Top of left foot pain and swelling

Even relatively mild foot pain can be quite debilitating, at least at first. It is usually safe to try simple home remedies for a while.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Have severe pain or swelling
  • Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus
  • Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)
  • Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot
  • Have diabetes and have any wound that isn't healing or is deep, red, swollen or warm to the touch

Schedule an office visit if you:

  • Have persistent swelling that doesn't improve at all after two to five days of home treatment
  • Have persistent pain that doesn't improve after several weeks
  • Have burning pain, numbness or tingling, particularly involving most or all of the bottom of your foot

Self-care

If your foot pain is due to an injury or overuse, it will often respond well to rest and cold therapy. Avoid activities that can worsen your foot pain, and put ice on your foot for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will also help with pain and may help with healing.

Even with the best of care, you may have some foot stiffness or pain, particularly first thing in the morning or after you've been active, for several weeks. If you are unsure of the cause of your foot pain, or if it is widespread or involving both feet, and particularly if you have diabetes, see your doctor before trying home remedies.

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March 13, 2021

  1. Fields KB. Evaluation and diagnosis of common causes of foot pain in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 15, 2015.
  2. Arthritis and diseases that affect the foot. Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/foot-heel-and-toe-pain/. Accessed Dec. 15, 2015.
  3. Chorley J. Forefoot or midfoot pain in the active child or skeletally immature adolescent: Overview of causes. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 15, 2015.
  4. Foot complications. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/. Accessed Dec. 15, 2015.
  5. Foot care. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/foot-care.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2015.
  6. Overview of foot and ankle disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/foot-and-ankle-disorders/overview-of-foot-and-ankle-disorders. Accessed Dec. 15, 2015.
  7. Buchbinder R. Plantar fasciitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 14, 2015.
  8. Arthritis and diseases that affect the ankle. Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/ankle-pain/. Accessed Dec. 15, 2015.
  9. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 18, 2015.

See also

  1. Slide show: 5 smart exercise choices for psoriatic arthritis
  2. Q&A with a Mayo Clinic physician: Signs your psoriatic arthritis medications may need adjusting
  3. Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
  4. Balance your life to make things easier with psoriatic arthritis
  5. Broken foot
  6. Broken toe
  7. Buerger's disease
  8. Claudication
  9. Coping with the emotional ups and downs of psoriatic arthritis
  10. Diabetic neuropathy
  11. Diabetic neuropathy and dietary supplements
  12. Types of diabetic neuropathy
  13. Psoriatic arthritis and diet
  14. Sleep and psoriatic arthritis
  15. Fibromuscular dysplasia
  16. Flatfeet
  17. How can I manage health risks related to psoriatic arthritis?
  18. How to determine your psoriatic arthritis triggers
  19. How to find the right psoriatic arthritis support group
  20. Surgery for severe psoriatic arthritis
  21. Living better with psoriatic arthritis
  22. Maintain a healthy weight with psoriatic arthritis
  23. Managing psoriatic arthritis at work
  24. Manage stress to improve psoriatic arthritis symptoms
  25. Managing chronic pain when you have psoriatic arthritis
  26. Managing psoriatic arthritis pain
  27. Metatarsalgia
  28. Psoriatic arthritis
  29. Psoriatic arthritis and intimacy: Tips for a better relationship
  30. Psoriatic arthritis: Cold weather skin care
  31. Psoriatic arthritis: How can occupational therapy help?
  32. Sacroiliitis
  33. Coping tips for psoriatic arthritis

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Why is the top of my left foot swollen?

A swollen foot may be caused blood vessel blockage, lymphatic blockage, or trauma from an injury. Other causes of swelling in one foot include skin infections like cellulitis, or ankle arthritis which can also be the cause of one swollen ankle.

How do you relieve pain on the top of your foot?

If you have pain in the top of the foot, try to stay off your feet as much as possible for at least five days and apply ice to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. If home treatments don't seem to help after five days, make an appointment with your doctor.

When should I go to the doctor for top of foot pain?

Seek immediate medical attention if you: Have severe pain or swelling. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C) Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.

What is the fastest way to heal extensor tendonitis?

Rest: Avoid the activity that irritated your tendons. Don't overuse your hand or foot while it heals. Ice: Apply a cold compress to your hand or foot for 15 minutes at a time, four times a day. Compression: You can wrap the painful area in an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.