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

Pain on outside of foot

by JP
(Southeastern, PA)

About 1/2 way down on the outside of my left foot, I am experiencing some discomfort. It is not due to footwear that is too tight, and it is tender to the touch. It does not hurt when I am walking. I am more aware of it when I'm not walking. What could be causing this tenderness and pain? There is not redness or swelling, and there is nothing that can be observed by looking at my foot.

Hi JP,
It's odd that something on the foot will not hurt either when walking or pressing directly on the spot, but only at rest. I would be curious to know what kind of sensation you are getting (sharp pain, dull pain, burning, tingling, etc.)

My first thought would be nerve irritation (sural nerve) or possible tendon irritation where it attaches into the bone on the side of the foot.

Because of all the everyday trauma a foot is subject to from just walking many times we can experience pains that are hard to account for.

If this has been going on for a short time (1-2 weeks) I would wait a while and see if it disappears. If it persists I would then recommend having it checked out by your doctor.

Hope this helps.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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Comments for Pain on outside of foot

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Feb 21, 2013
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similar pain
by: Anonymous

I just started having this type of pain today after a two hour walk. Comes and goes, it's a stabbing pain on the left foot, below the pinky about an inch. Any suggestions on how to treat?

Nov 09, 2011
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stabbing pain on outside of foot
by: Anonymous

I have the exact same symtoms. Pain on the side of the foot which hurts just as much when off my feet as on. Only hurts sometimes when walking.
Has been going on for 4 years now. The only thing I have done different was move to Arizona and wear flip flops for 3 years.

Aug 03, 2011
Rating

Outside foot pain.
by: Praktis

About 4 years ago I had a sharp stabbing pain on the outside of my right foot. It was located about 1 to 2 inches behind my little toe. This pain was constant but worse when walking. I could make it feel better by wearing tight laced boots. One day with tennis shoes on I missed a step in the snow and this quickly resulted in a broken 5th metatarsal. It is my belief that I had been walking on a hairline fracture for at least 2 months. Now I believe the same thing is happening to my left foot. Again with the sharp stabbing burning pain.

Jan 26, 2010
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Side foot pain sural nerve
by:

I've had a similar pain in the side of my left foot for 3 weeks now. Especially when I arch my foot to the inside or squeezing down and in on the joint of my little toe. It does not hurt while working out but rather at the end of the day when I am sitting on the couch. I've noticed that some pairs of shoes make it worse. There may also be a connection between tight hamstrings and calf muscles causing this foot pain. I've had good luck with morning and night leg stretches for hamstrings and calves to relieve the foot pain. My guess is the sural nerve.

Nov 19, 2008
Rating

Hard Bone of the side of my foot.
by: Anonymous

I have a bone sticking out on each side of my feet it's round u could see just by looking at my feet. It really hurts especially when i wear heels or tight shoes. What can i do about it i love wearing heels and i wouldnt want to stop wearing them because of that.

Jul 05, 2008
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same probele, seeking answers
by: Anonymous

You have described my side of foot pain to a tee. I have the exact same problem. It has been 3 monthes now. I would love to know what it is but have been putting off going to a dr. just because of so much expense to be told they don't know. When I research on line I come up with maybe tendonitus. If you find out please post.

Jan 20, 2008
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response to side of foot irritation
by: JP

Thanks, Marc. Actually, it does hurt if you press on that spot. Assuming that it is nerve irritation as you suggest, what might be causing the irritation, and how should I treat it? It has been about 2 weeks since I first noticed it. JP

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

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

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

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Unknown location

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San Diego, CA

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Colorado

Wonderful advice

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This is the best site for foot problem info.

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location unknown

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Canada

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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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Florida

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New Jersey

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a mom

location unknown

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

location unknown

Pain on outside of foot

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