What causes sudden swelling and pain on the dorsum of the foot without an obvious reason?
Disease description:
My husband came home from work limping, and I initially thought he’d been assaulted. He said the pain started suddenly for no apparent reason. Could you please advise what might cause sudden, unexplained swelling and pain on the top of one foot?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
This condition is typically caused by excessive physical activity. If you have recently engaged in intense or high-volume exercise, it may lead to a strain of the foot muscles, resulting in localized symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain. It is advisable to reduce physical activity and ensure adequate rest. Soaking the feet in warm water or performing local massage can help improve local blood circulation. Topical application of diclofenac diethylamine gel is also an effective treatment option. If the pain is severe, you should seek medical evaluation at a hospital to rule out the possibility of a fracture.
