Top of Foot Pain

Top of foot pain is a common complaint, not just with the highly active, but with people from all walks of life and all activity levels. Whilst heel pain and toe pain are commonly diagnoses at home, when it comes to top of foot pain, many people have no idea what could cause the problem.

Understanding the structure of the feet, how they deal with the forces from walking, and where things often go wrong can certainly put the mind at rest, but getting rid of the pain fast is the primary goal.

Top of foot pain is caused by a number of different conditions and problems, and being able to identify the causes of top of foot pain is the first step towards curing the problem. This website has been set up to offer advice on the common causes of top of foot pain, the treatment options, and how to prevent future problems with the feet.

The feet have to cope with the full weight of the body, deal with the forces from walking and running, and are made to walk on hard unforgiving surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. To make matters worse, the feet are rammed into ill-fitting shoes, have to cope with high heels and are generally mistreated and abused. With the feet often neglected, it’s no surprise that problems arise, given the daily abuse that they deal with.

Top of Foot Pain Causes

Listed below are some of the most common causes of top of foot pain, with a summary of the condition and the common symptoms, and links to further information on each condition:

Metatarsal Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small hairline cracks which form in the bone, often forming in response to a series of micro-traumas to the metatarsal bones. Stress fractures can also be caused by a single trauma to the foot. Metatarsal stress fractures are characterized by top of foot pain along the metatarsal bones, in particular the third and fourth metatarsals. The pain is worse with weight bearing activity and exercise, and can continue after exercise has been stopped, usually slowly abating with rest. Keep Reading…

Foot Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, and whilst this can happen to any tendon, it is common in the feet. It is a classic overuse injury, where the tendon becomes over stretched and micro-tears form, resulting in sometimes severe top of foot pain, inflammation and swelling. It commonly affects the posterior tibial tendon, in which case it is referred to as Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction or PTTD. It is a cause of top of foot pain, as this tendon joints the top of the foot, and helps to hold up the arch. It can cause visible inflammation, and usually presents as a tingling or stabbing pain in the top of the foot. Keep Reading…

Midtarsal Fault

A midtarsal fault causes top of foot pain in the instep, and is the result of damage to the bones through overuse. The bones in the midfoot can knock together causing damage to the joints, which results in the formation of bone spurs. The condition is often associated with flat feet or fallen arches, as then the foot arch flattens, the stress on the bones and joints in the top of the foot is increased. The problem is worse during activity, especially when walking barefoot. The problem can also lead to nerve entrapment (see below). Keep Reading…

Nerve Entrapment

Nerve entrapment, or a trapped nerve, is where a nerve in the foot becomes pinched or trapped in a joint, but also where there is excess pressure on the nerve, which can be from something as simple as wearing tight fitting shoes. The nature of the pain varies significantly depending on the patient, and location of the problem. It can cause numbness, aching, tingling, top of foot pain, and the pain can radiate up the leg. Keep Reading…

Superficial Phlebitis

Superficial phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein, in particular the superficial veins, or those which lie close to the surface of the skin. Phlebitis means vein inflammation, although when the vein is caused by a blood clot, it is termed superficial thrombophlebitis. It can be painful, with the inflammation often accompanied by swelling and visible inflammation of the affected vein. Since superficial phlebitis is believed to have the same causes as deep vein thrombosis, it is important to visit a doctor for a diagnosis. Whilst superficial phlebitis is rarely serious, deep vein thrombosis is a life threatening problem and requires immediate medical attention. Keep Reading…

Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is one of the easiest top of foot pain producing conditions to identify, and perhaps one of the most visually alarming. A ganglion cyst is a small to medium lump which forms close to a joint, usually on the wrist or the ankle. It is usually painless, and will not in itself cause top of foot pain, although the cyst may press against a nerve or the surrounding tissues, which is the source of pain. It is believed to be formed by fluid escaping from the joint, usually due to a trauma. Keep Reading…

Instant Relief from Top of Foot Pain

A visit to a podiatrist or doctor is of course the best bet when it comes to treatment of foot pain, and is important to determine not just the cause of top of foot pain, but the actions and activities which led to the problem developing. In many cases this could be as simple as an awkward step taken which strains a muscle or pulls a tendon.

Being able to identify a condition which just needs a couple of days rest from one which really warrants an trip to the doctor and more involved treatment will help to cut down on unnecessary expense, and will enable you to start the correct treatment quickly. Injuries causing top of foot pain which have been sustained during exercise are often best treated with the standard RICE therapy method.

RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation, and whilst simple, is a highly effective treatment strategy. Rest is understandable, as it gives the body time to heal itself. Ice will reduce inflammation and swelling, whilst acting as a painkiller. Compression and elevation helps with the blood circulation and reduces swelling from fluid build up, and is a good first line treatment for muscular injuries.