Quick answer: A bone sticking out and hurting on the side of the foot is most often a prominent fifth-metatarsal styloid or a bunionette, and sometimes an accessory navicular or old fracture. Wider shoes, padding, and rest relieve most cases; persistent pain, redness, or swelling should be evaluated by a podiatrist with an exam and X-ray.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
A bone that sticks out on the side of the foot and hurts looks like a bunionette in most cases — but in our clinic, the third diagnosis on the differential is the one patients miss for years and responds to a completely different treatment approach than the two more common causes. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
That bony bump on the side of your foot that did not used to be there? You are not imagining it — and it does not have to keep hurting.
You’ve come to the right podiatry team. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what a painful bone sticking out on the side of your foot means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Board-Certified Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon · Last reviewed: May 5, 2026
Why is the bone on the side of my foot sticking out and hurting?
A painful bony prominence on the side of the foot is most often a tailor’s complete bunion treatment guide (bunionette) on the outside, or an accessory navicular bone on the inside. Other causes include arthritis, an old fracture that healed off-center, or a ganglion cyst. A weight-bearing X-ray plus a clinical exam by a podiatrist confirms the diagnosis and guides treatment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Dr. Tom’s Bunion-Relief Kit (No Surgery Required)
A bunion isn’t a bump — it’s a bone alignment problem. The metatarsal bone drifts medially while the big toe drifts laterally, creating the visible ‘bump’ on the inside of the foot. Surgery permanently corrects the alignment, but 70% of my patients can avoid or delay surgery with a three-part conservative protocol: a night splint to hold the toe in neutral overnight, silicone spreaders to offload pressure during the day, and a firm arch-support insole that stops the pronation driving the deformity.
Best Bunion Splint
Podiatrist Pros
- Soft sleeve with a strap that pulls the great toe back toward neutral alignment
- Worn at night or around the house — lower-profile than rigid plastic bunion splints
- Can be combined with a toe spreader for mild symptomatic relief
Honest Cons
- Will NOT reverse a bunion deformity — bone angles don’t remodel from external splinting in adults
- Marketing claims of ‘straightening’ or ‘correction’ are misleading; effect is comfort only
- If you have significant hallux valgus pain, a splint is not a substitute for evaluation
Dr. Tom’s Take: Reasonable for mild symptomatic bunion pain at night. I tell patients this is a comfort device, not a corrective one — the bone angles don’t change from splinting. If the bunion is painful enough to need more than a splint, come in for imaging.
Best Toe Spreader
Podiatrist Pros
- Soft silicone gel spreaders gently separate the first and second toes — reduces direct bunion-to-second-toe pressure
- Reusable and washable; cheap ($10-15 for multiple pairs)
- Can be worn inside shoes with extra toe box room
Honest Cons
- Does NOT correct or reverse a bunion deformity — that requires surgery
- Helps with comfort, not structure. Symptom relief only.
- Silicone can trap moisture and cause skin maceration in warmer months
Dr. Tom’s Take: A cheap, low-risk way to reduce the day-to-day ache of a symptomatic bunion. Pair with a wide-toe-box shoe (New Balance 928 or Brooks Addiction Walker) and a PowerStep Pinnacle. If symptoms persist, we’ll talk about surgical options.
Best Supportive Insole
Podiatrist Pros
- Firm-but-flexible EVA arch with a deep heel cradle — matches the neutral-foot biomechanics most patients have
- Semi-rigid shell supports the medial arch without the painful break-in period that rigid plastic-shell insoles cause
- Fits most athletic, work, and casual shoes with a removable factory insole — doesn’t require volume shoes
- Antimicrobial top cover lasts ~12 months under daily wear; most patients re-order before it fails
Honest Cons
- Too firm for patients with fat-pad atrophy or advanced hallux rigidus — they need the softer Pulse version
- Full-length; you must remove the shoe’s factory insole. Won’t work in minimalist or low-volume dress shoes
Dr. Tom’s Take: My default orthotic recommendation for plantar fasciitis, mild-to-moderate flat feet, and Achilles tendonitis. Better value than most premium alternatives for 90% of patients, which is why it’s the first orthotic I reach for in the clinic.
Bone on Side of Foot Sticks Out and Hurts [Causes & Best Treatment!]
The bone on side of foot sticks out and hurts: 90%+ of the time this means something is happening to your 5th metatarsal or your 5th toe bone.
Clinical reference: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Bunions.” OrthoInfo. The AAOS notes that most bony prominences on the foot respond to conservative management including wider footwear and padding before surgical correction is considered.
Look:
- Outside of the foot pain can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
- We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
- The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if at all possible.
So, let’s GO!
Bone on Side of Foot Sticks Out and Hurts Overview:
- We show you why the bone on the outside of your foot is sticking out.
- This is due to your 5th toe, your 5th metatarsal phalangeal joint, your styloid process and the outside of your ankle.
- We then show you have to get rid of that pain with home treatment tips!
Symptoms:
This can lead to:
- Numbness.
- Burning.
- Tingling.
- 5th toe pain.
- Redness and rubbing against the shoe.
- Tight and swelling sensation in your shoe.
- Itching in your shoe.
Is It Dangerous?
- The majority of the time bone sticking out the side of your foot are not dangerous!
- Everyone always thinks the fifth metatarsals is a tumor, but generally what does happen is your Achilles tendon is tight in your foot rotates and rubs against the side of your shoe.
- Some people have a much larger fifth metatarsal bone, and a much larger fifth metatarsals styloid process than other people.
- Especially if you have a very high arched foot your fifth metatarsal process can be very large.
Lateral Foot Pain Causes:
- 5th toe pain.
- 5th metatarsal pain.
- Peroneal tendon pain.
- Outside of the ankle pain.
Causes of Bones on the Side of the Foot Sticking Out:
- The most common bone responsible for pain on the side of your foot and bone sticking out and hurting is the fifth metatarsals!
- There are three areas that could be causing this pain: the fifth toe itself, the fifth metatarsal and outside of the heel/ankle.
- We would estimate that approximately 90% of the time it is the fifth metatarsal, and in normal prominence called the fifth metatarsals styloid process is what is causing your pain.
Fifth Toe Bone Sticking Out:
- The fifth toe could become swollen and irritated.
- This can cause the bone to stick out.
The 5th MTPJ:
- This is referred to as the tailor’s bunion.
- This is the knuckle where your 5th toe connects to the rest of the foot.
- Gel pads work great hear as well, but the key is to stop your foot from twisting our.
- Look at some of the gel pads above.
The 5th Metatarsal Styloid Process:
- This is what most people are probably looking for.
- This is the center outside of your foot.
- This is a normal bone.
- It is usually only aggravated when your foot is twisting outward.
Less Common Causes:
5th Toe Pain:
- Little Toe Pain Causes are most common after physical trauma such as stubbing your toe, but it is very common to develop calluses and nerve pain.
- The most common causes of little toe pain are injuries such as a 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 shoes that are 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) that is very similar to a smaller bunion but it is just affecting the little toe rather than the big toe.
- For more on Bone on Side of Foot Sticks Out and Hurts:
Skin Problems:
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.
These occur from stubbing your toe, so learn how to deal with them properly! Is it broken or is it just bruised, find out with this guide.
Bone and Joint Problems:
These that may result in a Bone on Side of Foot Sticks Out and Hurts.
This is when you toe looks really big and as if though its popping out at the base.
This is when your toe starts to dislocate slightly.
5th Metatarsal Pain:
- Jones Fracture
- Cavus Foot- Styloid Process Protrusion
- Os Vesalanium
Muscle & Tendon Pain:
Related Treatment Guides
Bone Sticking Out on the Side of Your Foot?
A painful bony prominence on the side of the foot can be a bunion, tailor’s bunion, accessory navicular, or bone spur. Our podiatrists use imaging to identify the exact structure causing your pain and offer targeted treatment.
References
- Coughlin MJ. Treatment of bunionette deformity. Foot Ankle. 1991;11(4):195-203.
- Suzuki T, et al. Accessory navicular: its relevance to the adult flatfoot. Foot Ankle Clin. 2019;24(2):189-197.
- Raikin SM, et al. Fifth metatarsal fractures in the athlete. Foot Ankle Clin. 2017;22(3):579-603.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
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Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Painful Bony Bump on Side of Foot — Options
🏠
Conservative Care
- Wear wide toe-box shoes
- Gel pad or donut pad over the bump
- Ice 15 min after prolonged activity
- Avoid narrow or tight footwear
🛒
Products I Recommend
- Gel bony prominence pads
- Wide toe-box shoes
- Arch support insoles
- Silicone toe separators
👨⚕️
See a Podiatrist
- X-ray to identify bone structure
- Custom orthotics to offload the prominence
- Recurring pain or skin breakdown
- Surgical consult if conservative care fails after 3-6 months
⭐ 4.9 stars · 1,123 reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle · Howell & Bloomfield Hills MI
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentIf home care isn’t resolving your your foot or ankle concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Waiting too long before seeking care. Fix: any foot pain lasting more than 4 weeks, or any sudden severe symptom, deserves a professional evaluation rather than more rest.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- Unable to bear weight
- Severe swelling with skin colour change
- Fever with foot pain (possible infection)
- Diabetes plus any new foot symptom
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Bony Prominences on the Foot
- PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles — Redistributes weight away from bony prominences. Deep heel cup and metatarsal arch offload the common bony bump locations on both medial and lateral foot.
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Apply topically to the irritated skin over the bony bump. Reduces the local inflammation and bursitis that makes shoe contact painful.
- Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks — For bony prominences with associated edema: graduated compression reduces the swelling that worsens bony prominence pain in shoes.
A new or rapidly growing bony prominence, especially without trauma, warrants imaging to characterize the lesion before assuming it’s benign. book a same-day appointment → · (810) 206-1402
Learn more about how custom orthotics work — our Michigan guide covers casting, materials, activity-specific designs, and what to expect from the fitting process.
RED FLAGS — SEE A PODIATRIST URGENTLY
- Rapid increase in bump size over days to weeks
- Skin over the bump is red, warm, or ulcerated
- Severe pain preventing any weight-bearing
- Lump is hard, fixed to bone, and cannot be moved at all
- Numbness or tingling alongside the painful bump (possible nerve involvement)
- Any painful foot bony prominence in a diabetic patient — requires prompt podiatric evaluation
Call (810) 206-1402 or book online — most urgent presentations seen same or next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor?
See a podiatrist if pain persists past 2 weeks, prevents normal activity, or is accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, swelling, numbness, inability to bear weight).
Can I treat this at home?
Mild cases respond to RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), supportive shoes, and OTC anti-inflammatories. Persistent symptoms need professional evaluation.
How long does it take to heal?
Most soft tissue injuries resolve in 2-6 weeks with appropriate care. Bone injuries take 6-12 weeks. Chronic conditions need longer-term management.
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Footwear & Orthotics for a Protruding Side Bone
A bone that sticks out on the side of the foot is easily irritated by narrow shoes. Our podiatrist-recommended shoes offer width and soft seams, and orthotics help offload the area. Painful or growing prominences should be evaluated.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.