Use this search box to search our site

Not what you're looking for? CLICK HERE INSTEAD

The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Top of foot pain and swelling

by ashley
(valdosta, ga, usa)

My fiancee's right foot swells and has pain for about 3-4 days every other month. The pain is on the top, starting just below the ankle. It began in July 2007 out of nowhere it seemed. At his most recent check-up he had his doctor look at it, but he is a general practitioner, not a podiatrist. The foot was not swollen or hurting at the time, so I am not surprised that nothing was done about it. He does have a high thyroid count, and diabetes does run in his family, but he does not have diabetes. The pain gets so bad, that he can't even walk.

Hi Ashley,

Sounds like a tendonitis, for a couple of reasons. One, it comes and goes and although it is occurring every other month I am willing to bet that there is a certain pair of shoes or certain activity that is irritating the extensor tendons. Additionally, if it were a soft tissue growth like a ganglion cyst, although it might not hurt all the time, the area would exhibit some degree of swelling all the time.
Your fiancee should look for a common denominator that seems to happen every time he gets one of these flare ups and perhaps he can avoid an ongoing recurrence.
Hope this helps.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Top of foot pain and swelling

Average Rating star star star star star

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 21, 2016
Rating
star

Any info to share helps us all :)
by: A 56 Yr Old Grandma

A young grandma!! Hello there.

I have RA and have had it since 2002, and my mother had it before me by around 13 yrs.
I do not know why it seems that so many Doctors have a problem diagnosing RA and/or Immune diseases that cause this same exact of inflammation sporatically over the joints.
My advice is to see a Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctor and I would bet money you have RA with how you describe it. Course this is 2 or three years ago that you posted this so its probably been diagnosed by now. If you get this site still and its replies please let me know how it all turned out.
Best wishes

Aug 29, 2014
Rating
star

Good to know lots are looking for answers
by: young grandma

General knee pain after working at a computer for 40 minutes or more..painful getting up to walk. Later the knee pain changed to swelling on top of my feet, the injured right foot more and faster than the left but after being up for an hour or so, both feet show tight upper skin. Ankles swell by then and look the size of normal knees.

The next day, woke with pain in left hand and wrist. Hot swelling on hand and a bit up the arm, could not wear the watch. This slowly disappeared in 4 days but one day after the start, the right finger swelled from the base up. Gone the next day. Left ring finger swelled middle joint only on the following day.

What is this? Parasite? Checking into zappers. Possible allergy to something? LYME DISEASE from a tick? Waiting on results of lyme antibody screening.
Have to keep looking. again taking multivitamins and minerals to eliminate any difficiency as a cause. thanks.

I then have to put them up. A few times, the left wrist and base of the hand was painful.

Aug 26, 2012
Rating
star

bad shoes
by: Anonymous

just a thought i have the same thing.has anybody thought that could be coming from the shoes that we bu,y thy come from china what are they made of for one the chemicals.

Aug 12, 2012
Rating
star

Top of foot pain and swelling
by: Anonymous

I have had pain for almost two years on the top of my right foot. It is brutal at night when I start to rest. I also have RLS. This only makes it worse. I first discussed it with my PCP who referred me to a podiatrist. He miss diagnosed the problem. Then to foot surgeon where an MRI was thought to show two stress fractures. Wore a bledsoe boot for 4 months with no relief. Second Mri showed many more issues now having nothing to do with stress fractures. I was finally referred to an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in feet. He said he has seen this and understands why there is so much pain and will be able to surgically help with problem. He has ordered cat scans as he states the mri is not enough to precisely diagnose problems. Finally, I will find an answer.

Jun 17, 2011
Rating
star

Top of Foot Pain and Swelling
by: Peaches

I am having the same symptoms with my foot. I've already discussed this with my physician. I am not diabetic as a result of blood test. I suffer with joint pain often for the last couple of years. I find that the pain leaves from one area to another. My doctor thinks that I might have a form of neurophty (stems from the nerve)and is a form of arthritis that usually affect people who are diabetic. I have been on Morbic and now I am currently on neurotin (sorry spelling errors. He wants me to stay on this for a couple of months to see if it helps, if not, then he will suggest further testing which can be quite expensive, but it's my health. At first I started having the problem with my hands swelling and stiffness/soreness. Now thanks to God that the hands are better now, but the top of my left foot is the problem. My sister advised me to soak my foot in Epson Salt, which I plan to do tonight to see if it helps. Along with the top of my foot soreness is numbness sometimes in each foot near the toe joints; however, my feet are hardly ever cold, so I don't feel that it is poor circulation. I sit at the computer a lot, and this is when I notice the problems more with hands and feet. Sometimes I think it might have something to do with circulation of blood, but I'm no doctor. I pray God that we all get the help needed, or the symptoms will just fade away...

Apr 16, 2011
Rating
star

foot pain switches
by: craig

my foot pain starts at top of my foot usualy left foot first hurts so bad cant stand or walk hurts for 1 month then switches to right foot 3 or 4 times a year.

Mar 17, 2009
Rating
star

Foot pain and swelling
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem. I thought the problem would go away once my doctor discovered that I had a few cysts on the main tendon. But the pain that made me decide to have surgery has returned 1 year after surgery. It never completely went away, but it is now back like before the surgery. The area right above the healed incision usually gets a knot that sweels to the size of a golf ball, with swelling all over. I had another MRI last week, and there is no evidence of more cysts. Unfortunately they say the MRI didn't really show much at all. For me, the simple task of a day of shopping on a Saturday makes the pain occur for the 2 to 3 days that follow. I usually feel better mid week, only to start the whole thing over on the weekend. VERY frustrating.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask the doctor.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

HONESTe Online Member Seal
Click to verify - Before you buy!

I've been doing some aggressive research lately (it's how I found your incredible website) and realize now that my symptoms are not consistant with the diagnosis.

Jennifer

Hunterville, NC

….after reviewing your amazing site (great for the avg. jill). So thank you very much!!!

Liesbeth

NY

I am really, really impressed with your plain-speak explanations for the various conditions.

Jacqueline

NJ

This was an extremely helpful site. I have an appointment on the 18th and your info. Was right on target…..

Jack

Fla

A well organized site containing much information written in a manner that the average reader can comprehend.

Jean

Ontario, Canada

I found your website and articles most interesting.

Andrew

Fla.

Thank you for a quick response. I think your site is the best information site on foot pain and I have viewed many.

Judy

(location unknown)

I came to your website, footspecialist.net via www.foot-pain explained .com which I think is also your website? I thought explanations for different types of problems were well addressed and thoughtfully stated for the patient in mind.

L.W.

New York

You have an amazing and extremely informative site. I enjoyed looking through all of the data and stats.

Yvette

Memphis, TN

Thanks again so much for the information in the article. Very interesting.

Anna

Scotland

Great article. I have had plantar fasciitis since I was in high school……..

J. Simmons

(location unknown)

Dear Dr. Mitnick, The orthotics arrived four days ago and I slipped them into my shoes immediately. I was skeptical as to the usefulness of the item, they really didn't look very exotic. I have to say though, after using them for just four days, I have experienced grand relief from my foot pain. Even the very first day, I was able to do a lot of work while on my feet with at least a 75% reduction of pain. It has only gotten better every day, and I go nowhere without my shoes with the orthotics. I had been experiencing extreme heel and sole pain for about six months and had to take extended breaks off my feet many times a day as well as regular doses of Ibuprofen. Since getting the orthotics, my life has returned to normal and I feel good again. Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation for a very effective item, I had no idea what a change this item could affect.

Yours truly,

J.C. Forbes

Tennessee

Thanks for the Response, you hit it on the head.

Steve

Redondo Beach, CA

Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)

First, thanks for putting together this website. Its the most informative site I have found dealing with foot problems. Last June I started having pain and swelling at …….

Joe

(location unknown)

First of all, thank you for having all this useful information available in one place. I've been through most of your website and based on my research, pain and evaluations I think I've narrowed things down quite a bit.

Pete M.

(location unknown)

Thank you for the best site I have found when researching foot pain.

Glenda B.

Madison, Alabama

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

Carol

Denison, TX

Dr. Marc, Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!" Thanks Very Much,

Dawn

West lafayette, IN

Dear sir...no doubt you get positive comments re your site...May I please be added to the list of your admirers. In all of my years of web surfing I would say your site is right there with the very best. Thank you for taking the time to write the terrific info you provide and for putting things into laymen terms for us mere mortals. I pray you have much on going success and thank you again for a deed well done. As for me I did not find much help for my symptoms and will continue on my quest. Were you anywhere in the South I would make and appointment...Thanks again dear sir...m.e.

Michael E.

Tampa, Florida 33624

Hi. This is a great site! I'm a healthy middle aged woman who is in good health, but.....

Kelly

Texas

Just a wee word of thanks for your wonderful website...It is a terrific service...Thank you for providing your knowledge and help...With highest regards, m ebeling

Michael D. Ebeling

Tampa, Florida 33624

Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot.

Steve

Dear Dr.Mitnick

I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain.

I thank you for putting together this incredible website.

Regards,

Dragica W.

Edmonton,Canada

....I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE!

Roxy

South Africa

You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Thank you for that.

Matthew W.

Mansfield Ctr, CT

First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you.

Steve

Placentia, California

First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.)

Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

Ric J.

Unknown location

I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. And your site is so intelligently arranged.

Ron R.

Pacific Grove, CA

I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Again, I want to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. It was so great to get to your site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed EASILY and QUICKLY! Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really appreciate it.

All the best,

Victoria

Alameda, California

By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Kudos to you!

Anonymous

Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!

Anonymous

Hi. I come to your site often looking for information. It is really informative and I appreciate it very much. I have RA and have been having considerable amount of foot pain...... Dee RN

Thanks very much for the wonderful informative site.

Catherine

New Zealand

Thank You for my answer! I have been schedule for a bone density scan, allingment, and I am in the process of getting orthotics made, and checking out the natural remedies. Thank again! What a great web site!

Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Cindy H.

Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

Anna

Poland

Thank you so much for your response. I will let you know how I am doing if you would like. Your website is awesome!

M P

South Carolina

Hello! I want to thank you for such an informative website! I found you based on my ankle pain search and am happy to realize that there may be a relatively simple cause and solution....

Natalie

unknown location

...Thanks for your fantastic service.

Gary

Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA

Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

Glen

location unknown

I have been experiencing foot pain of various sorts and am working to figure out what it is. I found this site and can only say BRAVO!! What an excellent site! The time it must have taken to put all this together must've been a daunting task! I am sure it has helped so many people. Thank you so very much for doing this.

Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous

Staying at home after hallux surgery I spend quite a lot of time seaching info useful for avoiding problems which might come back. Today I found your site and I am .... delighted it happened. It's one of the best site I found last days.

Anna

Poland

Thanks for taking time to read and answer so many questions. It is truly a public service!

Esh

Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!!

Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

location unknown

Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Top of foot pain and swelling

Comments for Top of foot pain and swelling

conditions

additional information

Recent Articles

Vitamin D impact on health

Foods to speed up healing

Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes

Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain?

shin splints

Whats new in skin cancer?

Causes and risk factors of warts

Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily?

Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes

Outcome stats from Scarf bunionectomy