Foot pains like toe pains and heel pains are very common things and usually very temporary, but when it comes to top of foot pain, things change a bit. For one, they can be very painful. Also they don’t subside easily.
What really causes top of foot pain? What can we do to gain relief from top of foot pain? What should we do or not do to stay away from foot pain on top of foot? You will receive answers to these questions shortly.
What would be some causes of foot pain on top of foot?
1) Mid-tarsal fault. This causes pain top of foot at the instep. It’s caused by overuse or overstraining of the mid-foot’s bones. This results in flat feet (feet having diminutive arches).
2) Meta-tarsal stress fractures. This kind of damage is characterized by pain around the metatarsal bones. Constant low levels of stress or sudden large amounts of stress on the metatarsals can cause tiny cracks to run through them. This kind of damage to the foot is referred to as meta-tarsal stress fractures.
3) Nerve entrapment. Entrapped nerves can also cause top of foot pain. A trapped nerve can be a nerve simply under pressure- such as when wearing a tight shoe- or it can be a nerve pinched inside a joint. The nature of the pain varies greatly between individuals and according to the exact circumstances of the entrapment.
4) Ganglion cyst. Ganglion cysts are little bumps that sometimes form near joints when they are damaged or being overstressed. It isn’t the cyst itself that’s the origin of the pain; but the pressure it puts on the surrounding tissue.
5) Superficial phlebitis. This means, literally, “inflammation of surface vein”. Superficial phlebitis and superficial thrombosis (inflammation caused by a blood clot blocking the vein. This can be much more serious.) Share the same cause. So it’s recommended that anyone suffering from phlebitis should see a doctor.
Now let’s see what we can do to remedy top of the foot pain:
There is a standard generic therapy method for top of the foot pain; it’s called “RICE” (Rest- Ice- Compression- Elevation). This is pretty simple and straightforward, yet highly effective. How does this therapy work? It’s pretty obvious what rest is for, Ice serves to subside inflammation and swelling while also numbing pain. As for elevation and compression, it helps the circulation and prevents fluid build-up. It’s also a good first aid treatment for any kind of muscle injury.
If the damage seems serious, it’s better to visit a doctor straightaway.
What can we do to keep from getting top of the foot pain?
There are many things you can do in this regard, but I’ll mention only a few important ones here. Feel free to look for more on the internet.
If you wear high heels, try wearing them only occasionally or if possible, not at all. Also keep their height below 2 inches.
When you purchase shoes, make sure they fit your leg and what you intend to do in them. I.e. walking shoes are not meant to be used for running in.
Maintain your feet’s health. When you trim toenails, cut them right across- this prevents the nails from growing in.
Those are only a few tips to avoid top of the foot pain, there’re lots more. The more you know the better. So read as much as you can about this subject.