Why Does the Top of My Foot Hurt?

Foot injuries and ankle sprains are two common problems that can directly or indirectly cause pain and discomfort on the top of the foot. Since pain from toe injuries or even systemic diseases like peripheral artery disease can cause top-of-the-foot pain, it’s important to see your foot doctor for the proper care.

5 common causes or contributing factors to feeling pain on the top of your foot may include the following:

1. Bone fractures—Acute or hairline fractures caused by injury, repetitive stress, or even structural abnormalities caused by a decrease in bone density can directly or indirectly contribute to feeling pain on the top of the foot.
2. Wearing shoes that fit too tight—Tightly fitting shoes can constrict the foot often contributing to pain, swelling, and blistering on the top of the foot.
3. Symptoms of systemic disease—Systemic diseases including arthritis, gout, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) contribute to fluid retention in the peripheral joints often causing top-of-the-foot pain.
4. Due to hormone changes—Pregnancy and menopause cause hormone fluctuations that can contribute to fluid retention, pain, and discomfort on the tops of the feet.
5. Your age—Bones and muscles weaken with age with top-of-the-foot pain more common.

If you are experiencing pain on the top of your foot, see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment protocols. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors: Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.