Why has the outer side of the sole been painful when stepping on the ground for more than ten days?

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of pain on the outer side of the foot lasting for more than ten days when stepping down include inappropriate footwear, overuse from excessive walking, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and peroneal tendinitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Inappropriate Footwear

Wearing shoes with overly hard or thin soles, or incorrect sizing, over a long period can lead to uneven pressure on the outer side of the foot, causing persistent pain due to continuous compression. Switching to wider, softer shoes with proper arch support, avoiding high heels or flat, hard-soled shoes, and wearing soft slippers at home can help reduce pressure on the outer side of the foot.

2. Overuse from Excessive Walking

Frequent prolonged walking, hiking, or standing recently may cause excessive strain on the muscles and fascia on the outer side of the foot, leading to chronic overuse injury and persistent pain. Reducing walking distance, avoiding strenuous activities, soaking feet in warm water for 15–20 minutes daily, and gently massaging the outer side of the foot afterward can help relieve strain.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

Repeated stretching of the plantar fascia leads to an aseptic inflammation. When inflammation is concentrated on the outer side of the foot, weight-bearing upon stepping down stimulates the inflamed area, resulting in pain. Under medical guidance, medications such as celecoxib capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be taken. Rehabilitation exercises using a plantar fascia stretching strap are also helpful. Avoid prolonged standing.

4. Heel Spur (Calcaneal Spur)

Bony growths (spurs) form along the edge of the calcaneus. When stepping down, these spurs compress soft tissues on the outer side of the foot, stimulating surrounding nerves and causing pain. Under medical supervision, medications such as glucosamine hydrochloride capsules, naproxen sodium tablets, or etoricoxib tablets may be used. Using shoe inserts with heel spur padding can alleviate pressure. In severe cases, surgical removal of the heel spur may be required; after surgery, avoid early weight-bearing.

5. Peroneal Tendinitis

Inflammation and injury of the peroneal tendons on the lateral aspect of the ankle can cause pain that radiates to the outer side of the foot when bearing weight. Under medical guidance, medications such as loxoprofen sodium tablets, chondroitin sulfate sodium tablets, or mecobalamin tablets may be prescribed. Applying elastic bandages to moderately compress and wrap the ankle can help prevent excessive ankle inversion and reduce tendon irritation.

In daily life, choose appropriate footwear to ensure even distribution of foot pressure; control daily walking distance to avoid overuse; apply warm compresses to the sole before bedtime to promote local blood circulation; regularly check foot condition to detect bone or tendon issues early; if pain worsens, reduce weight-bearing on the foot and seek medical attention promptly to adjust the treatment plan.