Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Understanding the problem
The top of the foot contains extensor tendons, small joints, nerves and metatarsal bones. Pain may be superficial from shoe pressure or deeper from tendon, joint or bone problems.
Common causes
- Extensor tendon irritation
- Tight laces or footwear pressure
- Midfoot joint irritation or arthritis
- Metatarsal stress reaction or stress fracture
- Ganglion cyst or local swelling
- Nerve irritation
- Acute midfoot injury
What can you do?
- Loosen lacing and check footwear pressure.
- Reduce high-impact activity after a training increase.
- Do not repeatedly run through focal pain that worsens with impact.
- Seek assessment if pain is persistent, swollen or highly localised over a bone.
When not to wait
Urgent assessment is appropriate after significant trauma if there is marked swelling, bruising under the foot, deformity or inability to bear weight.
Urgent assessment is appropriate after significant trauma if there is marked swelling, bruising under the foot, deformity or inability to bear weight.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.
Start the Footpath Health assessment →