Severe pain on the top of my foot

Pain in the top of your foot will often get better in a few weeks. See your GP if it does not improve.

Easing pain in the top of your foot

If you see your GP, they'll usually suggest trying these things:

Do

  • rest and raise your foot when you can

  • put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole

  • use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes

  • try to lose weight if you're overweight

  • try regular gentle stretching exercises

  • take paracetamol

Don't

  • do not take ibuprofen for the first 48 hours after an injury

  • do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

Ask your pharmacist about:

  • the best painkiller to take
  • insoles and pads for your shoes
  • treatments for common skin and nail problems
  • if you need to see a GP

When to contact your GP

Contact your GP if:

  • the pain is severe or stopping you from doing normal activities
  • the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
  • the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
  • you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot
  • you have diabetes – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Check the level of your pain

Severe pain:

  • always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
  • you cannot sleep
  • it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress

Moderate pain:

  • always there
  • makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
  • you can manage to get up, wash or dress

Mild pain:

  • comes and goes
  • is annoying but does not stop you from doing things like going to work

When to go to the emergency department (ED)

Go to your nearest ED if you:

  • are in severe pain
  • feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
  • have a foot that has changed shape or is at an odd angle
  • heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
  • are not able to walk

These might be signs of a broken bone after an injury.

Causes of pain in the top of the foot

Common causes of pain in the top of your foot are exercising too much or wearing shoes that are too tight.

Your symptoms may help you find the cause of your foot pain.

Some of the possible causes of pain in the top of the foot:

Symptoms Possible cause
Symptoms Pain, swelling, bruising, started after intense or repetitive exercise Possible cause sprained metatarsal or stress fracture
Symptoms Pain, swelling and stiffness that lasts a long time, a grating or crackling sensation when you move the foot, a lump along a tendon Possible cause tendonitis or osteoarthritis
Symptoms Red, hot, swollen skin, sudden or severe pain when anything touches your foot, the pain usually starts near the bottom of the big toe Possible cause gout

Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is.

Follow the advice on this page and see your GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.


Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE

Severe pain on the top of my foot
This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.

It’s common to experience pain at the top of the top. This foot ache can be a cause of discomfort while walking or simply just standing. The pain on the upper side of the foot can be slight or sometimes severe, which depends on the cause and the degree of injury.

What causes pain on top of the foot?

There can be several causes behind pain on the top of the foot. The most common reasons can be excessive use of foot when playing sports or simply jumping or running.
Overusing your feet can cause several issues that can lead to pain. These include:

Extensor tendonitis

You can be a victim of this condition if you wear too tight shoes or overuse your feet. The tendons on the top of the foot that is responsible for pulling the foot upwards become swollen due to which you may feel pain and discomfort.

Sinus tarsi syndrome

This condition is related to the channel located between the ankles’ bone and the heel. You can experience pain on top of the foot and the outer side of the ankle.

Stress fractures of bones in the feet

If you have a fracture in the bones at the top of the feet, you may have pain and inflammation.
Other causes of pain on the top of the foot can include:

Gout

This condition can give you rapid, severe pain in the joint at the end part of the big toe.

Bone spurs

These are formations that grow in the joints close to your toes. These can be really painful.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This condition can result in pain on top of the feet and a lack of sensation that can travel from the feet up to the legs.

Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction

This medical condition can result in stinging and pain on top of the foot. You may also experience fatigue in the lower leg or foot.

How is the pain on top of the foot treated?

Our feet are what bear the entire weight of our body. So even a small injury can become problematic if you leave it untreated. If you have a wound on the foot, get treatment as soon as possible.
The treatment for the pain on the top of your foot depends on the cause.

  • You may need physical therapy if there’s damage to the foot’s nerves or tendons.
  • A walking boot may be recommended for broken bones or fractures
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful in minimizing swelling

Another option is going with home treatments for your foot pain.
Take plenty of rest, and don’t put weight on the injured foot. Apply ice cubes or pack on the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes. During walking, wear shoes that fit well and are not very tight.
If 5 days have passed, but the home treatments aren’t making any difference, schedule an appointment with a physician. Call Rheumatology Care of North Houston at 832.532.9779.

Disclaimer - Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.

How do you relieve pain on the top of your foot?

Ice: Applying ice to the inflamed area can help reduce pain and swelling. Medication: A doctor might recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter NSAIDs can help treat mild pain, while prescription NSAIDs can help with more severe or chronic pain.

What does tendonitis on top of foot feel like?

The main symptom of extensor tendonitis in the foot is pain on the top of the foot. It is often right where your shoelaces are. You may feel this pain while you are running or walking. Sometimes, there is visible swelling or a bump on the extensor tendon that is injured or inflamed.