peroneus longus tendon(????) pain that comes and goes

by Jenny
(Oklahoma CIty)

For about 8 weeks, I have had pain on the side of my foot. In looking at your diagram, it is the same area where the peroneus longus tendon is located. The weird thing is, it comes and goes. The pain will suddenly come on, last for 3-4 days, then usually be swollen for 2-3 days following and go away. About 8-10 days later it happens again.

I saw my primary Dr. last week. She said if it was a fracture it wouldn't subside as it does. I do have a history of severely twisting my ankle on that same side, 2 or 3 times but it was at least 3 years ago when I last did. My Dr said I could be experiencing some post-traumatic arthritis. My Dr also said I did not meet the stereo-type of someone with gout. I'm a 31 year old female.
When the pain started, I had just purchased a pair of "Reef" flip-flops. I correlated the pain to those, but have not worn them for about 4 weeks now, and the pain still comes and goes.

Any insight?

Hi Jenny,
Flip flops are notorious for causing foot pain and they may have actually caused an irritation of the peroneus longus tendon. The problem is, once you have the injury, even if you stop wearing the flip flops, you keep re-injuring the area just be walking on it.
I would recommend you see a podiatrist who should be able to give you some help in alleviating the pain.
Marc Mitnick DPM