Outside of the Foot Pain [Lateral Foot Pain]
Foot Pain Along the Outside of the Foot [Causes & Best Home Treatment]
Foot pain along the outside of the foot can be improved 90%+ of the time at HOME! We go over the best lateral foot & side of the foot pain treatment!
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 possible.
So, let’s GO!
Table of Contents
Outside of the Foot Pain Picture Gallery:
Look:
- 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.Â
- It is also possible to have pain and tendons and nerves outside the ankle from pressure against the outside of the shoe.
- 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.
Click on the photo gallery to see descriptions!
Foot pain along the outside of the foot usually occurs in four main areas:
- The Ankle, the front, the middle & toward the heel.
- Use our diagnosis guide underneath to find out what is causing it!
1) Outside of the Ankle Pain:
Injuries here most likely are a result of inversion ankle sprains.
- Learn everything you need to know about sprained ankles!
- Peroneus Brevis tendonitis.
- Peroneus Longus tendonitis.
Ankle Sprain Home Causes & Treatment:
- This video will show you everything you want to know about ankle ligament and ankle sprain anatomy!
- There are 3 major ligaments to the outside of the ankle.
- These can be damaged.
Outside of the Ankle Treatment Options:
- Our goal is to get you better without relying on medications and surgery.
- If you need relief, they look at some of our recommended products:
2)Pain Along the Front of the Outside Foot:
It is possible to have a sprained pinky toe.
At the front of the foot, you can develop a bunion at the outside of the foot by the base of the toes.
- The pain can be relieved with 5th toe bunion padding & shoe accommodation.
- But in the end, only surgery will permanently correct the deformity.
Outside of the front of the foot home treatment video:
- This video will show you everything you want to know about the outside of the foot!
3)Pain along the Entire Outside Foot
- Pain along the entire outside of the foot is usually due to shoe compression.
- It causes nerves to become compressed & swollen.
- This leads to numbness, burning & tingling.
- It can also be a 5th metatarsal stress fracture or Jones fracture causing this pain.
4)At the Back of the Outside of the Foot
Pain along the back of the outside forefoot is usually due to a Jones fracture or an avulsion fracture.
- Both are caused by an inversion ankle sprain or falling very heavily on the outside of the foot.
- Some people also have a very high arch.
- This causes the back of the 5th metatarsal to protrude and rub against the shoes or the floor while walking.
- Finally, some people have an extra bone called an Os Vesalanium.
- This extra bone exists in around 5% of the population that can cause a protrusion in this area.
5)Foot Pain Outside Arch:
Foot Pain Outside The Arch is usually two to one of 3 common problems.
A)Â Peroneus Brevis Tendonitis:
- This is the most common source of injury.
- This is a tendon that inserts into the outside of your foot.
- It can become irritated very easily.
B) Peroneus Longus Tendonitis:
- This is also a common source of injury.
- This is a tendon that inserts into the outside of your foot.
- It can become irritated very easily.
C) Jones Fracture:
- A Jones fracture is a break in the base of the fifth metatarsal of the foot.
- You can feel it on the side of your foot right around the middle.
- This is a notoriously difficult part of the foot to heal because the Peroneus Brevis Muscle is always pulling it apart.
3)Pain On Outside Of Foot Below Ankle:
- Outside of the Ankle & Below the Ankle, pain is widespread.
- This can be due to previously sprained ankles, instability, bone pain, tendonitis, or pain after running.
Consider the following causes:
- Ankle Sprain Treatment.
- Rolled Ankle Recovery Time.
- High Ankle Sprain Recovery Time.
- Ankle Tendonitis.
- Sore Ankles After Running.
- Broken Ankle Recovery Time.
- Broken Ankle or Sprained Ankle?
- Peroneus Longus Tendonitis.
- Peroneus Brevis Tendonitis.
Sharp Pain On Outside Of Foot:
- Sharp pain on the outside of the foot is usually due to nerve compression.
- This occurs when your foot compresses against your shoe during walking or running.
- This pain is known as neuropraxia.
- The most common site is the base of the 5th metatarsal.
- This will cause the pinky toe to go numb.
Outside Foot Pain After Running:
- This is also most commonly felt as a sharp, numbness, burning, or tingling feeling.
- This is nerve compression due to excess pain and friction.
- This is almost always at the 5th toe or pinky toe.
The Best Home Treatment Options:
The treatment plan protects the outside of the foot through great orthotics, good shoes, and then bracing or gel pads.
Best medication for outside of the foot pain:
- We don’t believe in taking oral medication due to side effects.
- Creams and gels can be just as effective.
- Biofreeze and other menthol creams are 2x as effective as icing, plus it will save you time!
Best ice & massage products for outside of the foot pain:
- These are our recommended options for home treatment.
- This will massage and ice the bottom and outside of your foot at the same time.
- Make sure to read the reviews to find out the best one for you!
The best orthotics for outside of the foot pain:
There are 3 groups of orthotics:
Full-length heavy-duty orthotics:
- These offer the most support but are the biggest and thickest orthotics.
- They have a tough time fitting into some shoes.
- Uses these for work boots and athletic shoes.
- They are not the best for cute shoes or dress shoes!
Dress shoe orthotics:
- These are our recommendations for dress shoes:
Women’s shoe and tight shoe orthotics:
- These are our favorite orthotics for tight shoes.
- Consider these if you have heels or flats.
- These orthotics will be the best fit for your tight shoes!
Best ankle stability braces:
- Consider these braces for your outside of the ankle pain.
- These are excellent for ankle sprains and peroneus brevis and longus tendon pain.
- Immediately after injury, make sure you stabilize these ligaments and muscles!
Best ankle compression braces:
- For any ankle pain that has been around a long time, consider these compression braces.
- These are great for tight shoes.
- They will limit swelling and pain during the day.
Best Outside of the Leg & Peroneal Tendon Massage Sticks:
- If you have outside of the foot pain in your peroneal tendons, consider these massage sticks.
- These will ease out the inflammation when used for 30-60 seconds.
- These will let you then stretch further.