I have a question about my right foot. It has been hurting for months. Around the outer edge of my heel and extends to the side of my ankle. It also hurts on the undercurve between heel and arch. What do I need to do?

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

Unless you know what is causing this pain (and it sounds pretty extensive) you can't treat it. You may have a fracture, or you may have something wrong with your ankle or you may have something called plantar fasciitis - Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue attached to the heel bone that supports the arch of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by activity that puts extra stress on the foot, such as:

Physical exertion, especially in sports that require running and jumping such as:
Running
Volleyball
Tennis
Sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition or injury. The main risk factor for plantar fasciitis is physical activity that stresses the plantar fascia.

Other risk factors include:

Abrupt changes in activity or physical forces endured by the feet
Obesity or weight gain
Weight gain
Pre-existing foot problems, including an abnormally tight Achilles tendon (heel cord), flat feet, overpronation, or unusually high arches
Poor footwear
Poor general conditioning

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may come on gradually or suddenly.

Symptoms include:

Burning pain on the sole of the foot
Heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning
Tenderness when touching the sole or heel
Pain when standing on tiptoe

Anon, you will need to see a doctor to get a diagosis and treatment. Some tests may be needed - feet are quite complicated - each foot contains 26 bones and 33 tendons.

Best,
Susan