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