We’re all bound to feel foot pain from time to time due to everyday activities. Whether it’s from walking all day at work or tripping over a curb, it’s normal to feel a twinge in your foot sometimes. In fact, up to 87% of people experience painful feet in their lifetime. But what does it mean if you’re feeling pain at the top of your foot?
While many people often experience pain in their heel or arch, pain at the top of the foot is also quite common, especially for athletes. Pain in the top of your foot can make it difficult to carry out your everyday activities, from walking through the grocery store to climbing the stairs in your home.
Read on to learn about possible causes of pain at the top of the foot as well as treatment options that can help alleviate it.
Symptoms linked to pain at the top of your foot
The top of the foot is referred to as the dorsum region, which is the area that faces up when you stand. Nearly every external body part has a dorsum, as dorsal means the back or upper side.
When you’re experiencing dorsal foot pain, it’s important to be on the lookout for other symptoms that are concurrent with the pain. If your symptoms go beyond a mild, temporary ache in the dorsum region, there may be an issue that needs medical assistance.
Symptoms of foot problems that can be coupled with dorsal pain include:
- Swelling.
- Stiffness.
- Bruising.
- Red skin.
7 potential causes of pain at the top of your foot
There are a variety of reasons why you could be feeling pain in the dorsum region of your foot. While some potential causes of the pain are from everyday wear and tear, others are injuries that need further medical assistance.
Seven possible causes of pain at the top of your foot:
- Stress fracture — When there is a small crack in the bones in the dorsum region of the foot, called the metatarsal bones, it’s known as a stress fracture. It’s often caused by overuse, especially by athletes like long-distance runners. The pain may be coupled with swelling.
- Sinus tarsi syndrome — After an ankle sprain, there could be inflammation in the sinus tarsi, which is the tunnel between the heel and the ankle bone. It can cause pain at the top of the foot as well as ankle stiffness and instability.
- Extensor tendinitis — This is a common type of gradual onset foot inflammation that can stem from factors like overuse, tight-fitting shoes and flat feet. It can cause pain in the tendons on the top of the foot that lift your toes.
- Athlete’s foot — This is a fungal infection that causes flaking, itchy skin as well as swelling and pain in the dorsum region of the foot due to blisters. It can come from poor hygiene, excessive moisture and humidity.
- Gout — This is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by high uric acid levels due to a purine-rich diet. It causes sudden, intense pain in the big toe as well as pain at the top of the foot at night. It can also result in swelling and skin that’s hot to the touch.
- Nerve issues — Nerve compression or pinching in the foot, leg or lower back can cause pain at the top of the foot, as well as numbness or weakness. Nerves can be damaged due to injuries, swelling or spinal deformities.
- Bone spurs — Bony growths, called bone spurs, can form on your dorsal and cause pain in the dorsum region of your foot. It normally manifests as a protrusion that can make it uncomfortable to walk.
Treatment options for pain at the top of your foot
Pain at the top of the foot can be alleviated with a few treatment options. Some are self-care treatment options that you can do at home, while others require assistance from a professional.
There are a few easy and effective ways to treat the pain on your own. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can temporarily reduce pain from inflammation like gout, extensor tendinitis, and sinus tarsi syndrome. If your foot pain is caused by an injury, like a stress fracture, immediately apply ice to reduce blood flow and numb the area.
Physical therapy is another fantastic treatment option as it can treat many causes of pain in the dorsum region of your foot, especially inflammation. It can assist you with pain management through hands-on techniques like soft tissue mobilization, which will help loosen up tight tissue around the muscles along the dorsum region of your foot. Your physical therapist can also walk you through exercises to increase your foot’s flexibility, strength and mobility.
Border Therapy Services can help alleviate pain at the top of your foot
Any sort of foot pain can hurt your ability to handle your day-to-day activities, as even walking can be difficult. When you’re ready to alleviate the pain in the dorsum region of your foot and increase its mobility, we’re here to help.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.