:( I have had a severe pain in my left foot for about 3 months. It's most painful on the outside of the left foot about 2/4 way down in a vertical direction. The pain has gradually gotten worse. I've seen several different specialist about the problem and had a handful of x-rays taken which appear to be normal. None of them seem to be very worried about it and their prognosis has either been a torn ligament or tendonitis. It has began to affect my daily life, as I am having trouble sleeping and even walking normally on it. Treatments such as an anti-inflammatory medications and other drugs were prescribed, but never worked. And also the using of various foot slings or casts, which have in no way improved the problem. I am flat footed, however, I'm not sure if this is contributing to the issue of why I'm having so much trouble with this one foot. If it helps I am a 20 year old college student. So my daily activities are pretty basic. I in no way remember having any injuries the day before it began hurting. Please tell me there's something I can do! And thanks so much for your knowledge and help!

If the pain is getting worse when pressure applied by walking or weight bearing you must consider first if new you are using are not good fitting for you'r left foot; then consider having an orthopedic specialist exam possibly needing MRI for line stress fracture that regular X-Rays may miss; if your in pain without weight bearing especially in the morning consider rheumatologist as Gout or other rheumatologic diseases may contribute to such pain.

I would also suggest seeing a foot specialist. I had this same problem and it is all but gone. Get you a pair of specially made orthotics for your shoes from that doctor. The kind where you step in a piece of molding foam and they send that off so your orthotics will be just for you. They will hold up your arch and support your foot. They are expensive though. Hope you have insurance to cover it.
Here are some tips from my podiatrist:

Never go barefoot, EVER, not in the house either. If you have a no shoes rule in your house, get a new pair of sneakers for just in the house, so they will always be clean. You must have support for your feet by wearing shoes.

I can't tell by your name if you are male or female, but if female, don't wear flat soled shoes. (Sandals, dress shoes, etc.)

You probably walk slightly on the outside of your foot normally, and this is stressing the muscle/tendons there. Try to consciously walk slightly to the inside for a while and see if this helps.

Also get one of those bunion kits with the little felt pads and put that UNDER the insole of your shoe where the outside of your heel would be until you can get your insoles. Even that little bit of tilt to the inside can make a huge difference.

After you have your insoles, ask your podiatrist to use the grinder and grind DOWN a spot on the inside heel of the insole, to help you tilt in just a smidge.

Freeze a 20oz bottle of water. When you are sitting down in front of the tube at night, roll the bottle gently under your foot for half an hour. Do this whenever you can sit down and take a break. It helps to calm the inflammation.

Hope this helps a little.

I did see a podiatrist. He X-rayed, and found nothing. He suggested orthotics, which I bought, and
they are not cheap. I went back after two weeks. My foot was exactly the same, red and painful on
the outside left foot. I also had to by shoes 1/2 size larger with removable insoles, because my
regular size cramped my toes. He said wear the orthotics another month and come back. There was no
change. He X-rayed again, finding nothing. He then said the only other alternative was surgery. I
asked what kind of surgery. He said he would clip a tendon. I asked would I be imobile after this
surgery. He said I would wear a boot, and be on my feet th next day. I declined, as surgery would
be a last resort.

So... if anyone has had this type of surgery for this problem, please let me know how that turned
out. Are you pain free? Do walk normally? Thanks, Margov

I just found this page and read of your foot pain. I too have the same issue and can not find any help for it. Have you found any help for your foot? Please contact me at [email protected]