Pain and stiffness on top of foot

Even though the feet are designed to bear our weight and handle a lot of stress every day, they are still susceptible to pain and injury.

Symptoms Associated with Top of Foot Pain

You may experience:

• Redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness at the site of the pain
• Difficulty standing and walking
• Pain that decreases when resting and increases when standing or walking

Common Causes of Top of Foot Pain

#1 Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack or a severe bruising in one of the bones of your foot.

Many stress fractures occur in the metatarsal bones, which are the 5 tubular bones that run down the middle of your foot.

The second and third metatarsals are the most prone to stress fractures. This is because they are the thinnest and longest of the 5 bones, and they bear the greatest impact when you walk or run.

There are also other areas of the foot which can be impacted by stress fractures.

These include the heel, the fibula (the outer bone of the lower leg and ankle), the talus (the small bone in the ankle joint) and the navicular (the bone on top of the middle of the foot).

Stress fractures are very common in runners and other types of athletes who expose their feet to intense exercise, and therefore prolonged pressure.

People who are obese or who have jobs that require repetitious physical labor are also at risk for stress fractures.

When you have a stress fracture in your foot, there is usually swelling and the area is painful to the touch.

A few weeks of rest (avoiding pressure on the foot) and proper shoe gear will resolve stress fractures most of the time.

#2 Arthritis

Pain on top of the foot during normal everyday activities may indicate arthritis.

Typically, the pain from arthritis occurs in the middle of the foot, and is known as Midfoot Arthritis.

Midfoot Arthrtis has two predominant causes.

The first is a sprain or serious injury to the middle of the foot, and the second is the degeneration of cartilage due to extreme amounts of wear and tear.

Arthritis in the foot most often affects older people who have been walking and running for many years.

Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, proper shoes, and orthotic shoe inserts to support the foot.

Surgery is sometimes required because arthritis involves changes to bone structure that can only be corrected with an operation.

#3 Tarsal Coalition

Tarsal coalition affects children and young adults, and is the result of an abnormal fusion (coalition) of two or more of the middle bones of the foot (the tarsals).

It is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth and occurs during fetal development.

One in about every 100 people develops the condition.

Tarsal Coalition usually begins between the ages of 10 and 14 with pain, fatigue, muscle cramps and spasms, and decreased range of motion in the feet.

These symptoms emerge suddenly and do not stop.

If untreated, tarsal fusion can cause significant arthritis which may limit the child’s activity.

A podiatrist may recommend anti-inflammatory treatments, orthoses, or surgery to restore normal function.

#4 Extensor Tendinitis

Extensor tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons near the middle top of the foot.

The calf muscle may be tight, placing stress on the tendons at the top of the foot that pull the foot upward.

Another very common cause of the condition is the foot rubbing against a shoe.

This has the biggest impact on people who spend long periods of time on their feet, who often walk or run on uneven surfaces and who tie their shoes too tightly.

Wearing shoes with a 1-inch heel may help relieve the strain.

Stretching the calf muscle is another useful treatment, as are oral anti-inflammatory medications.

When these measures don’t work, custom orthotics can take the stress off the tendons by correcting the alignment of the foot.

#5 Flat Feet

Flat feet can cause pinching in the small ligaments of the foot, leading to pain on top of the foot.

If you suffer from flat feet, make sure you wear shoes with extra cushioning and soft platforms.

Getting support for your arches is key. Stay away from high heels, and consult with your podiatrist about having a pair of custom orthotics made.

#6 Gout

Pain on top of your foot around the area of the big toe may be a sign of gout.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis, and is caused by high amounts of uric acid in the blood.

As the acid crystallizes, deposits form in the joints and tendons, causing severe pain in the big toe as well as swollen joints.

Prescription medication to block uric acid production is the most common treatment for gout.

Resting your foot and using ice to reduce swelling is also recommended.

#7 Diabetes

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause acute pain in your feet.

If you suffer from diabetes, it’s imperative that you check your feet daily for any signs of irritation or infection.

Always wear good-fitting shoes, and make sure that they aren’t too tight. Soaking your feet in warm (not hot) water can also help.

#8 Tight Shoes

Wearing ill-fitting, tight shoes is a leading cause of pain on top of the foot.

Always make sure that your shoes are wide enough for your toes to move freely.

Avoid wearing high heels that can push your feet forward and crush your toes.

* Please note that only your podiatrist can correctly interpret the type and location of the pain to identify and treat its cause.

When to See a Doctor

Consider making an appointment as soon as you feel pain on the top of your foot.

Pain in this area is not normal, and may indicate a much more serious condition which should be treated as soon as possible.

Left untreated, the underlying cause of the pain might require more extensive treatment and treatment may be less likely to alleviate the problem.

What Questions Should I Ask the Podiatrist?

1. What are the chances the pain will continue?
2. If the pain doesn’t stop, how long should I wait before coming back?
3. What will happen if I delay or refuse treatment?
4. Can I address the underlying cause of this problem?
5. Should I make any changes to my diet and lifestyle?

What To Do Now

If you are experiencing pain on the top of your feet and need to see a podiatrist, we can help. Our podiatrists specialize in treating all conditions that can cause pain on the top of your feet.

To schedule your appointment give us a call today at 301-937-5666 or just fill out the form on the top right of this page.

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