Pain outside of foot forward of heel

by Gabriele
(NM)

I am a 73 yr. old female. According to your diagram, the pain is caused by irritation of the peroneus longus tendon.

Shoes are not tight, and the pain also exists when barefoot. There is no apparent swelling or external inflammation. I placed an ice pack at the site, and the pain diminished. (I had tried wrapping the foot with an Ace bandage before the ice treatment, but the bandaging made the pain increase). I visited a podiatrist yesterday. He took an x-ray, and also ultrasound. He said that cortisone shots may delay healing. He recommended a boot for two weeks and then an ankle brace for the subsequent two weeks. That appears to contradict your suggestion to another inquirer. What procedure do you suggest for this problem?

(Last year I had plantar fasciitis in the other foot. It was treated with a series of cortisone shots, ice and an ankle brace. It resolved).

Hi Gabriele,
Every doctor has their own methods in treating certain conditions. I prefer a cortisone injection for this condition or oral anti-inflammatory medication but that is my preference. Technically a cortisone injection does delay healing,BUT, it should also relieve the pain and if you are in a lot of pain, I think that overrides the delayed healing.
A compromise might include either an injection or medication, along with the boot. You will need to discuss that option with your doctor as he is the one actually treating you.
Marc Mitnick DPM