Top of foot pain: Causes and remedies

Pain on top of the foot can really disturb our daily lives, affecting actions like walking, running, and simply standing.

Our feet are one of the hardest worked parts of our bodies with each step, a force of 1.5 times body weight goes through the foot. It comes as no surprise that about 75% of Americans have foot pain at some point in their lives.

Pain on the top of the foot can make it problematic to walk, run, or stand. Pain on top of the foot can be mild or severe. Each foot comprises twenty-six bones and thirty-three joints, bound together by more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. There are a number of causes of foot pain on the top of your foot.

Some common causes of pain on top of your foot include:
– Bone spurs
– Stress fractures
– Nerve entrapment
– Metatarsalgia
– Tendonitis
– Improper footwear
– Sprain or strain
– Ganglion cyst
– Medication
– Aging
– Hormonal imbalance
– Pregnancy
– Excessive use of feet
– Ingrown toenail
– Hammertoe

Effective home remedies for foot pain on top of foot
Hot and cold water: Hot- and cold-water therapy can be effective in treating foot pain. The hot treatment will stimulate blood flow, while the cold treatment will reduce inflammation.
Vinegar: Vinegar is used in several treatments and can help with foot pain due to sprains or strains as it reduces inflammation.
Fill a container with hot water. Add two spoons of vinegar in it. You can also blend sea salt or Epsom salt in it. If you do not have any of these, just use table salt. Soak your feet in it for about 20 minutes.
Epsom salt: Epsom salt helps soothe your feet, giving you immediate relief from foot pain. Combining heat and Epsom salt, which is primarily magnesium, works well to relax the feet and ease pain. Put two to three tea spoons of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water. Soak your feet in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes. The salt can make your feet dry, so apply some cold cream after soaking them.
Ice: Ice therapy is a good way to reduce pain and swelling on the feet. Put a small amount of crushed ice in a small plastic bag and use it to massage the affected area in a circular motion. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables draped in a thin towel.
Clove oil: Clove oil is very effective treating headaches, joint pain, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and also foot pain as it enhances circulation. For quick relief, gently massage your aching feet with clove oil. This will stimulate blood flow and relax your muscles. You can massage your feet and heels with clove oil several times a day. If you have sensitive skin or a cut, dilute three drops of clove oil with one spoon of virgin olive oil or coconut oil and then massage your feet with it.
Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is a good source of capsaicin, which is known to relieve muscle aches and pains, arthritis, muscle strain, lower back pain, and even aching feet. If your feet ache when they get cold, sprinkle some cayenne pepper in your socks before putting them on. This helps to keep your feet warm.