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

Severe Pain on the Outside of my left Foot

I have had gout before and i dont think this is it. My foot feels like its broken. At first it hurt more in the morning and then would feel good enough to walk on with in a few minutes. This is simular to Plantar Faciitis that I've read about, but its on the outside of my foot (Not the inside arch) and resinates from about an inch below my pinky toe and downward, but doesnt reach my heel. Like I said, the few days prior I could'nt walk to the bathroom when I first got out of bed; But within a few minutes the pain subsided enough(but still hurt a bit) to walk. This morning the pain was worse and hasnt subsided all day. I'm a Vet and have VA insurance, but dont want to spend a day at the hospital if all theyre gonna tell me is ice it up. I've had gout and this doesnt feel like it. Its more internal and has no exterior pain spot as all my gout has had. Besides, most of my gout has been around my big toe on either foot. This is more on the top and bootom of the far outside left foot. Any Ideas as to what this is? I thank you for any help.

Hi,
Most pain in the area you describe is from a tendonitis. Of course there is always the possibility of a stress fracture which of course would require an xray to diagnose.
If you can tolerate anti-inflammatory medication like aleve or advil, I would try some of that for about seven to ten days along with soaking in warm water, wearing a rigid shoe and avoid going barefoot.
If that does not improve your situation then you will need to make a trip to the VA Hospital, if for nothing else, to get an xray.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Severe Pain on the Outside of my left Foot

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Oct 27, 2015
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Foot pain top left side
by: Anonymous

I was in excruciating pain last night on the top left side of my left foot. I couldn't put any weight on it. I went to the doctor today because I was concerned it might be a stress fracture. I noticed redness this morning. They advised me it was gout and prescribed an anti inflammatory.

Dec 31, 2010
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new to me
by: Greatful Granny

Today is the first day that I have experienced the most excruciating pain. It is in my right foot and indeed, it feel as if the bones are broken. I don't think I have ever had gout, (although I've had nasty pains in my big toe), and I don't really know what the reason for this pain is. It was good to know that others have experienced this broken bones feeling. I guess I won't be "tripping the light fantastic" tomorrow night. (New Year's Eve)

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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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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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Sincerely

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Arizona

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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location unknown

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location unknown

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location unknown

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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!

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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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

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location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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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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location unknown

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Whichita, KS

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mark

Boston, MA

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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

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.

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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)....

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location unknown

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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

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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

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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

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Lenoir, NC

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

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

location unknown

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Severe Pain on the Outside of my left Foot

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