Pain on the top of the foot can result from various injuries and health conditions. The cause will determine the treatment options, which may include pain medications, physical therapy, or surgery. All of the components of the foot are subject to injuries and pain. It is important to contact a doctor if you are experiencing severe or persistent foot pain.

Read on to learn more about the possible causes and treatment of pain on the top of the foot.

Pain on the top of the foot can result from various factors, including injuries and certain health conditions.

Sprains and strains are common injuries that may cause pain on the top of the foot. They may develop due to overexertion or physical activities that result in overstretching or twisting a muscle.

Another possible cause of foot pain is extensor tendinitis. Tendinitis occurs when a tendon becomes severely swollen. The foot’s extensor tendons run along the top of the foot from the ankle to the toes. They can become inflamed and cause pain when stressed.

Learn more about extensor tendinitis.

Fractures in the foot bones may also cause pain on the top and sides of the foot. Fractures of the fifth metatarsal, the bone that connects the smallest toe to the middle of the foot, are very common injuries. This type of fracture can result from an acute injury or a series of smaller injuries over a longer period.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints. The big toe joint is a common site of gout pain. People with gout may experience flareups, during which swelling and pain become intense for a few weeks before subsiding.

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the joints or tendons of the foot. Although researchers are not sure exactly what causes these cysts, repetitive microinjuries to the foot may play a role. Ganglion cysts can cause tenderness, weakness, and pain.

Learn more about ganglion cysts.

Osteoarthritis is another condition that can cause pain on the top of the foot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the most common type of arthritis. This condition causes joint cartilage to degenerate, resulting in pain and stiffness.

People with diabetes often experience diabetic neuropathy, which causes long-term nerve damage in the foot. The symptoms can include pain, tingling, and a loss of feeling.

The treatment for pain on the top of the foot will vary depending on the underlying cause. Some injuries, such as minor sprains or strains, may only require you to avoid the activity that caused the pain and follow the RICE method:

Fractures may require the use of a walking boot or cast. In severe cases, surgery and physical therapy may be necessary.

Although ganglion cysts may resolve without medical intervention, doctors may also decide to drain them or remove them surgically.

For many causes of foot pain, including gout and osteoarthritis, doctors may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. People who experience pain on the top of the foot as a result of diabetic neuropathy will need to manage their diabetes to relieve their symptoms. 

The outlook for people with pain on the top of the foot can depend on the underlying cause and the treatment method. Foot pain can often resolve within a few weeks, but recovery may take longer for more severe injuries.

If you are experiencing pain on the top of your foot, contact a doctor if:

In some cases, pain on the top of the foot can be a symptom of a severe injury or underlying condition. Seek immediate medical care or call 911 if:

Below are the answers to other questions that people often ask about pain on the top of the foot. Adam Hotchkiss, DPM, has reviewed the answers.

You may be able to relieve pain on the top of your foot by keeping weight off it, icing it, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers. If these measures do not relieve the pain or the pain recurs, contact a doctor.

If the pain on the top of your foot is severe or lasts longer than a few weeks, contact a doctor. It may be a sign of a serious injury or health condition.

Pain on the top of the foot can result from various factors, including injuries, cysts, and health conditions such as gout or diabetes. Foot pain resulting from minor injuries may resolve in a few weeks, but more severe injuries or health conditions may cause long-term pain.

Depending on the cause, doctors may treat foot pain with pain medications, physical therapy, or surgery.

Contact your doctor if you are experiencing severe or persistent foot pain.

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