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

outer edge of my foot hurts mostly while working out on the elliptical

by Linda
(texas)

i wear arch supports formed for my flat feet. lately the outside edge of my right foot hurts, when i'm on the elipitcal trainer , is this stimming from by lower back or hamstring

I have had physical therapy for my back, when the discomfort goes down the outside of my shin,
When on the elliptical, i do the integral workout.

ANSWER

Hi Linda,

I am not sure the outside of the foot pain is coming from your lower back as I would first look at the sneakers and arch supports you wear as the source of the this type of foot pain.
As you have probably noticed, wearing orthotics (arch supports) raises your arch and forces pressure on the outside of your feet.
This in combination with a pair of sneakers that are either too narrow or perhaps have too much stitching on the inside of the shoe may be causing your discomfort.
You do not specifically mention the which part of the foot on the outside hurts but I will guess either the bulge just behind the fifth toe which would be the fifth metatarsal head, or perhaps midway between the fifth toe and the ankle bone, which would represent what is known as the fifth metatarsal base. In most people there is an outward flare of the foot at this location.
In addition to raising the arch of the foot, an orthotic also takes up space in the shoe and in many cases can cause the shoe to be too tight from side to side and once again aggravate the outside of the foot.
Try wearing your sneakers for a short period of time without the orthotics and see if that makes you feet feel better.
If so than you might be wise to go out and buy a wider pair of athletic shoes. Make sure you are fitted for new sneakers with your orthotics so that there is a good comfortable fit.
If removing the orthotics does not improve upon your foot pain, then I would suggest you make an appointment with a foot specialist in your area and let he or she determine where your pain is coming from.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

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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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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Madison, Alabama

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Denison, TX

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Regards,

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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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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Alameda, California

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New Zealand

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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

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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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location unknown

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location unknown

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Bre

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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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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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New Jersey

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Debbie

location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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Russ W.

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Jackie

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.

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Boston, MA

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

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Colorado

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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.

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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)....

Julie

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

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

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.

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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

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Jodi

location unknown

outer edge of my foot hurts mostly while working out on the elliptical

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