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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

outer side of foot

I am a runner and began experiencing this problem several weeks ago. It occurs after I run. The further I run, the longer the pain lasts. Resting the foot for several days alleviates the pain, but it comes back when I try running again. On a treadmill, the problem seems less severe. But when running outside on uneven surfaces that cause the foot and ankle to turn as I step, the pain is worse, especially if the outer side of the foot is caused to angle upwards (ankle rotates towards the inside). In these instances it takes longer for the soreness to subside - noramlly 2 or 3 days. There is no swelling or discoloration - just the pain. Any idea what the problem could be?


Hi John,
Most likely an irritation of the peroneus longus tendon as it courses down the side of the foot and then takes a sharp turn under the foot. (I will assume the pain is where the side of the foot flares out a bit).
When you run on any kind of incline that supinates your foot such as a banked street it puts even more pressure on that side of the foot and will cause it to hurt more.
The more you pound it the more it hurts, commonsense! That is why it hurts less on the treadmill, your foot in not inclined.
If you are a runner, this could take forever to go away, but if you insist on running, I would stay on the treadmill for a while, obviously avoid the inclined and uneven surfaces outside, try a course of anti-inflammatory medication (if you can tolerate it) and perhaps a round of physical therapy, especially if you want this to resolve as quickly as possible.
Lastly, make sure your running shoes are wide enough at the flare of side of the foot; shoes can also be a major contributing factor.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for outer side of foot

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Apr 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		foot pain
by: mayra

I have the same problem as the runner but it recently happened because of the nike shocks.I was wearing and now I have a pain on the right side of the bottom of my foot how can I help the pain go away bc I constantly have to run for soccer and I also dance
Mar 30, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pain on outside of foot on bottom
by: Anonymous

I am a sports person and i recently hurt my foot by accidently kicking a metal pole after it (2 days later) i still get pains whenever i lean on the outerside of my foot and when ever i angle the sore side up so as not to put pressure on it it hurts have you any suggestions what might be wrong ?
Jul 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		heel pain
by: Pablo Grafa

I play soccer and I have the same heel pain as the runner above, I dont know what is the best way to treat it is, i have been icing it, but now i am only soaking it in hot water, the pain dosent seem to be getting worse or better even through intense training. what is the best way to treat it and could it become chronic pain or turn into something worse.
thank you

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If you happen to live in the New York - New Jersey area and would like to visit our office

Dr. Marc Mitnick

151 Summit Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-0761


To make an appointment online or for directions to our office click Dr. Marc Mitnick.

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.


SITE LAST UPDATED: MAY 2026




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(items I prescribe in the office)


Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain
best buy in a pre-made orthotic
click link below


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Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes
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(location unknown)
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Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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Denison, TX
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UK

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Anonymous



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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

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Arizona
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Florida
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Poland
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M P

South Carolina
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Natalie

unknown location


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Arlington, VA


Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA


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Pam

location unknown


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Glen

location unknown


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Bre

location unknown


Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous



Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous



Staying at home after hallux surgery I spend quite a lot of time seaching info useful for avoiding problems which might come back. Today I found your site and I am .... delighted it happened. It's one of the best site I found last days.

Anna

Poland



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Esh

Seattle, WA


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Bonnie

location unknown



Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey



Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown



Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown



Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA



Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

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Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown



Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA



Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY



Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown



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Jackie

Whichita, KS



thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA



Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado



Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown
Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada
I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown
Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin
Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown
Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina
Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida
Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown
Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey


Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown


I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC


Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA


I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

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