*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Pain In The Top Of The Foot

Pain in the top of your foot will often get better in a few weeks. See a GP if it does not improve.

How you can ease pain in the top of your foot

If you see a GP about pain in the top of your foot, they may suggest you try these things:

rest and raise your foot when you can
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet, which have a low heel and soft sole
use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes
try to lose weight if you're overweight
try regular gentle stretching exercises of your foot and ankle
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)

You can ask a pharmacist about:

pain in the top of your foot is stopping you doing normal activities
the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot
you have diabetes and a foot pain - foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

These might be signs of a broken bone after an injury.

What we mean by severe pain

Severe pain:: always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
you cannot sleep
it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:: always there
makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:: comes and goes
is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Pain in the top of your foot is often caused by exercising, especially if it involves running, kicking or jumping.

It may also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight and some conditions, like gout.

Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing your pain. Do not self-diagnose - see a GP if you're worried.

Symptoms	Possible cause
Pain, swelling, bruising, started after intense or repetitive exercise	Sprain or strain
Pain, swelling and stiffness that lasts a long time, a grating or crackling sensation when you move the foot, a lump along a tendon	Tendonitis or osteoarthritis
Red, hot, swollen skin, sudden or severe pain when anything touches your foot, pain usually starts near the bottom of the big toe	Gout

Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is.

Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.

If you have pain in the top of your foot, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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