Four conditions that cause pain on top of the foot near the ankle

pain on top of foot near ankle

Pain on the top of your foot near the ankle can make you want to stay off your feet, forcing you to miss out on your favorite activities in life. There are a number of reasons you might be experiencing pain in this part of your foot. Take a moment to learn about what could be the cause of your pain, and find out how physical therapy can help:

Four possible reasons you have pain on top of your foot near the ankle

  1. Tendinitis — The extensor tendons in your ankle run along the top of your foot and are responsible for lifting your foot upward. Inflammation along one of the extensor tendons can cause pain on the top of your foot near the ankle. This is known as tendinitis.One of the most common causes of extensor tendinitis is from wearing tight-fitting shoes. Switching to more comfortable and supportive footwear goes a long way in helping to treat and prevent extensor tendinitis.
  2. Stress fractures — An impact to the feet, such as from a fall or from hitting the pavement too hard when running, can cause a stress fracture. Stress fractures are tiny fractures that can develop on the bones located near the top of your feet near the ankle. If you have pain along with swelling in this area, you may have a stress fracture.
  3. Nerve conditions — Nerve conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in your feet and ankles. Some nerve conditions cause pain that can be felt on top of the foot near the ankle.
  1. Inflamed sinus tarsi — An inflamed sinus tarsi occurs as the result of a condition known as sinus tarsi syndrome. While this is more rare than the other potential causes, it is characterized by pain that can be felt on top of your feet near the ankle and near the heel. 

Visit Border Therapy Services today for foot pain treatment

It’s difficult to enjoy your favorite physical activities or even go out for a walk when you have pain on the top of your foot near the ankle. In these circumstances, you should visit a health care professional for assistance.

At Border Therapy Services, our physical therapists specialize in a variety of treatments that help manage and prevent foot and ankle pain, including:

  • Manual therapy
  • Therapeutic exercise and stretching
  • Posture guidance
  • Patient education, such as adjusting your footwear or lifestyle

Are you ready to start your recovery journey from foot and ankle pain? Our physical therapists are ready to help. Contact our team today for more information about treating your foot pain or to schedule an initial appointment for physical therapy near me.