Foot pain, regardless of where it is on the foot, is an uncomfortable and frustrating situation. While many foot injuries affect the heel or ball of the foot, it is common to feel discomfort on the top of the foot as well. But what causes this type of pain and what can your podiatrist do to help? Find out more about the pain on top of your foot with Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski at Ankle and Foot Center of Fox Valley in Naperville, IL.

What causes pain on top of the foot? 
The foot has 26 bones and 33 joints, making it very susceptible to injury. Damage to these bones or joints can cause pain and discomfort located on top of the foot. Additionally, stress fractures due to overuse can also cause pain. These small breaks in the bone do not come from any one specific injury. Hammertoe is another source of pain on top of the foot, though it is also concentrated in the toe itself. Tendonitis, gout and athlete’s foot can also cause pain and discomfort.

Diagnosing Foot Pain
Thanks to their location and their numerous moving parts, the feet are very complex, making pinpointing the cause of foot pain rather tricky. A foot examination can help you and your doctor work together to diagnose your condition. A physical examination in conjunction with your medical and family history can help set the basis for your diagnosis. A series of diagnostic tests such as x-rays or MRIs can help your doctor visually see the problem within your foot itself. Your doctor may also examine your gait and other physical features to assess whether or not underlying issues like slight deformities or conditions like flatfeet contribute to your pain.

Foot Pain Treatments in Naperville, IL 
Treating foot pain varies with the diagnosis you receive. However, your podiatrist will most likely begin with a conservative treatment like the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation). If conservative treatments fail to provide results, your doctor may suggest other methods like physical therapy, prescription medications, or even surgery to correct the problem.

For more information on foot pain and how your podiatrist can help, please contact Dr. Jagodzinski at Ankle and Foot Center of Fox Valley in Naperville, IL. Call 630-778-7670 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jagodzinski today!