Question
Hello Dr.Katz,

I am a 58 yr old male, 5'10" 238 lbs with "flat feet". I take medications for hypertension and cholesterol and I take an aspirin a day. I also take allopuronol and cholchicine. Blood suger is normal as well as tryglicerides. I do have a history of gout since I was 23 yrs old. I have not had an attack in a few years. I was a furniture mover for 35 years but have not done that type of work for about 6 years. I do consulting now.

About a month ago I started to experience a painful ache one day in my right foot on the right bottom edge after taking my 2 small dogs for a 40 min. walk. It is along the straight edge and about an inch above and a half inch below the straight edge. There is no pain in any toes, heel or arch. There is no redness, swelling, cracked or discolored skin. If I squeeze the edge or pinch it, it hurts. It almost feels like if someone threw a baseball at the edge of my foot. I have tried several types of footwear some fairly new and there isn't a lot of difference. I have even taken indocine for 3-4 days - 3x/day just in case it was gout.  It didn't make any difference. I have not tried any "store bought" foot supports yet. Today I just started taking advill but it is too early to tell as of this writing. Could I have a problem with a tendon or something?

So, that is about it. Any ideas will be much appreciated.

Thank you,
Harry

Answer
Hi Harry,

It sounds like you might have overused the side of your foot during your walk.  This may cause inflammation of the tendon or injury to the nerve on the side of the foot.  Usually, the tendon involved is known as the peroneal tendon which connects to the fifth metatarsal bone at the base.  

Other possibilities include a stress fracture, however you would likely have redness and swelling.  Also with gout there would different symptoms and likely a different location.

I would ice the area and make sure not to go barefoot.

If the area does not improve over the next week I would see a Podiatrist.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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