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

pain in my foot

by steve
(uk )

I went for a run last weekend and ran 15 miles which i dont usually run when i finished i was aching whitch was to be expected but the next day i had a pain on top of my foot it felt like a bruise but no bruise appeared and from what i could tell no swelling it was ok to walk on it only hurt when i put excessive pressure (walking up stairs, running) so i thought i would rest it for a while i rested for a week and there was no pain there so i went for a run again last nite i only ran 4 miles and for 3 miles i was fine but towards the end on the 3rd and all of the 4th my foot really began to hurt i only planned on doing 4 miles so i finished my run in a hobble i went home and had someone look at it and they said they could see slight swelling on the top of my foot around the area of the pain i could not really see a difference today i woke up there is slight yellow bruise i walk work every day easily but today i struugled threw pain i can feel the pain when i bend my toes up it also feels really tight today i am supposed to run 6 miles for sport relief on sunday.


RESPONSE

Hi Steve,

Your pain could be from a number of different reasons. A few things come to mind.
First, it may be nothing more than a tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons on the top of your foot. This will happen from the tendons being overworked, either from running
a longer distance than normal, or running on an uneven terrain, or perhaps even your running shoes being worn out. The fact that with rest the pain resolved itself only to return when you ran again, would suggest this as my primary thought.
The area sometimes may be swollen and slightly red, other times there may be no real difference in appearance.
My next thought would be that of a stress fracture which is a fracture that occurs from simply running, (even can occur from walking). The reason I think this is a more remote possibility is because the foot would have continued hurting regardless of whether you were running or resting.
Another even more remote possibility would be that of a midtarsal fault. This is the result of the foot over flattening and thus creating a crunching effect at the two bones that make up the height of the arch. You can read my section on midtarsal fault.
This too, would probably hurt while running and then subside with rest, only to return once you ran a long distance.
That is the best I can do without having the luxury of examining you. If you find that the symptoms return every time you go out for a run, but are generally fine when not running then you need to assess the terrain you are running on, the condition of your running shoes and your biomechanical make up. This would best be done by a foot specialist with a sports medicine background.
If you do not remedy the situation, you are going to be hard pressed to compete in races as this problem will affect your training and your actual participation in races.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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Mar 20, 2012
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by: Anonymous

Hi Steve, I don't know when you posted your situation. Hopefully you're all better. I had a similar experiece that I want to share. I joined a soccer team and wanted to get into tiptop shape so I began running more. A day before a game, I got a pain on the top of my foot but thought I would play anyway. It didn't hurt too bad. I ended up playing two games because the next team up didn't have enough players. Ten minutes left of that game I couldn't stand my foot anymore and I hoped the ball wouldn't find me, but it did. I went to the doctor the next day, got xrays and nothing seemed broken. The doctor advised I should stay off of it until it felt better. I started walking the 3rd day, post injury, and it felt better a week later, just in time for my next game. I was warming up. It stung a little bit, but I thought it was no big deal. A few runs after, I knew I had to stop playing. I couldn't run. I walked off the field wondering what the heck was wrong with my foot. This time it took longer for me to be able to enjoy a long walk. I still longed to run so I was asking people if they had experienced anything like this. Nothing was broken, but it hurt to run! A few people said it might be a trapped nerve so I paid for two massages. Neither did anything for me. I started feeling anxious as if I would always have this pain...it had only been 4 weeks, but it was killing me not knowing what it was. I decided to make an appointment with the podiatrist. I thought maybe my foot needed better support with orthotics or something. During the visit, the doctor started pushing down on the top of my foot, and it hurt. Specifically the 3rd metatarsal, where I had repeatedly told people to feel because I could have sworn I felt a little ball. No one else felt it though. Was I being paranoid? I was starting to believe I was. She decided to take xrays and I honestly didn't think it was necessary because I didn't have the swelling or bruising that I thought were so characteristic of fractures or breaks. Plus I had already had xrays and there was nothing there, just my paranoia. The xrays came back and I actually did have a fractured metatarsal. Interestingly I was relieved, finally I had some hope I would be walking and running pain free again. Looking back at how I handled this injury pushed me to write this. I got massaged when I shouldn't have, and I was bearing weight too soon. Now I've been off of the running I love for more than I really had to. Stress fractures are tricky. You feel them, but can't see them early on in xrays. The bone had to start healing before you could see there was a fracture at all. My body was telling me something, but I didn't respect its message. It knows better than any rationalizing I do about how much activity it can handle safely.

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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

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University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

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If you happen to live in the New York - New Jersey area and would like to visit our office

Dr. Marc Mitnick

151 Summit Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
908-522-0761


To make an appointment online or for directions to our office click Dr. Marc Mitnick.

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.


SITE LAST UPDATED: MAY 2026




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


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


redithotics

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Fla.
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Judy

(location unknown)
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Scotland
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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
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Steve

Redondo Beach, CA
Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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Denison, TX
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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Steve

UK

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Regards,

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Steve

Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Anonymous

Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!

Anonymous



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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

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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......

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Poland
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M P

South Carolina
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Natalie

unknown location


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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


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Pam

location unknown


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Glen

location unknown


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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



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Anna

Poland



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Esh

Seattle, WA


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Bonnie

location unknown



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Bill

New Jersey



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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



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-Sunny.

location unknown



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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



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Jill S.

location unknown



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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



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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

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