Question
Dr. Katz,

I have recently been having a nagging pain in the outer side of my right foot (pinky toe side, middle section more so on the bottom than the top of my foot) for the past couple of weeks. It's very uncomfortable in the mornings, relatively painless during the day (wear tennis shoes or bare feet) and again very uncomfortable in the evenings and when going to sleep.
I have previously been treated for heel spurs in both feet and this is not the same pain or general area.
Prior to this starting both ankles were extremely painful as well but this has since subsided.

Thanks,
Christi
St. Petersburg, Fl

Answer
Hi Christi,

It sounds like you are straining the tendons and muscles of the foot. There is a band on the bottom of the foot known as the plantar fascia.  Usually this gets inflamed with a heel spur but occurs on the other side of the foot.  The pain that you have can come from a new shoe, new activity or change in work or surface where you work.  I would see a podiatrist if the problem persists.   You may benefit from anti-inflammatory medicine and possibly some better support for your foot.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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