Pain in the top of your foot will often get better in a few weeks. See your GP if it does not improve.
Easing pain in the top of your foot
If you see your GP, they'll usually suggest trying these things:
Do
-
rest and raise your foot when you can
-
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
-
wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole
-
use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes
-
try to lose weight if you're overweight
-
try regular gentle stretching exercises
-
take paracetamol
Don't
-
do not take ibuprofen for the first 48 hours after an injury
-
do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
Ask your pharmacist about:
- the best painkiller to take
- insoles and pads for your shoes
- treatments for common skin and nail problems
- if you need to see a GP
When to contact your GP
Contact your GP if:
- the pain is severe or stopping you from doing normal activities
- the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
- you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot
- you have diabetes – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
- you cannot work due to the pain
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you from doing things like going to work
When to go to the emergency department (ED)
Go to your nearest ED if you:
- are in severe pain
- feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
- have a foot that has changed shape or is at an odd angle
- heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
- are not able to walk
These might be signs of a broken bone after an injury.
Causes of pain in the top of the foot
Common causes of pain in the top of your foot are exercising too much or wearing shoes that are too tight.
Your symptoms may help you find the cause of your foot pain.
Some of the possible causes of pain in the top of the foot:
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Symptoms Pain, swelling, bruising, started after intense or repetitive exercise | Possible cause sprained metatarsal or stress fracture |
| Symptoms Pain, swelling and stiffness that lasts a long time, a grating or crackling sensation when you move the foot, a lump along a tendon | Possible cause tendonitis or osteoarthritis |
| Symptoms Red, hot, swollen skin, sudden or severe pain when anything touches your foot, the pain usually starts near the bottom of the big toe | Possible cause gout |
Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is.
Follow the advice on this page and see your GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
