Question
I have pain on the top of my foot, however it only it only hurts when i do certain things such as walking fast or down hills or when i put pressure on the area. Surprisingly, it doesn't hurt all the time or even when i run. It gets worse at night after i have walked on it all day and at that time it can even hurt to move toes, but it gets better when i rest. The pain is in one specific area and there is slight swelling over the area but i did nothing to hurt it, it just started one day and has been going on for almost a week now. I have tried ice after period where it has hurt really bad and it doesn't really help. Do you know what is wrong or what else i could do to help it?

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist says....
Sounds like metatarsalgia. Kind of like making a fist and walking on your fists. The biggest knuckle will take the most pressure.
Metatarsalgia is the irritation of the ball of the foot and can involve a single or multiple joints-the metarsophalangeal joint to be specific. Stepping on it with a  heel-which puts more pressure in the area and with flats which will also put more pressure on that area-which can occur in both women and men.
Check out our website at AnkleNFoot.com for additional info on metatarsalgia.
Metatarsalgia can be treated conservatively with well made orthotics/orthoses,injections,oral anti-inflammatories, and/or physical therapy. Sometimes you can get lucky with a metatarsal pad-check out our online webstore at AnkleNFoot.com for examples.
Decrease your activity level and try a comfortable, cushy pair of gym shoes, icing, rest and Advil or Alleve for a few days-if no go, or gets worse then...
Go see a good Board Certified Podiatrist who is also a foot surgery expert.
Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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