Why Does the Side of My Foot Hurt? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Experiencing pain in the facet of your foot may be frustrating and debilitating. This pain can stand up from numerous underlying issues, and expertise in the root reason is important for effective remedy. In this newsletter, we can explore 8 capacity motives for lateral foot pain, providing perception into why the facet of your foot would possibly harm and supplying practical recommendations for remedy and prevention.

Why Does the Side of My Foot Hurt

1. Peroneal Tendonitis

One common cause of lateral foot pain is peroneal tendonitis. This condition occurs when the peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle and foot, become inflamed due to overuse or injury. Athletes, particularly runners, are often affected by this condition.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling and tenderness on the outer side of the foot.
  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
  • A sensation of instability in the ankle.

Treatment:

  • Rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
  • Apply ice to reduce swelling.
  • Use a compression bandage to support the tendons.
  • Consult a physical therapist for exercises to strengthen the peroneal tendons.

2. Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone because of repetitive force, regularly from overuse. These fractures generally occur within the metatarsals, the lengthy bones within the foot, and may lead to extensive pain in the facet of the foot.

Symptoms:

  • Gradual onset of ache that worsens with weight-bearing sports.
  • Swelling and bruising at the facet of the foot.
  • Tenderness to the touch.

Treatment:

  • Rest and avoid placing weight on the affected foot.
  • Use crutches or a on foot boot to immobilize the foot.
  • Apply ice to lessen swelling and pain.
  • Seek medical interest for correct diagnosis and control.

3. Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome happens when the cuboid bone, one of the seven tarsal bones in the foot, becomes misaligned or subluxated. This can manifest due to an ankle sprain or repetitive pressure.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp ache on the lateral side of the foot.
  • Difficulty taking walks or bearing weight.
  • Swelling and redness within the affected location.

Treatment:

  • Manipulation by means of a healthcare professional to realign the cuboid bone.
  • Rest and elevation to reduce swelling.
  • Application of ice to relieve pain.
  • Use of orthotic gadgets to guide the foot.

4. Bunions

Although bunions are usually shaped on the internal aspect of the foot, intense instances can motivate pain on the outer facet as nicely. This is because of the altered foot mechanics and strain distribution.

Symptoms:

Treatment:

  • Wear huge-toed shoes to reduce stress at the bunion.
  • Use padding or orthotics to relieve pain.
  • Apply ice to reduce infection.
  • Consider surgical alternatives for excessive cases.

5. Tarsal Coalition

Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition where two or more of the tarsal bones in the foot fuse together. This abnormal connection can limit foot movement and cause pain on the side of the foot, especially during physical activity.

Symptoms:

  • Pain and stiffness in the foot.
  • Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Frequent ankle sprains.

Treatment:

  • Rest and avoid activities that cause pain.
  • Use of orthotic devices to support the foot.
  • Physical therapy to improve mobility.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to separate the fused bones.

6. Arthritis

Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, can affect the joints within the foot, main to ache on the aspect of the foot. This situation involves the degeneration of cartilage, ensuing in inflammation and pain.

Symptoms:

  • Joint ache and stiffness.
  • Swelling and tenderness across the affected joints.
  • Reduced range of movement.

Treatment:

  • Over-the-counter ache relievers to manipulate ache and irritation.
  • The physical remedy to maintain joint flexibility.
  • Use of supportive shoes and orthotics.
  • In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

7. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a situation that causes aches in the heel and the bottom of the foot, but it can also cause soreness at the aspect of the foot. This is because of the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the feet.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp pain within the heel or backside of the foot, mainly in the morning.
  • Pain that worsens with extended status or on foot.
  • Tenderness alongside the arch of the foot.

Treatment:

  • Rest and avoid activities that trigger ache.
  • Stretching sporting events for the plantar fascia and calf muscle tissue.
  • Use of orthotic inserts to assist the arch.
  • Application of ice to reduce inflammation.

8. Gout

A gout is a form of arthritis resulting from the accumulation of uric acid crystals inside the joints. It frequently influences the large toe however also can cause ache at the side of the foot if the crystals deposit within the smaller joints.

Symptoms:

  • Sudden and excessive ache in the affected joint.
  • Swelling, redness, and warmth across the joint.
  • Limited variety of movement because of ache.

Treatment:

  • Medications to lessen uric acid tiers and manage aches.
  • Dietary modifications to keep away from ingredients high in purines.
  • Adequate hydration to help flush out uric acid.
  • Rest and elevation of the affected foot.

Preventive Measures

While understanding “Why does the side of my foot hurt” is essential, taking steps to save your foot pain is similarly vital. Here are a few preferred guidelines to maintain your ft wholesome:

  1. Wear Proper Footwear: Choose footwear that suits you well and provides ok aid on your feet. Avoid excessive heels and footwear with narrow-toe boxes that could cause strain and misalignment.
  2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on your feet, increasing the risk of ache and harm.
  3. Stretch and Strengthen: Regular stretching and strengthening sporting activities for the feet and ankles can improve flexibility and prevent overuse accidents.
  4. Take Breaks: If you spend a lot of time on your feet, take normal breaks to rest and elevate your feet to reduce swelling and fatigue.
  5. Listen to Your Body: Pay interest to any signs of discomfort or pain on your toes and address them directly to prevent more extreme troubles.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent or intense pain at the side of your foot, it’s miles essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare expert can appropriately diagnose the reason for your pain and propose a suitable remedy. Here are a few conditions that warrant a go to to the doctor:

  • Pain that does not improve with relaxation and domestic treatments.
  • Significant swelling, bruising, or deformity.
  • Difficulty taking walks or bearing weight on the affected foot.
  • Signs of contamination, consist of redness, warm temperature, and fever

Conclusion

In conclusion, information on the causes of lateral foot aches is essential for powerful remedies and prevention. At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we are dedicated to offering expert care for people experiencing foot pain in Scottsdale, AZ. With our considerable experience and professional services, we will accurately diagnose and deal with a wide range of situations that reason aches at the side of the foot, from peroneal tendonitis and strain fractures to arthritis and plantar fasciitis.

If you’re struggling with persistent or excessive foot pain, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Our group at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona is here that help you find comfort and restore your foot fitness. We offer customized treatment plans tailor-made to your unique desires, ensuring that you acquire the highest excellent care. Trust us that will help you get your lower back on your feet and enjoy a pain-free existence.

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