Pain in right foot, outside and underneath

[exiveres]

hi all,

a little over a week ago i ran a 50 mile race. about 40 miles in i noticed pain in my right foot while running downhill.

when resting it seems to go away. after giving a week to heal i tried to run, the pain returned after about a mile into the run.

the pain is on the outer portion of my right foot. i feel it especially underneath the foot on the outside when i run. walking gives little or no pain though.


after talking to a few people, it was suggested it might be a peroneal strain of some sort or cuboid pain. im not sure whats the difference.

i have been icing the area and resting.

any ideas as to what could be the problem??

[Heidi]

Hi,

Yes those are possibilities. Is the pain on contact, throughout stance or on push off?

Have a look at this page for information about cuboid syndrome. There is also a link to peroneal tendinopathy on this page as the two injuries are often associated:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/foot/cuboid_syndrome.php

I would recommend visiting a sports injury clinic for an assessment and you will probably need further treatment than you can do for yourself. Although resting and ice is always a good start.

I presume if you do that much running you have had your running gait assessed?

[exiveres]

i notice it mostly on the push off. i have never experienced pain at all in that area except for on that down hill 3 mile section.

also, the pain stays right there in the bottom and side area of the right foot. doesn't move up to that ankle as described by symptoms of peroneal tendonitis. im not sure though. =\

[exiveres]

after looking at a few more charts/diagrams i notice that the pain is around the cuboid area and lateral fascia band(outside). the pain does not affect the ankle area. so i dont think it is peroneus. just from what ive been reading.

i feel the pain when i push off. also, the pain goes away with rest. i hope this helps.

[Heidi]

It is possible that the peroneus brevis muscle has been inflamed at the point where it runs through the peroneal grove on the cuboid. which wouldn't necessary always radiate pain up to the ankle.

The reason I say this is that 1) cuboid syndrome occurs usually alongside peroneal tendinopathy and 2) with cuboid syndrome the pain is usually on impact as opposed to the pain at push-off that you are experiencing.

Have a look at this page to, just for an idea of where the tendon runs:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/foot/peroneusbrevis.htm

I would visit a physio/physical therapist etc to get a full assessment as both conditions are often due to overpronation of the feet and other muscle imbalances.

Good luck!