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

stabbing foot pain

by Bernadette
(New Jersey)

I am having foot pain on the outer side of my left foot. It is stabbing and is very difficult to step on. The pain is the the middle part of the outer part of my foot and radiates the entire outside of the foot when stepped on. It is also restricting and has a feeling of swelling going up towards the ankle. The pain when sedentary is constant and feels like hot pokers. I have had an x-ray looking for a stress fracture but it was ruled out. I am a type II diabetic and have also been tested for neuropathy and that has been found to be negative as well.


When touched the pain becomes worse. Trying to get a shoe on is difficult. There is no pain in the toe area. I do seem to have more comfort once a shoe is on that has a hard heal. Sneakers tend to bother it because of the pressure on the top and heal flexibility.

At times there appears to be some swelling up towards the outer part of the ankle. When I sit for any period of time and get up to walk the pain is excruciating and I must hobble until the pain subsides somewhat.

This condition is making walking awkwardly which is causing other muscle and tendons in the foot to hurt as well.

Can you advise what you thing might be going on?

Thank you.

Hi Bernadette,
Most cases of pain that I see in the area of the foot that you describe are usually tendonitis in nature. Since you mention the pain, along with some swelling goes up the ankle I will assume it is the peroneal tendon.
As a side note, if the pain continues you should consider an MRI which will show soft tissue damage, but may also show a stress fracture that the x-ray failed to reveal.
You may try a regimen of moist heat therapy, immobilization of the foot for perhaps two weeks along with some anti-inflammatory medication (if you can tolerate it).
If this regimen does not make your foot appreciably better than I would recommend seeing a podiatrist, to get a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Good luck.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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Mar 06, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		I also have side foot pain
by: Toni

I sprained my ankle almost 5 weeks ago...I went to the doctor, got xrays and was told I had a bad sprain....5 weeks later my ankle feels fine, but I also have sharp, shooting pains on the outside of my right foot. It starts toward the middle of my foot and then the pain just shoots up and down. My doctor told me "just to deal with it", so I went to a chiropractor and that helped for a week or so, but it's back to hurting so bad that walking is uncomfortable. I don't have insurance, so I really don't want to do more xrays or an MRI. I know ankle sprains take awhile to heal, this isn't the first sprain I've had. It is the first time however that I have had this much pain in my foot afterwards.

Hi Toni,
Ask the doctor who took the original x-rays to look at the fifth metatarsal base for a possible fracture. Many people who suffer inversion type ankle sprains, where the foot turns inward towards the other foot, may suffer a fracture of the fifth metatarsal base. That may explain why you are having pain in the area that still bothers you.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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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
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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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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Redondo Beach, CA
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LH

(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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UK

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South Africa

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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All the best,

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Alameda, California

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Anonymous



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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

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Arizona
I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida
1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

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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)

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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



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Anna

Poland



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Esh

Seattle, WA


I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!!

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



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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.

location unknown



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-Sunny.

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!

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



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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.

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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