Top of Foot Pain Treatment in Guelph & Milton
Chiropodist and Foot Specialist Trina Scarrow, BSc, DCh, has been assisting patients with top of foot pain for over 20 years. When there is no known injury to cause top of foot pain, it may be the result of a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis or sinus tarsi syndrome. Read on to find out more.
Top of Foot Pain From Stress Fracture
Sudden onset pain without a specific injury on the top of the foot may be a stress fracture to a metatarsal bone (bones that make up the midsection of the foot). Usually, this causes swelling in this area, and it is tender to touch.
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone or severe bruising within a bone. Most stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity and are common in runners and athletes who participate in running sports, like soccer and basketball.
Stress fractures usually occur when people change their activities — such as trying a new exercise, suddenly increasing the intensity of their workouts, or changing the workout surface (jogging on a treadmill vs. jogging outdoors). In addition, if osteoporosis or other diseases have weakened the bones, everyday activities may result in a stress fracture.
The most common site for stress fractures in the foot are the top of foot (metatarsal bones). If you’ve tried rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), different shoes, different surfaces and the pain is still nagging you, contact us for an assessment to see what may be causing your top of foot pain.
Top of Foot Pain From Tendonitis
Another common area of pain can occur near the middle of the top of the foot (generally to the outside of the foot). In this area, the tendons that go to the toes can become inflamed, and is referred to as extensor tendonitis.
One of the causes of extensor tendonitis is tight muscles in the back of the calf. This causes increased stress on the tendons on the top of the foot. If this is the cause of the pain, stretching of the calf muscle is very helpful.
After assessing the foot to see the cause of top of foot pain, we may recommend oral anti-inflammatory medications or a physical change, like wearing shoes with a small heel to take stress off of the tendons on the top of the foot.
If these measures don’t work, custom orthotics may be the next step. We create properly designed custom orthotics to correct the alignment of the foot, thus taking the stress off of the inflamed tendons. Contact us today to have your foot assessed to see what is causing your top of foot pain.
Top Of Foot Pain From Arthritis
More generalized pain on the top of the foot along with swelling may be caused by arthritis. This is common in people with flat feet or a slowly collapsing arch. Or if the big toe joint does not work properly, over time it can cause pain in the metatarsal area when walking.
Treatment recommendations may include oral anti-inflammatory medications or custom orthotics. We create custom orthotics to correct the alignment of the foot, thus taking the stress off of the inflamed areas. Contact us today to have your foot assessed to see how we can help you function better.
Top of Foot Pain From Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
Another reason for pain on the top of the foot is sinus tarsi syndrome or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
The sinus tarsi or tarsal tunnel are a small canal between the bones inside the small joints of the foot. There are several small ligaments in this area that can become inflamed.
A common cause of this pain is due to flattening of the foot, which pinches these small ligaments. Sometimes there is actual jamming of two bones causing the pain. There is a large nerve that runs inside this tunnel. If the bones or joints collapse, the nerve can become pinched, which often results in a very sharp stabbing pain through the top of the foot.
Treatment recommendations may include oral anti-inflammatory medications or custom orthotics. We create custom orthotics to correct the alignment of the foot, thus taking the stress off of the inflamed areas. Contact us today to have your foot assessed to see how we can help you function better.
Treatment For Top of Foot Pain
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and discomfort
- Custom orthotics to stabilize muscles and control foot function
- Physiotherapist recommended stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and legs
- If the pain is caused by improper footwear, a change in foot wear after may be necessary after assessment
- Rest and ice
- A recommendation to limit activities
- Physical therapies such as laser, ultrasound or shockwave treatment
- If the pain or injury is excessive, often a walking boot will be used to rest and immobilize the area
Trina Scarrow, BSc, DCh, is a Registered Chiropodist and Foot Specialist who has been helping patients for over 20 years.
Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only regulated health professionals who specialize in treating conditions of the foot. In Ontario, there are 600 Registered Chiropodists and only 60 Podiatrists.
Chiropodists today must complete 7 years of post-secondary education before they get their professional designation. Chiropodists do complete case management of foot problems, including assessment, treatment and ongoing care.
Chiropodist Trina Scarrow, BSc, DCh
*Picture taken before COVID-19, now full safety protocols in place including air filtration systems
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I am an experienced Foot Specialist and Registered Chiropodist with locations in Guelph and Milton.
I provide a full assessment, biomechanical exams, and gait analysis. I will be able to help address your foot discomfort with a variety of techniques including foot care treatment, custom orthotics, orthopaedic shoes, medication, laser, or physical therapy.
I can help get your feet functioning better to help you feel better. Contact me today.