by Last updated on January 25th, 2023 at 07:31 pm
The top of my foot hurts when I put pressure on it. What is the cause? Most of us take for granted the incredible complexity and multifaceted nature of our feet. From playing sports to simply taking a stroll, our feet serve a wide variety of purposes in everyday life. Unfortunately, many people are all too familiar with the pain and discomfort that can arise from a foot injury or condition. One such issue is top of the foot pain. Like you, I have had pain on top of the foot and when pressure was applied, I knew about it.
Pain on top of the foot can be caused by several things not limited to acute trauma, tendonitis, or even arthritis. In this blog post, we will explore what might be causing the pain on top of foot when pressure is put on it, how to diagnose it properly and what the most effective treatments are to get you moving again without pain! Keep reading to find out more!
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma to the top of the foot can cause intense pain due to pressure. Common forms of acute trauma involve cuts, punctures, fractures, sprains and dislocations. Often people use footwear which is not appropriate and it can lead to trauma as well. Think carefully on the activities you have done, such as footwear changes or anything unusual that you did recently and am sure you will pinpoint what caused the trauma and is causing the pain.
It is important to seek medical attention right away if you can not identify the source or cause of the pain. The pain may be indicative of something more serious, such as bone fractures or soft tissue damage. Your clinician will assess the severity of your condition and provide you with appropriate advice and treatment.
Extensor tendinitis
This is a condition that causes pain and tightness on the top of the foot. On palpation, it will be very painful. It occurs when the tendon (a thick band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone) becomes inflamed due to overstretching or repetitive use. The long extensor tendon which runs along the top of the foot is the main culprit here.
Symptoms of extensor tendinitis may include pain along the top of the foot, swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Other signs which may be present include difficulty bending or extending your toes and difficulty bearing weight or walking normally.
If you suspect you have this condition, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for extensor tendinitis usually involves rest, ice therapy and gentle stretching exercises. In some cases specially designed orthotics may be issued. Your clinician may recommend physiotherapy and medication such as NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as avoiding strenuous activity that puts stress on your feet will be suggested to help manage symptoms more effectively.
Osteoarthritis
Those who suffer from arthritis often experience aching, soreness and pain in the top of their feet that can make it difficult to walk. Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage around the joints deteriorates, resulting in bones rubbing together painfully. This condition is most commonly seen in the elderly but can occur at any age.
Getting pain on the top of the foot when pressure is placed on it, is one of the main symptoms of arthritis. The inflamed joints can be painful when the ligaments and tendons located in the area are palpated. The intensity of this pain may vary depending on how severe the condition is. Factors such as lifestyle, medical history and genetics also play a role in the severity of the symptoms.
Treatment options for arthritis-related top of the foot pain typically involve anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy to improve mobility and strength, lifestyle changes such as low-impact exercise, heat/cold therapy, footwear advice, orthotic therapy and steroid injections to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended if other methods failed to provide relief.
If you are experiencing pain in both feet at the same time, you could be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. If you are unsure of what is causing the pain, see your physician as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help to mitigate joint wear and tear and increase quality of your life.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain in the joints. It mainly affects the big toe joints but it can also affect the joints of the midfoot, causing pain on top of the foot. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in and around joints.
These crystals irritate the tissue causing sharp pain and swelling especially if pressure is applied. Those who suffer from gout are likely to feel a burning or throbbing sensations on top of the foot along with redness, warmth and tenderness. Some people may even find walking difficult or painful.
Gout treatment may include taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, colchicine or allopurinol for long-term management. They will also be advised to rest, use cold compresses, reduce risk factors like being overweight or eating certain foods high in purines and to drinking plenty of fluids to help flush excess uric acid. Again, t is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible to minimize symptoms and prevent further damage.
Stress fracture
A stress fracture can illicit pain on top of the foot when pressure is applied to it. It is a relatively common injury and can be quite painful and debilitating. It occurs when the bones of the foot sustain great force causing them to break or crack. Symptoms of a stress fracture foot problem include severe pain when weight bearing, tenderness and sometimes swelling at the location.
These symptoms vary depending on the injury. Treatment for a stress fracture typically involves rest, ice therapy, painkillers and physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the affected area. In some cases, a cast may be necessary to completely immobilize the foot. Others may require surgery to repair damaged bones. Depending on your particular situation, your clinician will decide which treatment option is most appropriate.
Sinus Tarsi syndrome
This is a condition that causes pain on the top of the foot, towards the outside near the ankle. It occurs when the fibrous tissue located in and around the subtalar joint (the joint that moves the foot in and out) becomes inflamed due to excessive movement or laxity. Symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome include pain in the outer side of the foot near the ankle, swelling, tenderness to touch and difficulty walking or standing.
Treatment for this condition usually involves rest, ice therapy and avoidance of activities that cause pain or discomfort to help reduce inflammation. Physiotherapy exercises may also be prescribed to help strengthen muscles and improve balance and proprioception. Your therapist or podiatrist may recommend bracing, taping and orthotics to aid in correcting any biomechanical abnormality.
Surgery may also be recommended if other treatments do not provide relief. This may take the form of a minimally invasive procedure or an open technique to remove scar tissue. With proper treatment, most people experience significant improvement in their symptoms.
Bone Spur
A bone spur can also cause pain on the top of the foot. It is a common condition caused by osteophytes around arthritic joints leading excess growth along the edges of bones. It can cause severe pain and discomfort with pressure from walking or standing. Symptoms of bone spurs include pain, tenderness, stiffness around the area and difficulty moving the feet.
Treatment for bone spur pain typically involves rest, ice therapy to reduce inflammation, prescribed exercises to increase range of motion and strengthening, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the spur. Most people with this condition find relief from their symptoms with appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
The top of the foot is a vulnerable area prone to injury and pain. When pressure is placed on it, the conditions mentioned earlier can cause top of the foot pain, discomfort and difficulty moving. Effective treatment options for these issues usually involve rest, icing, medications, physiotherapy and surgery in cases where treatment failed. With appropriate care, many people find relief from their symptoms and can enjoy daily activities without pain or discomfort.
Questions to ask the clinician if the top of your foot hurts when you put pressure on it
- What is the cause of my pain?
- Are there any tests I can do to determine the source of my pain?
- What treatments are available for this condition?
- Is there anything I can do at home to reduce the discomfort?
- How long will it take for the pain to improve?
- Will the condition get worse if left untreated?
- Are there any lifestyle changes, I need to make to prevent further injury or pain in the area?
