Pain On Top Of The Foot When Walking: Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment
Pain On Top Of The Foot When Walking: Find out the most common causes of foot pain while walking. Then learn how to treat it!
Pain On Top Of The Foot When Walking Overview:
The most common causes of pain on top of the foot are compression and tension forces.
- The bone itself crushes together destroying the cartilage within the joints over time.
- This could lead to bone spurs on top of the foot, and arthritis developing on top of the foot.
- This can make bumps and lumps appear on top of the foot, this then causes pressure against the nerves running along the top of the foot.
- These bumps can cause soft tissue damage like tendon and nerve issues.
- If not treated, this can gradually decrease the ability to walk as time goes on.
- We include the top five causes, and treatments below!
Symptoms:
The most common symptoms of top of the foot pain while walking include:
- Increased pain in the top of the foot when you wake up in the morning.
- Increased pain through the arch in the bottom of the foot while standing in the morning.
- Worsening foot pain while walking and standing during the day.
- Worsening pain while walking on hard surfaces.
- Worsening pain while standing barefoot and less supportive shoes.
- Improved pain while standing good supportive shoes and orthotics.
- Difficult shoe fitting issues due to lumps and bumps on the top of your foot.
Causes:
1)Plantar Fasciitis – Entire Arch Pain.
- This is by far the most common pain in the arch of your foot.
- 15% of all people around the world have it.
- If it feels painful in the morning & painful after walks, this is the first thing you should consider.
- Plantar fasciitis is usually related to flat foot & is due to the stretching of the tissues in the middle of your foot!
2)Metatarsal Exostosis – A hard bump.
- This is when you have a large bone bump on top of your foot.
- This large bump can compress against the top of your shoe.
- The two bones also abnormally grind together while you walk causing pain.
- This will likely have already caused arthritis over the years in your midfoot.
- But there are still many ways to make it feel much better & like it never happened at all!
2) Nerve Irritation – Numb and Tingling:
- There is a nerve that runs across the top of your foot.
- If it rubs against the top of your foot & compresses over time, this can lead to nerve pain.
- Nerve pain is burning, numbness & tingling.
- This nerve pain can be severely reduced & treated.
4) Sprained Top Of Foot:
- A sprain in the top of the foot or the arch is called a Lisfranc sprain.
- In most cases it is usually only a sprain that lasts a couple days to a couple weeks.
- If you sprained your midfoot, learn how to fix it!
We find the best way to relieve this pain is to skip the shoelace holes immediately over this bone spur.
5)Ganglionic cyst – A soft bump.
- A ganglionic cyst is a fluid filled sac on top of your foot.
- This develops as joint fluid from between the foot joints.
- It is mostly harmless but needs assessment by a podiatrist!
Diagnosis:
- Consider us biased, but we consider seeing a podiatrist the best possible treatment for top of the foot bumps lumps and foot pain while walking.
- As podiatrists we take a detailed history and evaluate how your pain is occurring and why it is happening.
- We then follow it up with a physical exam to evaluate whether it’s soft tissue, bone and specifically what type of bone or soft tissue issue.
- At this point we can take an x-ray to rule out any arthritis, bone spurs or any other bone or joint issues.
- If we determine that it is a soft tissue issue such as a nerve tendon or soft tissue mass, we can use an ultrasound or take tissue biopsy.
- If you are worried about a cancerous mass, a soft tissue biopsy is the number one way to rule out any type of cancerous lesion.
Home Treatment:
- Home treatment of pain across the top of the foot comes in two phases.
- First, you must control inflammation, this means you must get the paint to cool down and start feeling better.
- Then stage II is to figure out how to stop the paint from happening in the first place.
- This is usually good shoes and good orthotics to get pressure off your foot.
- This treatment guide should help you get a great start.
Inflammation Control:
Relieve Pain & Inflammation So That You Can Stretch:
- Relief of stress from the site is very important.
- You can’t stretch or heal a 10/10 painful and sore muscle.
- You have to cool it down first.
- We prefer icing for 20 minutes at a time, but if you want to save time => Try Biofreeze!
- As the muscles relax the midfoot and top of the foot can work more naturally and with more flexibility.
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$30.78
$28.10
$124.08
$29.99
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Like I stated earlier, I am a huge fan of this product and I will happily buy this product again. I'm so glad I finally found it online (lol), rather than having to make a trip to the pharmacy."
"The main ingredient is menthol and the cool sensation is long lasting. You have to try this product. Trust me, I've tried them all and there's no comparison!"
"This stuff is GREAT! Value sized!!"
"The cream helps with my nerve pain for several hours , giving me relief on the job. It doesn't take much , I use very little , it goes along way, as long as it is rubbed in properly. I will definitely be purchasing this again. I also gave to a friend that has fibromyalgia, she said it helped with her aches and pains to relieve pressure for a few hours. This is definitely a 5 star purchase."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
$30.78
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Like I stated earlier, I am a huge fan of this product and I will happily buy this product again. I'm so glad I finally found it online (lol), rather than having to make a trip to the pharmacy."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
$28.10
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The main ingredient is menthol and the cool sensation is long lasting. You have to try this product. Trust me, I've tried them all and there's no comparison!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
$124.08
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"This stuff is GREAT! Value sized!!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$29.99
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The cream helps with my nerve pain for several hours , giving me relief on the job. It doesn't take much , I use very little , it goes along way, as long as it is rubbed in properly. I will definitely be purchasing this again. I also gave to a friend that has fibromyalgia, she said it helped with her aches and pains to relieve pressure for a few hours. This is definitely a 5 star purchase."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Relax the Muscle So That It is More Flexible:
- Massage roller sticks and devices will help you get more flexible.
- After you massage the muscle it is important to take advantage and get more flexible.
- This works best through the calf muscle, the hamstring and the thigh muscle.
- This also works well for the gluteal muscles and hips.
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick
Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit
Price:
$29.95
$9.99
Price not available
Overview:
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
A well reviewed foot massage unit.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won't fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The massage stick is sturdy and operates smoothly. I could have purchased a cheaper roller, but considering the quality of the product, it was worth the extra cost."
"I love this thing. The day after a really tough cycling ride I just spend 15-30 minutes slowly rolling it over my calves, hams and quads. I have to say I get such a feeling of euphoria from it, like the endorphin release I get from rolling out the tired muscles is incredible."
"Omgoodness this product by far is totally awesome... it immediately took away my foot pain, I strongly recommend this if you have any feet issues ❤️❤️"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick
Price:
$29.95
Overview:
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won't fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The massage stick is sturdy and operates smoothly. I could have purchased a cheaper roller, but considering the quality of the product, it was worth the extra cost."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Price:
$9.99
Overview:
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
Pros:
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Cons:
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
Important Tips:
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I love this thing. The day after a really tough cycling ride I just spend 15-30 minutes slowly rolling it over my calves, hams and quads. I have to say I get such a feeling of euphoria from it, like the endorphin release I get from rolling out the tired muscles is incredible."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
A well reviewed foot massage unit.
Pros:
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Omgoodness this product by far is totally awesome... it immediately took away my foot pain, I strongly recommend this if you have any feet issues ❤️❤️"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Biomechanical Correction:
Get Great Shoes:
- The key to prevent your heel pain is to have a good supportive shoe that supports your ankle joint and subtalar joint from everting.
- If you have a good supportive shoe, that keeps pressure your joints so that your ankle, Achilles tendon and subtalar joint does not have to work as hard.
- This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people make a switch to really good supportive shoes that fit properly, the ankle and Achilles tendon pain should gradually start to improve.
- A great orthotic and a great shoe work very well for top of the foot pain and arthritis.
Get Great Orthotics:
- We recommend full length orthotics for best results.
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
$32.00
$19.99
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women's cute shoes.
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can't tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women's shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Great to start with, but don't correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don't give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn't fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don't use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"These have worked well for my plantar fasciitis. It's not cured, but has helped. I wish they had a higher arch, but they are doing what they are intended to do. Some others have complained about the durability. I've had them for about 5 months, and they are just fine. "
" The Powerstep inserts are definitely the best for me in terms of arch support and comfort, and the Pinnacle Maxx inserts make a MAJOR positive difference in my comfort and ability to get around."
"Plantar Fasciitis pain was getting pretty bad, so I bought these insoles looking for some relief. On Day One, I noticed that it was not as painful to walk as the prior day; still sore but a marked improvement. It's now Day Two and I'm not nearly feeling the pain that I felt before I tried these insoles"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women's cute shoes.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don't give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"These have worked well for my plantar fasciitis. It's not cured, but has helped. I wish they had a higher arch, but they are doing what they are intended to do. Some others have complained about the durability. I've had them for about 5 months, and they are just fine. "
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Price:
$32.00
Overview:
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
Pros:
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
Cons:
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women's shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Crucial Tips:
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn't fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" The Powerstep inserts are definitely the best for me in terms of arch support and comfort, and the Pinnacle Maxx inserts make a MAJOR positive difference in my comfort and ability to get around."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
$19.99
Overview:
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can't tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Great to start with, but don't correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don't use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Plantar Fasciitis pain was getting pretty bad, so I bought these insoles looking for some relief. On Day One, I noticed that it was not as painful to walk as the prior day; still sore but a marked improvement. It's now Day Two and I'm not nearly feeling the pain that I felt before I tried these insoles"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Get A Great Stability Brace:
- When you are very sore… Make sure you have great support.
- As the soreness decreases, you can go with a long term compression brace.
- As the ankle stability is maintained, less compensation through the midfoot and top of the foot occur.
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can't fit in more snug shoes.
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it's job.
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" I have never used a better brace and would highly recommend this over anything else on the market. Is it more expensive than the others? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Absolutely!"
"THIS IS THE BEST ANKLE BRACE ON THE MARKET. Steph "Chef" Curry rocks these bad boys. Google some of his in game photos and you'll see him usually wearing them in white."
"If this is put on correctly, it works really well and even supplies good arch support. The straps can be a little confusing at first, but it's important to get the hang of it. The lacing and unlacing seemed annoyingly time consuming at first, but I realized that it had become second nature in only three or four days."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" I have never used a better brace and would highly recommend this over anything else on the market. Is it more expensive than the others? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Absolutely!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can't fit in more snug shoes.
Pros:
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it's job.
Cons:
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
Important Tips:
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"THIS IS THE BEST ANKLE BRACE ON THE MARKET. Steph "Chef" Curry rocks these bad boys. Google some of his in game photos and you'll see him usually wearing them in white."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"If this is put on correctly, it works really well and even supplies good arch support. The straps can be a little confusing at first, but it's important to get the hang of it. The lacing and unlacing seemed annoyingly time consuming at first, but I realized that it had become second nature in only three or four days."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Get A Great Compression Brace:
- These are more for long term support.
- The stability braces are better for heavy duty and severe injury.
- As the ankle stability is maintained, less compensation through the midfoot and top of the foot occur.
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Best Pure Compression & Slim Fit Ankle Support
Price:
$104.00
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace - Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Focused on great fit and excellent overall compression. Little focus on support.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Excellent reviewmost 2,000 5 star reviews. Great fit into almost any type of shoe. Very Slim, very cost effective.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn't do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Does not really provide stability. It still likely is not thin enough for a dress shoe or a dress heel combined with a sock.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don't use this for an acute sprain or injury.
This is excellent for what it does. Which is simple compression with minimal support. This would be great with an orthotic and running shoe in a non-acute/severe injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"You will not go wrong forking over the money for this. I tried at least 6 different braces before buying this. All either had very little support and fell apart when washed, or lost stretch completely. This brace is the only one I’ll buy."
"Unlike a typical ankle brace, this wrap works like a brace with the abilty, based on how you wrap your ankle, to put direct pressure on the area were you need the most support. After wearing the wrap for a week straight, my ankle pain has been substantially reduced."
"So far, this has been outstanding. It's tight enough to stay secure and provide the necessary stability, while thin enough to wear with dress shoes. The quality is outstanding."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Price:
$104.00
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace - Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn't do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"You will not go wrong forking over the money for this. I tried at least 6 different braces before buying this. All either had very little support and fell apart when washed, or lost stretch completely. This brace is the only one I’ll buy."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Pros:
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Cons:
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Important Tips:
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don't use this for an acute sprain or injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Unlike a typical ankle brace, this wrap works like a brace with the abilty, based on how you wrap your ankle, to put direct pressure on the area were you need the most support. After wearing the wrap for a week straight, my ankle pain has been substantially reduced."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Pure Compression & Slim Fit Ankle Support
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Focused on great fit and excellent overall compression. Little focus on support.
Pros:
Excellent reviewmost 2,000 5 star reviews. Great fit into almost any type of shoe. Very Slim, very cost effective.
Cons:
Does not really provide stability. It still likely is not thin enough for a dress shoe or a dress heel combined with a sock.
Important Tips:
This is excellent for what it does. Which is simple compression with minimal support. This would be great with an orthotic and running shoe in a non-acute/severe injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"So far, this has been outstanding. It's tight enough to stay secure and provide the necessary stability, while thin enough to wear with dress shoes. The quality is outstanding."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Top of the foot bone spur surgery:
If it is a significant bone spur, it will not go away on its own unfortunately:
- As podiatrists we are trained to be able to resect this bone through surgery.
- The good news is this will get rid of the spur, but we still recommend wearing good shoes and inserts to make sure that the bone never comes back in inflammation goes away.
- The recommended products of treatment guide is definitely worth trying before surgery.
Other Treatments That May Help:
- Consider our comprehensive plantar fasciitis heel pain guide.
- If you are having Achilles tendon pain as well, there is a good chance you might be having plantar fasciitis pain to the bottom of your foot.
Also consider:
- A bone spur on top of the foot forms due to abnormal friction and stress on the bone.
And don’t forget… get GREAT SHOES!
