Pain In The Top Of The Foot

Common causes of pain in the top of the foot

Pain in the top of your foot is often caused by exercising, especially if it involves running, kicking or jumping.

It may also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight and some conditions, like gout.

Do not try to diagnose the cause of the pain yourself.

Important

If you think you have broken your foot or any toes, do not try to treat it yourself. Contact 111 to find out what to do.

How you can ease pain in the top of your foot

If you are not sure how bad an injury to the top of your foot is or what's causing pain, you should ask for medical advice first.

If you're sure that you have not seriously damaged your foot, such as breaking your ankle or toe, you can usually treat foot pain yourself.

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 shoes with plenty of room for your feet, which have 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 of your foot and ankle

  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)

Don't

  • do not do any sports or other activity that you think is causing the pain

  • do not walk or stand for a long time

  • do not wear high heels or tight or pointy shoes

A pharmacist can help with foot pain

You can ask a pharmacist for advice about:

  • the best painkiller to take
  • insoles and pads for your shoes
  • whether you need to see a GP

Find a pharmacy

See exercise video safety information

The exercises in this series of videos are suitable for most people in good health with a reasonable level of fitness.

Unless stated otherwise, they are general exercises only and are not aimed at treating any specific cause of pain or condition. Video titles and descriptions can give more information on how difficult the exercises are and who they are for.

Get advice from a healthcare professional (such as a GP) before trying them if:

  • you are not sure if the exercises are suitable for your current level of fitness
  • you have a health problem, an injury, any symptoms, are feeling unwell, or you have had a recent health event such as a heart attack or operation
  • you have any other concerns about your health
  • you are pregnant or have recently given birth

Stop the exercise immediately if you feel any pain or become unwell. If you are concerned about any symptoms, or they do not go away, get help from 111 online or call 111 for advice.

See a GP if:

  • pain in the top of your foot is stopping you 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 and foot pain - foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
Information:

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Contact NHS 111 if:

  • you have severe pain in the top of your foot
  • you're not able to walk
  • your foot has changed shape or is at an odd angle
  • you heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
  • you feel faint, dizzy or sick from pain
  • your foot is also hot and swollen
  • you have a very high temperature or you feel very hot, or cold and shivery

These might be signs of a broken bone after an injury or an infection.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Find urgent and emergency care services

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
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