pain on outside of right foot

by kim
(bloomington, in)

I have had plantar fasciitis surgery on both feet. the left took the right apparently did not. i have had persistent pain midway up the outside of my foot, it is constant. it feels like it is near the joint on the side of my foot. after a long walk or working in the yard it is much worse. my right leg, achilles tendon feels tight as well. i do stretch. i have orthotics, have had shots, have done PT, exercise, do ice and it still returns. any other ideas...is it the ligament? what do i need to do to make it go away for good?

Hi Kim,

You do not mention how long ago you had surgery, nor the type of surgery but in any event it sounds like you have what is known as lateral column instability.
The plantar fascial ligament is made up of three parts, it is generally the middle part (middle slip) that has to be partially detached in order to alleviate pain.
Sometimes if too much of a cut is made it creates what is known as lateral column instability, meaning that the outside of the foot (in the area you are complaining of) is not as stable when you walk and therefore it becomes painful.
Talk to your surgeon but I think for the time being your orthotics may need to be adjusted to give your foot more stability and will have to be worn in very conservative shoes. Adding a slight heel lift to the right orthotic may counter the tightness in the achilles tendon which is forcing the foot to pronate and thus aggravating the outside of the foot.
In most cases the symptoms will begin to subside over time.
good luck.
Marc Mitnick DPM