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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
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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
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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
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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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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

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(location unknown)

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Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Poland

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South Carolina

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location unknown

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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

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Poland

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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.

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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!

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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location unknown

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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!

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Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

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

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Colorado

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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

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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......

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location unknown

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Wisconsin

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

Julie

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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

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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

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Jodi

location unknown

outer side of foot

Comments for outer side of foot

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