The most common causes of pain on the side of the foot are injury and bunions. Injury can include tendinitis, pulled muscles, or open wounds. Bunions are a condition in which the bones or tissues at the base of one or both of the big toes are enlarged, causing the toe to jut inward. Wearing shoes that don’t fit can also cause foot pain.
Injury to the foot is a common cause of pain on the side of the foot. This can be an internal injury such as a broken bone or pulled muscle, or an external injury such as an open wound. There are any number of ways a foot can be injured, including sports injuries, dropping things on the feet, and stepping on a sharp or jagged object. The treatment for this type of foot pain will depend on the cause.
Internal injuries are normally treated with rest and relaxation. Weight should be kept off the affected foot as much as possible. Sometimes, in very severe cases, a cast or wrap may be needed. Open wounds should be cleaned and wrapped and treated with antiseptic in order to prevent infection. Any severe wounds, either internal or external, should be treated by a medical professional.
Bunions are another common cause of pain on the side of the foot. They usually form on their own without outside causes, although some evidence suggests that wearing shoes that don’t fit may contribute. Pain can be alleviated by wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding excessive standing in one place, although relief is often temporary. There are braces that may help move the bone of the foot back in place, but in many cases, surgery is necessary to correct this problem.
Even without bunions, foot pain is often caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to soreness and blisters. The pain is usually temporary and should subside once the ill-fitting shoes are removed and the feet are given time to heal and rest.
Any severe pain that does not go away within a few days should be investigated further because any underlying injuries could worsen if not properly treated. Most minor foot problems will heal on their own, but some may become more severe if appropriate actions aren’t taken. Medications can generally be taken to alleviate pain until healing has occurred.