What Causes Pain on the Top of the Foot?

Are you currently experiencing pain on the top of your foot? While most people tend to experience pain in their heels, the ball of a foot, and/or the inner side of their ankle, some experience pain on the top of their feet. Learning about some of the causes of top foot pain, as well as what treatment options are available, is your next step when living with pain on the top of one or both of your feet. 

According to Hopkins Medicine, foot pain can be debilitating to an active lifestyle. 

What Causes Pain on the Top of the Foot? 

There are many different issues that may cause you to experience pain on the top of your foot. Feet include an intricate structure of bones, tendons, and muscles. Whether it's outside or inside forces that cause the foot pain you're currently experiencing, your goal is to figure out what's causing your pain so you can properly address it. 

While top foot pain is often the result of simple overuse, it can also stem from dropping something directly on the foot or even by being diagnosed with certain diseases. Some people experience top foot pain and have no idea how it happened. 

See the below top reasons for why someone would experience any level of top foot pain. 

Overuse aka Extensor Tendonitis. Overuse is the #1 reason for experiencing pain on the top of one’s foot. Running, jumping, and kicking are 3 of the more common overuse activities that directly affect the extensor tendons, which are located on the top of the foot. Once these tendons become torn or inflamed they can easily lead to one experiencing a great deal of top foot pain. 

Bone Spurs. A bone spur diagnosis is a common reason for experiencing pain on the top of one's foot. Bone spurs tend to form where bones rub together. If the spurs happen to form near the toe area they can cause severe top foot pain. Top foot pain caused by bone spurs ranges from mild to severe and requires professional treatment to correct and manage the pain. 

Stress Fractures. Stress fractures that occur in the metatarsal bones often lead to top food pain as these bones are located on the top of the foot. Most people experience stress fractures when they overdo it when participating in repetitive activities. A navicular stress fracture is one of the more common types of stress fractures that can cause the top of the foot to be quite painful. Swelling is a secondary symptom. 

Nerve Pressure. Morton’s Syndrome is an example of a foot condition that can put so much pressure on a nerve that it causes pain on the top of one's foot. Dorsal Compression Syndrome is another type of condition that causes nerve pressure between the bones, leading to one experiencing pain on the top of one or both of their feet. 

Chronic Diseases. Being diagnosed with certain health issues, like diabetes and arthritis, can cause one to experience pain on the top of their feet. Specifically, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Raynaud’s disease, and Graves’ disease are all directly related to top foot pain. 

Ill-Fitting Footwear. Wearing poorly fitting shoes that don't properly support your feet can potentially lead to your experiencing long-term foot pain. Wearing tight-fitting shoes can also lead to a diagnosis of extensor tendonitis and thus should always be avoided. 

How Can a Podiatrist Help with Pain on the Top of the Foot? 

When it comes to how a podiatrist will treat the top of the foot pain, it depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain. Those who aren't sure why they're experiencing top foot pain can expect a podiatrist to ask them some questions in order to help determine the initial reason for their top foot pain. 

The list below includes the treatment options podiatrists use to treat pain located at the top of one’s foot. 

Treatment Options: 

• Foot mobilization therapy 
• Ice. heat therapy 
• Massage therapy 
• Resting, limiting activities 
• Laser treatment 
• Ultrasound treatment 
• Shockwave treatment 
• Dry needling 
• Strapping and paddling 
• Stretching and/or strengthening exercises 
• Footwear advice aka custom orthotics 
• Temporary walking boot 
• Prescribing pain relief medication 
• Surgery as a last resort 

Need a Foot Specialist?  

It’s important for you to know the reason for your experiencing top foot pain, as this information allows you to put preventive measures in place. If you don't know the cause of your foot pain and/or have already tried to address the pain without success, contacting a podiatrist for professional assistance is necessary. Never underestimate the importance of your feet as they carry you wherever you need to go!