Possible causes of outer foot pain include ankle sprains, arthritis, stress fractures, and more. Treatment may depend on the underlying cause, and certain remedies can help alleviate symptoms.
Lateral foot pain is pain that runs along the outer side of the foot and ankle. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as pain, swelling, instability, and tenderness. It can make walking difficult.
A person should contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis if they have concerns about foot pain. The doctor can confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments.
Read on to learn more about what can cause pain on the outside of the foot, how to get immediate relief, and other treatments for underlying conditions.
Lateral foot pain can have many causes.
Ankle sprain
An ankle sprain is a ligament injury in the foot, without dislocation or a fracture. It can happen when:
- tripping
- falling
- walking or exercising on an uneven surface
- playing sports such as running, tennis, and soccer
Around 90% of ankle sprains lead to lateral foot pain rather than pain on the inside of the foot.
Discover tips for healing an ankle sprain.
Cuboid syndrome
Cuboid syndrome is a partial dislocation of one of the lateral foot bones known as the cuboid bone. This injury may occur due to:
- excess body weight
- working out on uneven surfaces
- not recovering properly after exercise
- wearing shoes or orthoses that do not fit properly
- ankle or foot sprain
Peroneal tendinopathy
Peroneal tendinopathy refers to pain and inflammation of the peroneal tendon that may develop after a person increases their activity level.
The peroneal tendon is on the outside of the ankle. The condition can cause pain on the outside of the foot, particularly in the morning or after a period of rest. It may happen
Stress fractures
Stress fractures are small breaks in one of the outer foot bones), usually due to repetitive sports and physical exercise.
Symptoms of this injury may be mild initially but gradually worsen.
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses develop on the lateral side of the foot. They often develop as a result of the body producing multiple skin layers to protect the foot from repetitive stress and friction.
A person may experience tenderness and pain, which may range from mild to severe.
Learn about treatments for corns.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the foot most often causes pain in the ankle joints, midfoot, and big toe. It may cause pain on the outside of the foot.
Types of arthritis that most commonly affect the foot include:
Learn more about arthritis of the foot.
Tarsal coalition
Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth.
It occurs when the tarsal bones near the back of the foot do not connect properly. This unusual connection between the two bones often leads to stiffness and pain in the foot.
Tarsal coalition is a rare condition affecting 3% to 5% of people. Around 50% of people with tarsal coalition have the condition on both feet.
Pain with tarsal coalition usually occurs in the midfoot or ankle and heel area. It can also occur on the outside of the foot.
Treatment for outer foot pain can depend on the underlying cause. A person may also be able to receive immediate relief from pain.
Immediate relief
A person can relieve mild lateral foot pain fairly quickly by following the RICE method:
- Rest the foot.
- Ice the foot for 20 minutes.
- Compress the foot with an elastic bandage.
- Elevate the foot above heart level.
Medication
For mild cases of lateral foot pain, a person can rest and use over-the-counter medications to reduce swelling and relieve the pain.
A person may require medication to directly treat the underlying cause. For example, a doctor may recommend steroid injections for arthritis.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may be necessary following an injury or for the treatment of conditions such as arthritis.
Physical therapy can help relax the muscles, improve blood flow, and help the foot heal properly. A doctor may also recommend an assistive device such as a foot orthosis to support and protect the foot and ankle.
A person should contact a doctor if a person experiences frequent or constant foot pain. As there are numerous possible causes of outer foot pain, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis.
The doctor can perform a physical examination, and will likely look for swollen areas or signs of injury. If a person has experienced an injury or if the cause of the pain is unclear, the doctor may also order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor will also be able to advise on suitable treatments to address the cause and ways to manage symptoms.
Possible causes of outer foot pain include ankle sprains, stress fractures, corns, and calluses.
Other conditions that can cause pain on the outside of the foot include cuboid syndrome, peroneal tendinopathy, tarsal coalition, and arthritis.
Resting, icing, compression, and elevation can help provide immediate relief from pain. A person may also require medication or physical therapy to address the underlying cause.
It is important to contact a doctor if a person regularly experiences foot pain. The doctor can confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments.
