Pain in the Top of Your Foot? Find Out What’s Causing It

Pain in the top of your foot may slowly build over time, or it may appear all of a sudden. While not as common as other types of foot pain, pain in the top of the foot is worth paying attention to, especially if it’s making walking or standing difficult!

5 Possible Causes of Top of the Foot Pain

There are several reasons why the top of your foot may become painful. While one or more of the factors below could be causing your pain, it’s important that you see a doctor for a professional diagnosis of the source of your foot pain.

• Tight shoes – A tight pair of shoes can put extra pressure on the bones and tissue in the top of the foot, causing soreness or tenderness in the area.
• Stress fractures – The delicate bones in the top of the foot can be affected by tiny hairline fractures or complete breaks due to repetitive movements, structural issues in the foot, weak muscles, reduced bone density, or, more commonly, injury or trauma to the top of the foot from a dropped object.
• Diseases that affect the feet – Conditions like as gout and arthritis can cause pain and inflammation in the joints between the bones at the top of the foot; diabetes-related nerve damage and tendonitis can also lead to top-of-foot pain.
• Hormonal imbalances – changes in the body’s naturally occurring hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can also cause aching or pain in the top of the foot.
• Age – Weakening of bones and muscles due to the natural aging process and years of wear and tear on your feet can lead to pain on the top of the foot as you grow older.

When You Should See A Doctor for Top of the Foot Pain

There are several additional signs you should be on the lookout for if you’re experiencing pain in the top of your foot. These symptoms are indicators of a more serious problem that requires medical attention:

• Inability to walk or put weight on your foot.
• Severe pain or swelling – especially swelling or pain that doesn’t improve at all after two to five days.
• An open wound or a wound that isn’t healing or is deep, red, swollen or warm to the touch – especially if you have diabetes.
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Burning pain, numbness or tingling, involving most or all of your foot.

Dealing With Foot Pain At Home

To prevent further pain and swelling, avoid wearing tight shoes or participating in activities that aggravate your foot pain. A cool compress or ice pack on the affected area for a few minutes can help ease pain. Over-the-counter pain medications may also help with pain and swelling until you can see a doctor.

Let us help you get relief from pain in the top of your foot. Schedule an appointment for a thorough examination and diagnosis of the cause of your foot pain. The sooner you find the cause of the problem, the sooner you can get back to normal!

Original Source: http://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/pain-in-the-top-of-your-foot-find-out-whats-causing-it/