Pain on the top of the foot may not be as common as other foot problems, but it can be irritating and debilitating, nonetheless. You can quite easily fracture a toe bone on the top of your foot by dropping something heavy on it, and a variety of diseases are known to contribute to top of the foot pain as well, so be sure to see your foot doctor.

4 causes of pain and discomfort on the top of the foot may include the following:

1. Stress fracture or break—Some of the bones of the foot (such as the metatarsal bones) are subject to serious injury from impacts. Stress fractures can develop from repetitive work, sports, and exercise, and can also be caused by a decrease in bone density from osteoarthritis.
2. Poorly fitting shoes—Tight-fitting footwear causes substantial pressure that can contribute to pain, swelling, and tenderness on the top of the foot.
3. System-wide diseases—Systemic diseases like diabetes and arthritis can cause fluid retention and tenderness around toe joints. Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes can also create numbness, pain, and tingling on the top of the foot.
4. Hormonal imbalances—Pregnancy causes hormone fluctuations and women often notice a rise in pain on the top of the foot during pregnancy and while going through menopause.

 

If you have pain on the top of your foot, see your podiatrist to determine the precise cause and to receive the proper treatment. You can count on the foot doctors at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC to provide fast relief for your aching feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe (734-241-0200) and Lambertville (734-856-8900) (Bedford and Monroe counties). We also offer convenient house calls Monday through Thursday, so give us a call!