am experiencing pain on outside of foot after running/walking...most severe when I rise in am...or after sitting for awhile the first few steps are painful. Location is the bone protrusion on outside of right foot halfway between toes and heel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Don

Foot pain is quite common and can be the result of several underlying problems. Treatment of foot pain, regardless of the cause, often begins with more accommodating footwear. Shoe inserts are often helpful as well. Here are a few products that don't cost too much, but often help relieve different types of foot pain.
1) Gel Heel Cups
Gel heel cups are great at alleviating symptoms of plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Different patients prefer different products in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, but overall, I find most patients like the heel cups the best. The gel heel cups provide padding directly over the area of most pain. By slightly elevating the hindfoot they also help reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. Be sure to wear them in all of your shoes (work and exercise).

) Spenco Arch Supports
Arch supports can be helpful in the treatment of a variety of foot problems, including overpronation and flatfoot. In some cases a custom orthotic may be needed, but for most patients, a "off the shelf" arch support is appropriate. Arch supports probably don't alter foot mechanics (as some sellers may claim), but they can alleviate symptoms in some patients. Spenco has a good product line and are reasonably priced--custom orthotics can cost hundreds of dollars and may not be much better

3) Heel Wedges
Heel wedges are inserts that are set in the back of your shoe. The wedge slightly elevates your heel and can take pressure off the hindfoot. I like to use heel wedges for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis. Some patients also find these useful for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, but I think the heel cups (above) are better for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Start with a small wedge and build up if necessary.

4) Metatarsal Pads
Metatarsal pads help to decrease pressure under the ball of the foot. When a patients has foot pain under the ball of the foot, also called metatarsalgia, the metatarsal pads can be helpful at relieving these symptoms.

Dear Don
It actually sounds like plantar fascia symptoms, however, the pain usually does not present itself at the bony protrusion on the outer side of your foot. I would recommend that you see your Podiatrist and have a foot x-ray taken to rule-out a fracture. Or it may just be a tendonitis...A physical exam and accommanied x-rays will be the determining factor in your diagnosis.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert