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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Foot pain, outside edge, left foot

by Andy Bible
(Lilburn, GA)

Have had plantar fasciitis in both feet that shots pretty much cured. This pain is different. Left foot, outside edge, not quite half way between my heel and little toe. My doctor put me in orthotics when he was treating the plantar fasciitis. When this other pain continued, he built up the outside edge w/ a piece of foam. Is getting no better at all. He first said it was a tendon issue. Now he's saying nerve. He can call it what he wants, I just want my foot to stop hurting. Have done the 2400 mg of Ibuprofen a day and ice. Nothing is working. Can you help?

Hi Andy,
This is one of the commonly asked problems to this forum.
More than likely you have irritated the tendon that runs under the bone midway between your heel and little toe. Your doctor has the right diagnosis.
A few recommendations. One, the orthotic may actually be worsening the problem, so if your plantar fasciitis is no longer a problem, stop wearing the orthotic, as it is pushing your foot to the outside and putting pressure on that area.
Secondly, ask your doctor about a cortisone shot in the area, as they can be very helpful. Third, and maybe the biggest issue, check to make sure all of your shoes are wide enough in that area of the foot. Some people have a large protrusion of the fifth metatarsal base and so for them the bone and tendon presses into the edge of the shoe (this will be worsened by the orthotics).
Most of these problems are ultimately solved by eliminating shoes that are too narrow in that area.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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Nov 30, 2010
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Outside edge foot pain
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem it just started 2 weeks ago, and it is worse if I don't wear shoes at all. I found the best thing for it is my Sketcher's Shape-ups, they are the only shoes that help this problem and I don't feel the pain much at all, but as soon as I take them off the pain is back.

Mar 30, 2010
Rating

Barefoot
by: Anonymous

Give it rest, a hot massage and some stretching.
Allow recovery.

Then, slowly start running/walking barefoot. Or wear vibram five finger or other minimalistic shoes.This will gradually strengthen your foot muscles and will release the tension on your tendon.

The foot is a complex bio-mechanism containing 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively articulated), and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Shoes are bad 'science'.
"Well designed" shoes, orthotic or otherwise, are products of commercial ill-founded under-researched studies that basically encase this evolutionary marvel in a coffin, giving the individual components no opportunity to strengthen. Shoes with heels force you to heel-strike. We are meant to run with a ball-strike, allowing the natural cantilever of the foot with the calf muscle as reciprocal spring to cushion the impact.

Humans evolved to run. Our species is the longest distance runners on the planet. Before we made spears or weapons, we ran animals down to the point of "thermal exhaustion". No animal can sweat and cool down while running, except us. So, we ran a lot.
In the past 3 decades since Nike, foot injuries have actually gone up in numbers.

http://therunningbarefoot.com/

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Mayo Clinic

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American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

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Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

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MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

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J. Simmons

(location unknown)

Dear Dr. Mitnick, The orthotics arrived four days ago and I slipped them into my shoes immediately. I was skeptical as to the usefulness of the item, they really didn't look very exotic. I have to say though, after using them for just four days, I have experienced grand relief from my foot pain. Even the very first day, I was able to do a lot of work while on my feet with at least a 75% reduction of pain. It has only gotten better every day, and I go nowhere without my shoes with the orthotics. I had been experiencing extreme heel and sole pain for about six months and had to take extended breaks off my feet many times a day as well as regular doses of Ibuprofen. Since getting the orthotics, my life has returned to normal and I feel good again. Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation for a very effective item, I had no idea what a change this item could affect.

Yours truly,

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LH

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Regards,

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

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Unknown location

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New Zealand

Thank You for my answer! I have been schedule for a bone density scan, allingment, and I am in the process of getting orthotics made, and checking out the natural remedies. Thank again! What a great web site!

Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

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Florida

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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San Clemente, CA

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Pam

location unknown

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location unknown

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Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

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location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

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Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

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....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

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Colorado

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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

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Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

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location unknown

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Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

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location unknown

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Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

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Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

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Lenoir, NC

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Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Foot pain, outside edge, left foot

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