If you stub your little toe or wear tight shoes, you experience pain on the outside, or the lateral portion, of your foot. Lateral foot pain can also be a symptom of peroneal tendinitis, a stress fracture of your fifth metatarsal or a bruise. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation of your foot. For severe pain that is accompanied with swelling, consult your physician.
Metatarsal Stress Fracture
Your fifth metatarsal is between your little toe and your ankle and is susceptible to injuries such as stress fractures. A fracture of your fifth metatarsal is also referred to as a Jones fracture, according to a 2007 "American Family Physician" article. Stress fractures are overuse injuries caused by repetitive stress on your bones, causing them to breakdown and eventually crack. Pain associated with stress fractures can range from a deep ache to sharp radiating pain. Due to the poor blood supply, stress fractures of your fifth metatarsal may heal slowly.
Peroneal Tendinitis
Your peroneal tendons attach the muscles on the outside of your lower leg to your fifth metatarsal. Peroneal tendinitis is when these tendons become irritated and inflamed, causing pain on the outside of your ankle and foot. Other symptoms you may experience include ankle instability, swelling and point tenderness over your tendons. With advanced tendinitis, walking and other activities will aggravate your symptoms while rest will alleviate them. Chronic or advanced tendinitis can also lead to muscle weakness and a torn tendon.
Additional Causes
Dropping a heavy object on your foot or stubbing your toe may cause a bruise or sprain to your little toe, resulting in pain on the outside of your foot. Additional symptoms include discoloration, swelling and a limp with walking. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of your plantar fascia, which is located on the bottom of your foot. It can lead to general foot pain, including pain on the outside of your foot. Flat feet, high-arches and shoes with inadequate arch support increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Treatment and Prevention
Follow the acronym RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation to reduce pain and swelling. Take nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen to further alleviate pain and swelling. Your physician may recommend wearing a walking boot or cast to immobilize your foot and reduce pain. Consult your physician about additional treatment options such as corticosteroid injections, orthotics, physical therapy and surgery. Stretching regularly, adequate recovery time between high-intensity workouts, and wearing well-cushioned and supportive shoes may reduce your risk of developing lateral foot pain.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Tendinopathies of the Foot and Ankle; Michael R. Simpson, D.O., et al.; Nov. 15, 2009
- "Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare"; Plantar Fasciitis -- to Jab or to Support? A Systematic Review of the Current Best Evidence; Hayley Uden, et al.; May 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Plantar Fasciitis Risk Factors; March 15, 2011
- "American Family Physician"; Diagnosis and Management of Metatarsal Fractures; Robert L. Hatch, M.D., et al.; Sept. 15, 2007
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Stress Fractures of The Foot and Ankle
- "Journal of Athletic Training"; Mechanisms and Management of Stress Fractures; William A. Romani, et al.; 2002
