Pain On The Side Of The Foot
While pain may be felt on the inner side of the foot (medial foot pain), pain on the outer side (lateral foot pain) is more common. Lateral foot pain is pain that runs along the outer side of the foot and ankle. It can occur before, during, or after activities such as walking and running. Lateral foot pain can make it difficult to move around or even stand. Lateral foot pain can cause a variety of symptoms, most of which depend on which part of the foot is affected.
Conditions
Lateral foot pain can have many causes. Most of them arise from conditions that were left untreated. These could include:
- ankle joint inflammation and scar tissue
- arthritis
- cuboid syndrome
- tarsal coalition
- the presence of very fine cracks in the foot bones and in the ankle
- tendon inflammation
- stretched, torn, or pinched nerves (especially those passing through the ankle)
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop to protect against friction and pressure. They mostly develop on your feet and hands.
Fifth Metatarsal Fracture (Jones Fracture)
A Jones fracture occurs in the fifth metatarsal — the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe.
Lateral Column Overload
Lateral column overload is a condition describing pain due to excessive weight running through the lateral column onto the outer part of the midfoot.
Ligament Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury to a ligament, a band of tissue that functions like a rubber band to connect bones and bind joints together.
Peroneal Tendon Injury
A peroneal tendon injury most commonly occurs in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion.
Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
Sinus tarsi syndrome is painful swelling on the outside of the joint below the ankle known as the subtalar joint. This joint allows the foot to move from side to side.
