Lateral Foot Pain – Is it a Stress Fracture?

Lateral foot pain is any pain or discomfort along the outside of the foot, and there are many conditions from a stress fracture to peroneal tendonitis or just improper footwear that may cause pain. That’s why if you have any chronic lateral foot pain, it’s important to not try and diagnose the injury yourself. Schedule an appointment with a physician to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for your specific condition.

Although there are many causes of lateral foot pain, in this article we are going to discuss one of the common causes for pain on the outside of the foot.

Stress Fracture

Stress fractures are very small cracks in a bone. These cracks are usually the result of repetitive force and are often described as an overuse injury. Bones in the lower leg and feet are at risk because these bones are required to bear much of your body weight when doing almost any physical activity.

Athletes in every sport from hockey to basketball that constantly using their feet to move quickly, jump or pivot and change directions suffer from stress fractures and lateral foot pain. Even non-athletes can suffer from a stress fracture from something as simple as wearing improper foot wear when exercising.

Symptoms 

Feeling constant pain along the outside of the foot is the most common symptom of lateral foot pain. This pain is usually constant with activity and may decrease or completely subside when resting.

Diagnosis

There are many test that a doctor may use to determine the cause of your foot pain. However if your pain is the result of stress fracture, an X-ray may or may not be able to capture the small cracks in the bone. As a result your physician may recommend an MRI to identify any possible stress fractures.

Treatment

Lateral foot pain that is caused by a stress fracture is usually treated with an over-the-counter pain medication, like aspirin or acetaminophen. These medications will help reduce pain. Anti-inflammatory medication and ice may also be used to decrease swelling and discomfort. However, one of the most important things a patient can do to get better, is to stop doing the activity that causes the pain.

Get Rid of Lateral Foot Pain

It’s important that if you are suffering from lateral foot pain that you Schedule online with your physician as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of further injury. Contact an IBJI podiatrist for expert foot care. Our physicians are dedicated to helping you move better so you can live better.