Pain on the top of the foot is often caused by dropping something heavy or from a fracture or other foot or ankle injury. Radiating pain from different conditions and other parts of the foot or ankle can also appear on the top of your foot, so be sure to see your foot doctor to trace the precise cause.

Some of the reasons for experiencing pain on the top of your foot include the following:

• Stress fractures or breaks—Some of the toe and other foot bones are quite delicate and subject to injury from accidents. Stress fractures from playing sports, repetitive exercise, or hard physical work can cause pain on top of the foot.
• Shoes that are too tight—Tight-fitting shoes put pressure on the foot that can cause swelling and bruising of the tender tissues and structures on the top of the foot.
• System-wide disease—Systemic diseases like arthritis can cause tenderness and fluid buildup around the joints and bones on the top of your foot. Diabetic nerve damage can also contribute to pain on the top of the foot.
• Hormone imbalances—Hormone Imbalances that occur during menopause or pregnancy can cause a rise in pain and discomfort on the top of the foot.
• Getting older—Your bones and muscles tend to weaken with age, increasing your chances of experiencing pain on the top of the foot.

If the top of your foot hurts, see your podiatrist to find the cause. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.