If you're experiencing pain on the top of your foot, you're not alone. Approximately 75% of Americans experience foot problems at some point in their lives. Foot pain can start as a mild ache but become more intense with movement, affecting your ability to participate in sports and other daily activities. In this article, we will discuss what causes pain on the top of the foot, how to get rid of pain on the top of the foot, and ways to prevent this pain from coming back.
Causes of Pain on the Top of the Foot
The top of your foot may seem like a small area, but it houses a large network of bones, tendons, and nerves that can easily become irritated or injured with overuse or sudden impact. Finding the root cause of your foot pain is necessary to determine an effective course of treatment. Below are some of the most common causes of pain on the top of the foot:
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are thin cracks in bones that occur due to repetitive force. They are often seen in athletes or individuals who make a sudden increase to their level of physical activity. When a stress fracture occurs on top of the foot, it usually affects the metatarsal bones. Symptoms may include sharp pain that worsens with physical activity, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Stress fractures can worsen over time, which is why prompt treatment is necessary.
Midfoot Sprains
A midfoot sprain occurs when the ligaments in the midfoot are stretched or torn. This injury is often caused by a fall, a misstep, or a sudden twist. Symptoms may include localized pain, bruising, swelling, and difficulty moving the foot or bearing weight on it. Midfoot sprains can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. Treatment is determined by the severity of the sprain, with mild sprains responding well to home remedies and more severe sprains requiring physical therapy and even surgery.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, causing pain, tingling, burning, and numbness in various parts of the body. This condition can result from diabetes, infections, alcohol abuse, and injuries. The pain may worsen at night, making it difficult to sleep. Prompt diagnosis can reveal the cause of the condition and determine the best treatment option. Treatment of peripheral neuropathy aims to manage the condition underlying your symptoms.
Extensor Tendonitis
Extensor tendonitis refers to the irritation of the tendons that run along the top of the foot. These tendons help to lift the foot and toes. Inflammation in the extensor tendons can make even basic movements painful. Extensor tendonitis symptoms include pain and limited mobility. This condition can develop over time as a result of tight shoes or repetitive strain. Treatment options include the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method, anti-inflammatory medications, and footwear modifications. Severe damage may need to be repaired surgically.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that can affect the small joints in the feet. It occurs over time as the cartilage that cushions the bones in the feet wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other. The increased friction between bones can result in pain, swelling, and stiffness, limiting mobility. The older you are, the more susceptible you are to developing this condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis; however, the condition can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical intervention.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of urate crystals in a joint. Although it usually affects the big toe, it can also occur in the midfoot. This condition is characterized by severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. A gout attack can be triggered by food, not drinking enough water, or other medical conditions. Gout can be recurrent, and treatment may include dietary modifications and medication to lower the level of uric acid in your blood. Drinking plenty of water and limiting foods that are high in purines can help prevent gout flare-ups.
How to Get Rid of Pain on the Top of the Foot?
How you treat your pain will depend on the condition underlying it. In many cases, conservative treatment can be effective at managing symptoms. One of the most common treatments used to address foot pain is the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method, a simple yet effective way to treat minor injuries. Additionally, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain and swelling. Stretches and strengthening exercises may also relieve tension and promote healing. If the pain does not respond to conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery as a last resort.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment options typically consist of physical therapy, custom orthotics, and supportive footwear to relieve pressure on the affected area. Other options include taping and splints to restrict motion and aid healing. For those suffering from tendonitis or mild arthritis, corticosteroid injections may be an appropriate option to reduce inflammation. Biomechanical issues contributing to foot pain, such as abnormal gait, can also be identified and corrected with a customized treatment plan.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical intervention may be necessary when conservative treatment fails. Surgical treatment options for pain in the top of the foot may include ligament repair, internal fixation for stress fractures, nerve decompression, shaving of bone exostosis, arthrodesis for advanced osteoarthritis, and reconstruction for midfoot arthritis. Certain surgical procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and scarring.
Preventing Pain in the Top of the Foot
Prevention is better than a cure. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing foot pain:
- Choose shoes that fit correctly and are supportive
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Avoid engaging in high-impact activities without proper conditioning
- Stretch and strengthen the muscles that support your feet
- When starting a new physical activity, gradually build up intensity, frequency, and duration to avoid injuries
- Schedule routine medical check-ups to catch problems early on
- Make sure to warm up properly before engaging in sports
When to Seek Medical Attention
Foot pain should not be ignored, especially if it fails to improve with rest, worsens over time, or interferes with your daily activities. Early diagnosis can make foot pain treatment easier and prevent complications. If you’re experiencing foot pain, a quick visit to a foot and ankle specialist can ease your mind and get you on the path to recovery.
Contact Dr. Gary Driver for Treatment
Persistent foot pain can result from a number of conditions and injuries and have a major impact on your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. However, with the correct diagnosis and care, recovery is well within reach. Fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Gary Driver offers surgical and non-surgical treatment for foot pain in Fort Worth and Weatherford. He uses advanced technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver quality care to his patients. Schedule an appointment today to find out what is causing the top of your foot to hurt so that you can take the appropriate steps toward recovery.
