pain in both feet on outer sides of feet

by Rebecca
(Augusta, GA USA)

I have been having pains in both feet for approximately 8 months. The pain generally occurs on the outer side of my feet. I have had no accidents and have even purchased inserts for my shoes. I have had x-rays on my feet and the doctor said that I do have bone spurs in both heels but the pain is not in my heels. If I stand on my tip toes I just about will fall over from the pain radiating from the sides of my feet. If any pressure is applied to my feet like grabbing the top of my foot and gently squeezing I about come out of my skin. When I wake up in the morning I cannot leave the bed without bracing the wall and stretching my calves. This will allow me to walk in the morning. The doctor said there was nothing else he could do. I find this hard to believe because this pain is definitely not normal. Please advise what you think may be causing this issue and if there are any stretches other than calf stretches that I can do to help reduce this pain. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Rebecca,
It has always been my thought that when a patient has the same pain on each foot, there has to be a common denominator. Things such as certain athletic activities or a certain pair of shoes, that create the pain.
The three most common things I see on the outside of the foot are, 1. cuboid syndrome, 2. inflammation of the peroneus longus tendon which is the tendon that comes down the side of the foot and at the level of the fifth metatarsal base (the protrusion most people have on the outside of the foot midway between the little toe and ankle)turns and goes underneath and across the bottom of the foot and 3. irritation or even fracture of the fifth metatarsal base.
(I discuss all three conditions on my site)
I would suggest you see another doctor as his advice that you have a heel spur is ridiculous compared to where your pain is arising from.
Marc Mitnick DPM