pain in outer edge of left foot when walking

by anita
(ireland)

I have pain when walking on outer side of left foot.i had a minor ankle fracture in february this year on this foot.I have been wearing flat pump shoes quite a bit recently.

ANSWER

Hi Anita,
Quite often when a person sustains an ankle sprain or even an ankle fracture due to the foot turning inwards, one of the things we look for is the possibility of a fracture at what is known as the fifth metatarsal base.
This is the protrusion on the outside of the foot mid way between the heel and the ball of the foot.
This is often overlooked by many doctors who do not routinely treat ankle trauma.
Even if it turns out that there is no sign of fracture there may have been trauma to the fifth metatarsal base or the tendon that attaches into this bone.
Another consideration is the possibility of a subluxed cuboid.
In this instance, the bone just behind the fifth metatarsal base (cuboid bone) becomes displaced. This too, will occur in lateral ankle sprains.
It is impossible for me to make a diagnosis without actually examining you, but I think since your pain has been going on for six months now, it is probably safe to say it will not be going away on its own.
I would suggest you find a doctor who specializes in foot pathology and have an examination and possible xray to rule out the conditions I have mentioned.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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