications. We offer in-office imaging and foot pressure analysis to guide treatment.
Outside of the Foot Pain [Lateral Foot Pain]
Products for Little Toe Pain Recommended by Podiatrist
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Choosing the best shoes for foot conditions like neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet is essential for pain relief and long-term foot health.
Foot Pain Outside of Foot by Little Toe Causes
Outside of the Foot Pain Picture Gallery:
- Fifth toe pain usually has nothing wrong with the bone unless it has recently been broken. The pain usually results from pressure against the front of the shoe, causing a callus or ingrown toenail.
- The fifth toe joint can cause a Tailor's bunion to occur. This can also result in nerve pain and arthritis of the fifth toe joint.
- The bone connecting to the fifth toe is called the fifth metatarsal. It is possible to develop a stress fracture or "Jones" fracture.
- The peroneal tendons can also be causing pain. This means the peroneus brevis tendon and the peroneus longus tendon.
- Cuboid syndrome can also cause pain at the back and outside of the foot.
Little Toe Pain Overview
- Little toe pain can be one of the most painful problems you can have in your foot!
- Sometimes, this refers to the pinky toe, the fifth toe, or even the baby toe.
- Although this is a small toe, many painful nerves can be running through the side of your foot and giving you issues.
What Can Cause Little Toe Pain?
- Pinky toe pain is one of the most common causes of foot pain.
- This is the smallest whole, and it tends to be a curved part of your shoe that puts pressure on the toe.
- In fact, the little or fifth toe tends to have more problems than just about any other toe may be tied with the big toe joint for number one.
Causes:
Having these in your life can make your 5th toe more painful.
- Tailor’s bunion or bunionette.
- Tight shoes.
- Flat foot.
- Poor ankle and hamstring flexibility.
- Increased weight.
- Hard floors.
- Long time spent on your feet.
- The increased pressure and decreased flexibility.
- Increasing age.
- Broken toe.
- Sprained toe.
What are the specific causes of pain in the little toe joint?
- The most common causes include hammertoes, horns, bone spurs, broken toes, and even sprains.
- Although these are conditions that we will read about, the single most common thing is simply compression and getting crushed in the front of your shoe.
Most Common Causes of Pain in the Little Toe Joint:
This is when your toe looks really big and as if though it’s popping out at the base.
This is when you have a crooked or curved toe.
This is when your toe starts to dislocate slightly.
Bent toes can occur for numerous reasons. See what you can do to make these feel better.
Calluses are thick patches of skin that appear in sites of friction against the shoe, the floor, or any other part of the foot. The danger is a blister can form underneath the callus!
A corn looks like a little pebble that can form. They usually even occur with a callus around them. This can be exceptionally painful.
Follow our at-home pain relief guides, how to trim your nails properly, and even how to remove them permanently.
Is it broken, or is it just bruised? These occur from stubbing your toe, so learn how to deal with them properly! Find out with this guide.
If you experience numbness, burning, or tingling, this might be a pinched nerve in your toes.
Little Toe Pain Treatment:
What are some of the home treatments for little toe pain?
These are some great tips to start getting your toes feeling better, whether you have hammertoes, corns, or other pinky toe pains.
Protect the skin:
- A soft toe gel pad is an excellent way to keep pressure off your little toes.
- We put a gel pad on over these for some patients, and you get immediate pain relief!
Keep the toe straightened well aligned:
- Sometimes using a hammertoe crest pad to keep your toe straight can keep the pressure off of these.
- We use numerous different gel pads to keep pressure off these sites and keep the toe straight.
- If you have pain on the tips of the little toe, this can very easily solve the problem.
Reduced pressure and friction:
- If you’re having corns or wounds develop between the toes, get a gel separator to prevent overlapping toes and pressure to the site.
- We have gel pads available that keep especially the fourth and the fifth toe from rubbing against each other.
Get shoes that fit:
- The most common solution that solves people’s problems is simply getting a shoe with enough room for the fifth toe.
- With the running shoe, make sure that some of the straps aren’t going directly where your fifth toe is. Make sure that it’s a nice gel-like material or breathable material.
Simply making the shoe change will prevent your fifth toe from rubbing:
- Keep an eye on your shoe and see how much your fifth toe buckles out while standing during the day.
If all these fails, see your podiatrist immediately!
There’s always a chance that you could have something more dangerous or immediate going on.
Does little toe pain need surgery?
- There is excellent news!
- Very rarely is surgery needed because this is where biomechanical corrections are sometimes the most useful.
- The fifth toe is usually something that can be fixed without surgery.
- If you have any concerns and think you may need surgery, and you want to talk about the pros and cons, the advantages and disadvantages of surgery, and see us and make an informed decision.
- We see lots of people for fifth toe pain, so come check it out.
Surgery for the pinky toe:
- Surgery should be considered a last case scenario.
- If you try the gels and issues, surgery should only be considered as a last case resort.
- There are pros and cons to pinky toe surgery and little toe surgery.
Other Causes of Outside of the Foot Pain:
Little Toe Pain Causes are most common after a physical trauma, such as stubbing your toe, but it is widespread to develop calluses and nerve pain. The most common causes of little toe pain are injuries such as stubbing your toe, ingrown toenails, or even the formation of calluses or corns. These all occur because the small toe is exposed to friction on the outside of your foot from wearing shoes that are too tight or even too wide, resulting in rubbing against the outside of that foot.
It is important to take the initiative and begin to heal these problems on your own because the corns and calluses likely will not just go away on their own.
It is also possible to develop a little toe bunion known as a tailors bunion (aka bunionette) similar to a smaller bunion. Still, it is just affecting the little toe rather than the big toe.
5th Metatarsal Pain:
- Jones Fracture
- Cavus Foot- Styloid Process Protrusion
- Os Vesalanium
Muscle & Tendon Pain:
Skin Conditions associated with Toe pain:
Outside of the Foot Home Treatment:
- If you have 5th toe pain, tailor’s bunion pain, outside of the foot pain, or other lateral foot pain, this guide is for you!
- These are the recommended treatment products that will help you get better the fastest.
- The key is to stop your foot from turning outward and causing further damage to your foot.
The Real Key to Fix Outside of the Foot Pain in Order:
1. Most important is a good shoe & a good insole for your shoe.
- Good shoes and good foot insoles are the best value and best long-term option.
- This will stop your foot from turning outward.
- Give these 1-2 weeks of effort, and you will really notice the pain relief.
- This does not instantly fix the pain but prevents future damage.
2. Gel pad to offload the toe.
- This will give your toes some cushion to keep pressure off the toes.
- Read below to see the specific gel pads for each specific condition.
3. Ankle brace for a possible correction.
- Check the recommended braces below.
- For ankle pain, this is almost guaranteed to improve your problem.
4. Menthol-based cream for pain relief.
- Creams and gels like Biofreeze act like ice but save you 20 minutes!
- Check below for our recommended pain relief options.
Best Treatment Products:
5th Toe Gel Pads:
- Fifth toe gel pads can stop your fifth toe or your Taylor’s bunion from rubbing against the side of your shoe.
- There are downsides because these don’t last forever, and they do start to break apart and develop older.
- They can be a low-cost option for tighter shoes during business meetings and at work.
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Overall Gel Pad For 5th Toe Pain
Best Low Profile Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad.
Best Low Profile Option For 4-5th Corn/Interspace Pain.
Best Non-Walking Stretching Option.
Best Tailor’s Bunion(Bunionette) Sock!
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Best Overall Gel Pad: For 5th Toe and Tailor’s Bunion Pain
Good Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad
Great Option For 4th-5th Toe Webspace Corns.
Great Heavy Duty Toe Separator (Not For Walking)
Price Range: $12+, Good value. Great reviews at 30+ reviews at 4.4/5
Pros:
Helps the 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. Heavy duty. Helps the entire area.
Lower profile, less bulky.
Slim and effective option for rubbing between the 4th and 5th toes.
Excellent reviews, great for stretching while resting.
They can be combined with gel pads as well as shoes and the sock. Another great layer of protection.
Cons:
These are more bulky. Can take up too much room in very slim shoes. These are not a splint! They are for pain relief.
Does not help the 3rd or 4th toe from pinching.
Zero benefit for tailor’s bunions and 5th metatarsal joint pain.
Can’t wear these while walking. Won’t work if you have osteoarthritis. (If your toes don’t bend).
Not perfect and by themselves may not fix your bunionette(tailor’s bunion) pain. They can break down over time.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Overall Gel Pad For 5th Toe Pain
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Best Overall Gel Pad: For 5th Toe and Tailor’s Bunion Pain
Pros:
Helps the 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. Heavy duty. Helps the entire area.
Cons:
These are more bulky. Can take up too much room in very slim shoes. These are not a splint! They are for pain relief.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Low Profile Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Good Tailor’s Bunion Gel Pad
Pros:
Lower profile, less bulky.
Cons:
Does not help the 3rd or 4th toe from pinching.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Low Profile Option For 4-5th Corn/Interspace Pain.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great Option For 4th-5th Toe Webspace Corns.
Pros:
Slim and effective option for rubbing between the 4th and 5th toes.
Cons:
Zero benefit for tailor’s bunions and 5th metatarsal joint pain.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Non-Walking Stretching Option.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great Heavy Duty Toe Separator (Not For Walking)
Pros:
Excellent reviews, great for stretching while resting.
Cons:
Can’t wear these while walking. Won’t work if you have osteoarthritis. (If your toes don’t bend).
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Toe & Tailor’s Bunion Products:
Best Tailor’s Bunion(Bunionette) Sock!
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Price Range: $12+, Good value. Great reviews at 30+ reviews at 4.4/5
Pros:
They can be combined with gel pads as well as shoes and the sock. Another great layer of protection.
Cons:
Not perfect and by themselves may not fix your bunionette(tailor’s bunion) pain. They can break down over time.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
- Menthol-based creams have been studied medically and show safety and excellent results.
- This is best for nerve irritation.
- This can help with the nerve pain on the outside of the foot. Just don’t use this as your only treatment option.
- This is not fluff, and these are scientifically backed!
- Bio-freeze is cost-effective and shows great results.
- This is more for people who have difficulty sleeping or walking due to significant issues.
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Topical Pain Relief Creams:
Massage & Ice Products:
- Ice is an excellent option that can be safe for almost everyone.
- There are many nerves, ligaments, and tendons on the outside of your foot.
- This can help calm the inflammation until you fix the biomechanics making your foot turn outward.
- There is some debate about whether icing is worth doing, but this can help limit the need for medications and keep your options open for chronic pain.
- This works great for your arch, less for the ball of the foot.
- The more muscle and ligament tissue there is, the better ice will work there.
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Pros:
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
Important Tips:
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Massage Sticks:
- These can work great for loosening your muscles.
- More flexibility will make your foot turn out less.
- This is a very counter-intuitive way to take pressure off of the outside of your foot!
- This allows less tightness and pressure on the ball of your foot.
- This is very effective for the arch, the gastrocnemius, calf muscle, and the hamstring and thigh muscles.
- This also works very well for the gluteus muscles if you are having butt cheek or hip pain.
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick
Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
A well reviewed foot massage unit.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
Pros:
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Cons:
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
Important Tips:
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
A well reviewed foot massage unit.
Pros:
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Shoes for Side of Foot Pain:
- Getting a great supportive pair of shoes will make sure that there is pressure removed from the outside of your foot
- This is especially important if you have flat feet.
- Consider shoes combined with a good supportive orthotic for the best pain relief!.
- The following link will show you what our favorites are.
Best Orthotics for Side of Foot Pain:
- Orthotics are the single most important way to improve your outside of the foot pain, Seriously!
- Most people don’t think orthotics will fix their foot pain.
- Besides trauma, 95% of all 5th toe, middle of the foot, and outside of the ankle pain can be improved with orthotics.
- This is because orthotics help your foot from twisting out and compressing against your shoe when you walk.
- Would you please not take our word for it? Read the reviews!
Most Important Tips For Orthotics:
- Make sure you have a roomy enough shoe.
- I’m warning you right now, don’t try to stuff a full-length orthotic into a tiny tight shoe. It won’t work.
- If you have tighter or dress shoes: try the dress shoe or 3/4″ orthotics.
Full-length orthotics give you the most correction and improvement:
- If you have roomy enough shoes like running shoes or work boots. Get a full-length orthotic.
- The cushion under the front of your foot prevents it from twisting out against the outside of your shoe as much as possible.
- These are one of the best possible options for the medium and heavy-duty correction!
Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
These orthotics are for slimmer shoes without laces:
- If you are tight in the front of your shoes, or the shoes are tighter, these 3/4″ might be the best choice for you.
- But if you have a choice, the full-length orthotics are much, much more supportive!
- So if you wear work boots or running shoes, get the full length. They get you more support.
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
Pros:
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
Cons:
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Crucial Tips:
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Dress Shoe orthotics:
- These are premium leather orthotic recommendations for dress shoes.
- If you have a tight dress shoe get the 3/4″ orthotic.
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)
Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.
Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Pros:
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
Cons:
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
Crucial Tips:
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.
Pros:
These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results
Cons:
They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support
Crucial Tips:
Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Outside of the Foot Trauma:
- If you think you might have a broken 5th metatarsal fracture, a Jones fracture, a stub, or a broken 5th toe, these products may be of assistance.
- This guide is meant only after getting your foot evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist first!
- Always remember to see a foot and ankle specialist like a podiatrist if you have severe outside of the foot pain or a broken bone!
5th Toe or 5th Metatarsal Injury Treatment:
- If you have a traumatic injury such as a broken 5th metatarsal fracture, a Jones fracture, a stubbed, or a broken 5th toe: consider protecting your foot!
- The best way to do this is, of course, to see your podiatrist and get evaluated with an x-ray, ultrasound, and potentially even an MRI or CT scan.
- If you cannot do so, it may benefit you to be in a cast, fractured boot, or even keep the weight off of it with a rolling knee scooter or other protective devices.
- We as podiatrists frequently take patients off work for a very long period of time when they suffer a traumatic injury. Unfortunately, there is no other way around us in labor jobs.
- If you have a sit-down job, there are ways to get people back to work quicker, but this can be impossible otherwise.
Outside of the Foot Boot Treatment:
- There are pros and cons to using a boot to treat your outside of the foot injury. The Pros are that your injured lateral foot will hopefully have a chance to heal gradually! If you are immobilized too long, the cons are that you will gradually become stiff and overworked to your other leg.
- Our favorite fracture boots and their supplies:
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Best Short Boot
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Short Boot
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Pros:
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
Cons:
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Crucial Tips:
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Pros:
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
Cons:
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
Crucial Tips:
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Offloading and Scooter treatment:
- Sometimes the best thing to do is to keep pressure off of the outside of your foot completely.
- There are benefits to offloading in the early stages of the disease and can give you outside foot relief!
- These are favorite knee scooters and walking devices:
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
It is more costly than the economy version.
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Pros:
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
Cons:
It is more costly than the economy version.
Crucial Tips:
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Pros:
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Cons:
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Crucial Tips:
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Outside of the Foot Compression Brace:
- A good compression brace can stabilize your foot from turning outward.
- This prevents your foot from pronation.
- The pronated foot will turn your foot outward, in your foot will rub on the outside of the shoe.
- This has solved their pain for many of her patients and is very comfortable to wear inside your shoe.
- This solves both pain and outward pronation for a relatively low cost.
Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace – Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn’t do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don’t use this for an acute sprain or injury.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace – Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn’t do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Pros:
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Cons:
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Important Tips:
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don’t use this for an acute sprain or injury.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Outside of the Foot Stability Brace:
- The stability brace goes a little bit further than the compression brace to stop your foot from turning out.
- At the same time, this is a little bit bulkier and does not affect every shoe.
- We find people are a little bit happier trying the compression brace before the stability brace.
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can’t fit in more snug shoes.
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it’s job.
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can’t fit in more snug shoes.
Pros:
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it’s job.
Cons:
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
Important Tips:
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
Our Foot and Ankle Specialists
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our experienced podiatrists provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for little toe pain. Whether the discomfort is caused by a fracture, bunionette, arthritis, nerve irritation, or shoe pressure, our team focuses on relieving pain and restoring comfort with treatment plans tailored to each patient.
Trusted Michigan podiatrist known for his patient-first approach and expertise in both conservative and surgical foot treatments.
Comprehensive podiatric care with a focus on non-surgical treatment whenever possible.
Offers advanced treatment options for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
Specializes in diagnosing complex foot and toe conditions and creating tailored treatment plans.
Why We’re a Trusted Podiatry Team in Michigan
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, patients across Michigan trust us for reliable, compassionate, and results-focused foot and ankle care. Our goal is to provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term solutions that help you stay active and pain-free.
- Experienced podiatric specialists
- Conservative treatments whenever possible
- Advanced diagnostic technology
- Custom orthotics and surgical options
- Multiple convenient Michigan locations
Feet First: Podiatrist-Approved Knoledge Hub
Your next step starts with smarter decisions.
Outside of the Foot Pain [Lateral Foot Pain]
Relieve Side Foot & Pinky Toe Pain—Get Expert Help Today
Don’t ignore small foot pain—it can lead to bigger problems. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we provide thorough evaluations and effective treatments for pinky toe and lateral foot pain. Whether it’s a bunionette, nerve issue, or stress injury, our specialists will guide you to long-lasting relief.
Offices in Bloomfield Hills, and Howell, Michigan.
FAQs Little Toe and Side of Foot Pain
Pain in this area is often due to conditions like a tailor’s bunion (bunionette), stress fractures, tendon inflammation, or nerve compression. Poor footwear, especially tight or narrow shoes, can also create pressure that leads to pain.
A tailor’s bunion is a bony bump on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It can cause pain, redness, and swelling, especially when wearing tight shoes. Over time, it may lead to misalignment or worsening discomfort.
A fractured little toe usually causes sudden sharp pain, swelling, and bruising after trauma. Irritation from shoes or repetitive motion may cause more gradual soreness. X-rays are often needed to confirm a fracture.
Yes, nerve-related problems such as Baxter’s nerve entrapment or sural nerve irritation can lead to burning, tingling, or numbness along the side of the foot and little toe. This often requires a podiatrist’s evaluation.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include switching to wider shoes, using custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery for structural problems like bunionettes or nerve entrapments.
Don’t Let Little Toe Pain Disrupt Your Day
Persistent pain in your pinky toe can worsen over time and affect how you walk. Getting the right diagnosis early can prevent further discomfort.