What causes pain to the outside of your foot or ankle?

By: Dr. Justin Pointer

Does the outside of your foot or ankle hurt? Pain to the outside of your foot and ankle or lateral pain can be the result of many things.

Lateral pain of the foot and general foot pain can be prevented or treated with proper foot and ankle stabilization.

In fact, lateral foot or ankle pain can be common after a history of injuries or trauma such as ankle sprains, trauma, inappropriate shoe gear, or foot instability. The condition known as Sinus Tarsi Syndrome develops after frequent stress and strain to the ligaments of the sinus tarsi, a small anatomical cylindrical cavity found on the outside of the foot and is often a source of lateral foot pain. This region of the foot may be small but it is an important staging point for transmitting motion from the back to the front of the foot.

Foot deformities such as flat feet can destabilize the foot and place an increased demand on the ligaments of the sinus tarsi causing lateral foot pain. There are several good methods to prevent Sinus Tarsi Syndrome from forming or getting worse. It is a good idea to avoid activities that may have caused trauma to the foot or ankle in the past, including avoiding high-impact sports and exercising caution when using stairs or slippery surfaces.

Stabilizing the foot with custom foot orthotics and strengthening the foot and ankle using physical therapy can resolve and prevent symptoms caused by standing, walking, and sudden stops, which are typical of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.

In general, many sources of foot pain can be prevented and resolved with custom orthotics. Custom foot orthotics provide stabilization to the foot and improve biomechanical foot function. The inserts are made after a complete foot examination; where weaknesses and biomechanical issues are identified. Orthotics are made from a custom 3D from a person's foot and are built specifically to improve the function of a person’s foot.

If you suffer from foot pain, please call to make an appointment to see one of the doctors at Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle