Pain at the top of your foot can significantly impact your life. Every step you take is painful, and the discomfort can limit your daily activities. Unfortunately, due to the complexities of feet, it’s hard to say why you’re experiencing pain at the top of your foot at first glance. You might even worry that you’ve injured or broken a bone in the top of your foot. 

Let’s take a closer look at the top of foot pain and find out what could be causing it. 

Symptoms of Top of Foot Pain

Common symptoms of top of foot pain are:

• Bruising on the top of your foot
• Pain in the center of your foot
• Swelling 
• Redness with warmth and tenderness in the foot
• Pain when standing or walking
• Reduced mobility 
• Numbness on top of the foot

Common Causes of Top of Foot Pain

Extensor Tendonitis 

Extensor tendonitis occurs when the tendons on the top of your feet become inflamed and irritated. This creates a pressure point on your foot that forms a small bump. You’ll experience swelling, bruising, and pain in your foot as well. 

This injury results from spending long periods on your foot, walking on uneven surfaces, or wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. If left untreated, the pain in the top of your foot will worsen, and your foot muscles will weaken over time. 

Stress Fracture

A stress fracture happens when there is a small break in one of your foot bones. This commonly occurs in your metatarsals or one of the five long bones in your feet. As the name suggests, these minor fractures develop due to excess stress or pressure on a bone. 

Unlike a regular break or fracture, stress fractures come on slowly. They may start as a dull ache and then turn into sharp pain as the stress fracture worsens. Stress fractures are seen in repetitive motions such as running or jumping. 

Other causes of top of foot pain may include:

• Gout
• Nerve issues
• Arthritis
• Cysts

How is Top of Foot Pain Diagnosed 

Top of foot pain can result from several different causes. To begin, your doctor will inquire about your medical history to see any contributing factors. Then, they will perform a medical exam and may have you undergo an X-ray or MRI.

If your top of foot pain is due to a stress fracture of extensor tendonitis, the best thing you can do for your feet is rest. Don’t attempt to train or push through the pain. Instead, intermittently ice your foot with a cold pack during the day to keep swelling down and reduce inflammation. 

Contact a Podiatrist – Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle

If you’ve been experiencing pain at the top of your foot that won’t subside with rest and care, it’s best to visit your local podiatrist. Our doctors at Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle can examine your foot and give you a proper diagnosis. Then, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help manage and eradicate your pain so you can get back to doing what you love once again.