Here we explain the common causes of pain along the outside of the foot including the forefoot, midfoot, and heel area. Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 4th Jan. 2022 The Peroneus Brevis tendon inserts into
the 5th metatarsal bone (the long bones in the foot) on the outside of the forefoot. Symptoms include:
Cuboid SyndromeCuboid syndrome occurs when the peroneus longus muscle in the lower leg applies excess traction (pulling) on the cuboid bone, causing it to partially dislocate. The injury often occurs in conjunction with peroneal tendonitis. Symptoms of a cuboid syndrome are very similar to a sprained ankle and include:
Midtarsal Joint SprainA midtarsal joint sprain is an injury to any of the ligaments holding the midtarsal joints together. The exact location of the pain depends on which of the many foot ligaments has sprained (torn). Symptoms include:
The two most commonly injured ligaments are the calcaneocuboid ligament on the top of the foot (which connects the Calcaneus and the Cuboid), and the Bifurcate ligament (a Y-shaped ligament).
Jones FractureJones fracture is a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone on the outside of the foot, at the ‘proximal’ end of the bone (nearest the ankle). It is most likely to be caused by following an ankle sprain or forceful impact to the outside of the foot. However, it may occur through overuse, particularly repetitive strain or impact to the outside of the foot. The main symptoms are:
If you suspect a fracture then seek medical help immediately. An x-ray will be needed to diagnose the injury and the foot will need to be immobilized in a cast for 6-8 weeks.
Sinus Tarsi SyndromeThe sinus tarsi is a small bony canal that runs into the ankle under the talus (ankle bone). Sinus Tarsi Syndrome (STS) occurs following damage to the structures in and around this space. It may follow an ankle sprain, or result from overuse. Symptoms typically include:
Peroneal TendinopathyPeroneal tendinopathy is degenerative damage resulting in pain and loss of function of the peroneal tendons which run behind the lateral malleolus on the outside of the foot. Symptoms include:
When should I see a doctor?If you have severe pain, or severe swelling, or are unable to complete normal daily tasks three days after injury. Or you have a change in sensation in your foot. For example, numbness or pins and needles. If you have rested and applied the PRICE principles (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation) for two weeks or more, and still have pain. What does it mean when the outer side of your foot hurts?Lateral foot pain is pain on the outer side of the foot. This is oftentimes tied to cuboid syndrome, which is when the bone on the outside of the foot shifts out of place. Torn joints and ligaments typically cause the bone to shift. This can happen over time or suddenly due to an ankle sprain.
How do you treat pain on the outside of your foot?Treating Pain On Outside Of Foot
Rest Ice Compression Elevation: Generally, the best place to start is with RICE - a combination of resting from aggravating activities, regularly applying ice, wearing a compression bandage to reduce swelling and support the foot and elevating the leg to help reduce swelling.
What is it called when the outside of your foot hurts?If you feel pain alongside the outer edge of your foot, you're experiencing what's known as lateral foot pain. This is a common issue triggered by walking, running, and other activities. Lateral foot pain is often accompanied by instability, tenderness, swelling, and even difficulty moving around.
What is the outer side of the foot called?The cuboid is on the lateral side of the foot (outer foot) and sits in front of the calcaneus. The navicular is on the medial (inner) side of the foot, between the talus and the cuneiform bones in front.
|