Lateral (Outside) Foot Pain

Lateral Foot Pain Treatment at The London Podiatry Centre

Lateral foot pain — pain on the outside of the foot — is surprisingly common, yet often poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed. Many patients are told to simply “rest and wait” or are given generic insoles that fail to address the true problem. At The London Podiatry Centre, we specialise in identifying the precise cause of lateral foot pain using advanced diagnostics and delivering highly targeted treatments that resolve symptoms and restore proper function. Where appropriate, we use gait analysis, imaging, and bespoke rehabilitation to speed recovery and prevent recurrence.

Why Does Lateral Foot Pain Occur?

Lateral foot pain can originate from several different structures. Identifying exactly which structure is involved is essential for lasting success. Some of the most common causes include:

Repetitive loading on the outside of the foot may cause stress reactions or fractures along the fifth metatarsal. This is especially common in runners, those with high arches, or people who excessively load the lateral foot.

The peroneal tendons run behind the ankle and along the outside of the foot:

Peroneus brevis inserts into the base of the fifth metatarsal and may develop tears or tendinopathy, contributing to pain.
Peroneus longus runs beneath the foot and can cause a condition known as peroneus longus syndrome when irritated.

The cuboid bone may partially sublux (shift out of alignment), locking or restricting normal movement. This condition often develops following ankle sprains and can create sharp lateral foot pain.

The joint between the heel bone (calcaneus) and cuboid may degenerate or become irritated, especially after trauma or sprains, leading to persistent lateral midfoot pain.

The sinus tarsi lies just in front of the outer ankle joint and is commonly injured during inversion ankle sprains. Patients often report pain at the lateral ankle near the midfoot. We manage this condition with targeted PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) injections, stabilisation measures, orthotics, and rehabilitation.

Repeated inversion sprains can stretch or tear the ligaments on the outer ankle, leaving the joint unstable. This leads to ongoing lateral pain and frequent ankle giving way. While conservative management is effective for many, some patients require surgical ligament repair, which we perform on-site at The London Podiatry Centre.

The sural nerve is a purely sensory nerve running along the outer ankle and foot. Entrapment may cause burning, tingling, or numbness on the lateral foot. This condition responds particularly well to advanced nerve treatments such as cryosurgery, as the risk to motor function is minimal.

An accessory bone within the peroneus longus tendon may fracture or irritate the tendon sheath, producing lateral foot pain.

Occasionally, ganglion cysts, lipomas, or other benign soft tissue growths may compress nearby structures and contribute to lateral pain.

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Most cases of persistent lateral foot pain fail to improve because the true cause was never identified. At The London Podiatry Centre, we can use:

High-resolution diagnostic ultrasound
Computerised gait analysis and biomechanical assessment
Advanced imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI as needed)

Our comprehensive diagnostic approach ensures that every structural and biomechanical factor is fully understood before treatment begins.

Comprehensive Treatment Options for Lateral Foot Pain

Custom orthotic devices to offload and stabilise overloaded joints and tendons.
Specialist footwear advice for better lateral support.
Targeted physiotherapy and rehabilitation to strengthen stabilising muscles.
Activity modification during recovery.

Steroid injections for joint, tendon, or sinus tarsi inflammation.
Hydrodissection for nerve entrapments or adhesions.
Needling/microstimulation to promote soft tissue repair.

Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy: Calms irritated sensory nerves without damaging surrounding tissue.
Cryosurgery (Cryoablation): Freezes problematic nerves such as the sural nerve, breaking chronic pain cycles safely.

Peroneal tendon repair for tears or instability.
Ligament reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability.
Removal of masses or accessory bones where required.

Why Choose The London Podiatry Centre for Lateral Foot Pain?

We specialise in resolving complex, long-standing lateral foot pain that others may miss.
Full integration of gait analysis, biomechanics, advanced imaging, and ultrasound-guided injections.
Advanced nerve treatment options rarely available elsewhere.
Over 30 years of clinical and surgical experience.
Many patients travel from across the UK and internationally to access our expertise.

If you’re living with pain on the outside of your foot that has not responded to previous treatment, The London Podiatry Centre offers the diagnostic expertise and targeted treatments you need. We don’t simply mask symptoms — we identify the cause and fix it.