Pain on the Top of the Foot
Pain on the top of the foot can happen for many different reasons. It may come on gradually or develop after an injury, and it can make everyday activities difficult.
The pain may be caused by irritated tendons, arthritis, stress injuries or changes in the way your foot moves. At Abbeyhill Footcare, we'll assess your symptoms, identify the cause and recommend the most suitable treatment for you.
What causes pain on the top of the foot?
There are several possible causes, including:
- Extensor tendonitis
- Midfoot arthritis
- Stress fractures
- Overuse from walking, running or sport
- Poorly fitting footwear
- Changes in foot biomechanics
- Previous foot injuries
A thorough assessment helps us understand the cause of your pain and choose the right treatment.
Common symptoms
You may experience:
- Pain on the top of your foot
- Swelling or tenderness
- Pain when walking or running
- Discomfort when wearing shoes
- Pain that gets worse with activity
- Bruising after an injury
- Difficulty putting weight on your foot
How Abbeyhill Footcare Can Help
At Abbeyhill Footcare, we'll carry out a full assessment to find the cause of your foot pain and recommend the best treatment for you.
Your treatment may include:
- Personalised rehabilitation exercises
- Footwear advice
- Orthotics, where appropriate
- Advice on reducing pressure while your foot heals
- Steroid injections for suitable conditions, where appropriate
- Diagnostic ultrasound referral if further investigation is needed
Our goal is to reduce your pain, improve your movement and help you get back to your daily activities with confidence.
When should you see a podiatrist?
We recommend booking an appointment if:
- Your pain has lasted more than a couple of weeks
- Walking or standing is becoming difficult
- Your foot is swollen or tender
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- Home treatments aren't helping
Early treatment can help prevent your symptoms from becoming long-term.
FAQs
What causes pain on the top of the foot?
Pain on the top of the foot can be caused by tendon injuries, arthritis, stress fractures, overuse or poorly fitting footwear. A podiatry assessment can help identify the cause.
Is pain on the top of the foot serious?
Not always, but if the pain is severe, follows an injury, or isn't improving after a couple of weeks, it's important to have it assessed.
Can shoes cause pain on the top of the foot?
Yes. Shoes that are too tight or don't provide enough support can put pressure on the top of the foot and contribute to pain.
Will I need a scan?
Most foot problems can be diagnosed during your appointment. If we need more information, we may recommend a diagnostic ultrasound referral or other imaging.
Can orthotics help?
Yes. If the way your foot moves is contributing to your pain, orthotics can improve support and reduce pressure on the affected area.
When should I book an appointment?
If your foot pain is affecting your walking, daily activities or isn't improving with rest, it's a good idea to see one of our podiatrists for an assessment.