A foot care specialist addresses pain on the outer side of the foot being caused by plantar fasciitis.
“Most pain associated with plantar fasciitis originates near the point of insertion of the plantar fascia in the medial area of the calcaneus,” says Bob Thompson, certified pedorthist, executive director of the Institute for Preventive Foot Health (www.ipfh.org).
A pedorthist is a medical professional who designs footwear and devices to alleviate foot pain.
The medial side of the calcaneus means inner side of the foot, near the ankle.
When I had plantar fasciitis years ago, I had burning pain along the outer side of my foot, as well as at the medial calcaneus and smack bottom of the heel.
Thompson explains that the plantar fascia consists of inner, central and lateral (outside of the foot) bands of tissue, so that, yes, it is also possible to have inflammation in the lateral (outside) band.
“But if you read the literature, this is unusual,” adds Thompson.
“Plantar fasciitis is most likely to occur in the central band and manifest in pain in the center or medial aspects of the foot in the heel area.”
Whether plantar fasciitis causes pain on the outer side of the foot or the central or heel areas, conservative therapy is the first line of treatment.
This approach typically includes rest to avoid activities that aggravate the condition, along with applying ice to reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help manage pain.
Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and the plantar fascia can improve flexibility and reduce tension.
Orthotic devices, such as custom or over-the-counter arch supports, are used to provide better foot alignment and reduce stress on the heel.
Overnight splints, which keep the ligament bands stretched, can help immensely.
Robert Thompson is a nationally recognized speaker on the topics of preventive foot health and soft tissue injury prevention.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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