Experiencing pain on outside of foot when walking is a common concern that affects people of all ages and activity levels. This type of discomfort can significantly interfere with your ability to walk, exercise, or even stand for extended periods. Whether it’s a sudden injury or a persistent ache, understanding the cause of outside of …
Experiencing pain on outside of foot when walking is a common concern that affects people of all ages and activity levels. This type of discomfort can significantly interfere with your ability to walk, exercise, or even stand for extended periods. Whether it’s a sudden injury or a persistent ache, understanding the cause of outside of foot pain is the first step toward effective relief and recovery.
Studies suggest that as many as 87% of individuals will experience some form of foot pain during their lifetime. This issue becomes more prevalent with age, as nearly one in three older adults report ongoing foot discomfort, stiffness, or soreness. These symptoms can significantly interfere with balance, mobility, and overall quality of life.
What Causes Pain on the Outside of the Foot?
Understanding lateral foot pain involves more than identifying where it hurts. The outer side of the foot contains bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that are vulnerable to injury or stress. Determining the cause of pain on outside of foot when walking requires careful examination and may involve a differential diagnosis by a podiatrist.
If you’re asking, “why does the outside of my foot hurt?”, you’re not alone. This is a common concern with a variety of possible causes, from injuries and biomechanical issues to degenerative joint conditions. In the sections below, we’ll explore the most frequent culprits behind this type of discomfort.
Ankle Sprain
Lateral ankle sprains, also referred to as lateral ankle sprain, are one of the most common reasons for side foot pain, typically caused by twisting the ankle inward. This results in overstretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Symptoms often include bruising, swelling, numbness, and pain while walking, especially on uneven surfaces.
Jones Fracture
A Jones fracture is a break in the fifth metatarsal bone near the base of the little toe. Unlike other fractures, it occurs in an area with limited blood flow, making healing more difficult and increasing the risk of a stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal. It usually results in significant outside of foot pain, worsened during weightbearing or activity.
Cuboid Syndrome
Cuboid syndrome happens when the cuboid bone becomes misaligned, often following an ankle sprain, overuse, or poor foot mechanics. This condition can cause sharp side foot pain, particularly during walking, pivoting, or pushing off the foot. CT scans or MRI may be used to confirm the misalignment.
Peroneal Tendinopathy
Peroneal tendinopathy, or peroneal tendonitis, involves inflammation or degeneration of the peroneal tendons that run along the outer ankle and foot. Common in runners or individuals with high arches, symptoms include burning, swelling, tingling, and pain on outside of foot when walking. The peroneal brevis tendon is often involved in this condition.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that develop from repetitive stress, poor biomechanics, or overuse. They often affect athletes or people who suddenly increase physical activity without adequate conditioning. Foot x-rays, MRI, or CT scan may be used for accurate diagnosis of a stress fracture or metatarsalgia causing lateral foot pain.
Bursitis
Bursitis involves inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles. When bursae near the outer foot become irritated, they can cause side foot pain that may worsen with pressure or movement. Symptom management may include NSAIDs, corticosteroid injection, and physical therapy.
Corns and Calluses
Thickened areas of skin from friction or pressure can form corns and calluses on the side of the foot. Though often perceived as minor, they can cause significant discomfort or pain while walking, especially if they develop over bony areas such as a tailor’s bunion. Proper footwear, shoe inserts, or custom orthotics may help alleviate symptoms.
Arthritis
Arthritis, particularly lateral foot and ankle arthritis, can affect the joints along the outer edge of the foot, including the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. Joint degeneration leads to stiffness, inflammation, and outside of foot pain that worsens with activity. Podiatric Clinical Care often includes NSAIDs, stretching exercises, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
This condition is marked by stiffness and discomfort in the big toe joint, which is particularly noticeable when walking or engaging in physical activities. The pain often intensifies as the foot pushes off the ground during movement. Over time, it can limit joint motion and lead to compensatory walking patterns, worsening the problem.
Tarsal Coalition
Tarsal coalition is a rare congenital condition that involves the fusion of two or more foot bones. It can significantly limit mobility and cause chronic lateral ankle pain, flat feet, and side foot pain. Often diagnosed during adolescence, it may require imaging tests like MRI or CT scan for confirmation.
Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing symptoms early can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment plans are initiated. Whether your pain is sharp or dull, understanding the differences can help your primary care physician or podiatrist tailor the right care.
Sharp vs. Dull Pain
Sharp pain is often associated with fractures, nerve damage, or acute injuries such as Jones fractures or cuboid syndrome. Dull pain, on the other hand, may be linked to peroneal tendinopathy, arthritis, or overuse. Both types of pain can disrupt daily activities, particularly when experiencing pain on outside of foot when walking.
Swelling or Redness
Visible swelling, redness, or warmth may indicate inflammation or injury, especially in cases like bursitis, peroneal tendonitis, or tailor’s bunion. These symptoms may appear suddenly after a significant injury or develop gradually. A physical examination and foot x-rays help in identifying the cause.
Pain While Walking
Persistent pain on outside of foot when walking is one of the most telling signs of a deeper issue. This discomfort may be aggravated by standing, running, or shifting weight, and it can indicate conditions like stress fracture, tarsal coalition, or cuboid syndrome. Ignoring such symptoms may lead to lingering pain or chronic instability.
Treatment Options for Outside Foot Pain
Treating lateral foot pain depends on the underlying condition, its severity, and your lifestyle. A combination of Conservative Therapy Services and advanced interventions may be required. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
Immediate Relief at Home
Early-stage relief can significantly improve outcomes:
- Rest: Avoid weightbearing and allow tissue recovery.
- Ice: Reduces swelling and soothes inflammation.
- Elevation: Promotes drainage and minimizes fluid retention.
- Compression with elastic bandage: Supports the area and reduces inflammation.
- Brace or boot for immobilization: Stabilizes the foot in cases of stress fracture or Jones fracture.
These home strategies follow the RICE protocol and are cornerstones of Conservative Therapy Services.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce outside of foot pain, swelling, and inflammation. While these medications provide symptom management, they should be used in combination with rest and supportive gear. If OTC drugs aren’t effective, a podiatrist may suggest stronger prescriptions or corticosteroid injections.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is essential for rehabilitation and strengthening. A licensed physical therapist can guide you through stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and gait analysis to correct movement patterns. PT is especially helpful for recurring chronic lateral ankle pain, peroneal tendinopathy, and post-injury recovery.
When to See a Doctor
Knowing when to escalate care is crucial. Some foot pain may resolve on its own, but ignoring warning signs can lead to chronic dysfunction.
Consult a podiatrist or primary care physician if:
- Pain on outside of foot when walking worsens or lasts beyond a few days.
- You cannot bear weight or experience numbness, tingling, or burning.
- There’s visible swelling, bruising, or signs of significant injury.
- Previous conservative efforts (e.g., rest, shoe inserts) haven’t worked.
A detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as x-ray, MRI, or CT scan may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
How Wisconsin Foot & Ankle Clinic Can Help
At Wisconsin Foot & Ankle Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of side foot pain, including complex cases of pain on outside of foot when walking. Our expert team provides individualized Podiatric Clinical Care, combining foot x-rays, gait analysis, and physical examination to create effective treatment plans. We offer a wide array of Conservative Therapy Services, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, and referrals for surgical options when necessary.
Whether your pain is due to arthritis, stress fractures, or peroneal tendonitis, our clinic ensures thorough care aimed at long-term relief. Schedule an appointment today to begin your personalized recovery journey.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of outside of foot pain is essential to finding lasting relief. From acute injuries like Jones fractures to chronic issues such as peroneal tendinopathy or lateral foot and ankle arthritis, timely care makes all the difference. If you’re struggling with pain on outside of foot when walking, don’t wait—trust Wisconsin Foot & Ankle Clinic for expert Podiatric Clinical Care and tailored Conservative Therapy Services.
FAQs
Why does the outer edge of my foot hurt when I walk?
It could be due to a range of issues including stress fracture, cuboid syndrome, arthritis, or peroneal tendonitis. Each condition affects the lateral foot differently and may require a specific treatment plan. Accurate diagnosis through foot x-rays or MRI is essential.
How do you treat pain on the outside of your foot when walking?
Treatment often starts with RICE protocol, NSAIDs, and brace or boot for immobilization. If symptoms persist, physical therapy, custom orthotics, or even surgery may be necessary. Consulting a podiatrist ensures a tailored and effective plan.
Does plantar fasciitis cause pain on the outside of the foot?
While plantar fasciitis usually causes heel and arch pain, compensatory movement may lead to side foot pain. However, direct pain on outside of foot when walking is more often related to other conditions like peroneal tendinopathy or cuboid syndrome. A differential diagnosis from a healthcare provider is recommended.
