Upper leg pain (instep) can be caused by 4 things

The feet are a part of the body that can support almost all of your body weight when doing various activities, when walking, running, jumping, and others. But unfortunately, intense physical activity often makes you not realize that your feet can hurt too. So, what causes upper leg pain (instep)? The following is the review.

Various causes of upper leg pain (instep)

1.Lisfrank or instep injury of the middle leg (hump)

The middle of the instep is known as the lisfrank area. This area consists of a group of small bones that work to form the arch of your foot when you bend or squat. If one of these mid-leg bones is broken or a tendon is inflamed or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and redness in the upper leg.

Forms of normal lisfrank (left image) and lisfrank injury (right image) - Source of FootEducation

Lifsrank injuries can be caused by accidents, for example a heavy object has hit the leg. However, it can also be caused when a person falls with their leg bent downward, pulling or holding a broken tendon or bone. In addition, repeated stresses from overuse or long-term activity can increase the risk of an upper leg injury.

Most lisfrank injuries can be treated by resting, applying an ice pack, and elevating the side of the injured leg. However, if the injury is severe or if you have broken a bone, you will need physical therapy or surgery.

2. Metatarsal injury

Metatarsal injury is an upper leg pain that is often associated with injuries to the finger area, especially the little finger. This long bone that connects the big toe to the middle of the foot.

Metatarsal injury (source: UVAHealth)

The following are the most common types of fractures that result from metatarsal injuries:

• Avulsion fracture. This often occurs when there is a toe injury that occurs at the same time as a sprained ankle.
• Jones fracture. This fracture occurs at the top of the fifth metatarsal bone, near the outer and middle area of ​​the leg. Broken bones can be tiny hairlines caused by repeated stresses, injuries, and heavy falls.
• Midshaft fracture. It could be due to an accident or an abnormally or excessively twisted leg.

Metatarsal fractures usually require medical treatment. Surgery is even needed if your bone has shifted out of place, has broken fragments that have spread to other parts of the leg, and / or if your fracture has not improved after previous treatment.

3. Extensor tendinitis

Tendinitis or tendonitis is a disorder in the form of inflammation or irritation of the tendons, which is a collection of connective tissue (tendons) that attach muscles to bones. This extensor tendon is located in the upper leg, its function is needed when you stretch or pull the leg up.

The tendons in the instep can become inflamed or torn from wearing too much narrow shoes. Pain sensation in the upper leg due to extensor tendinitis can worsen if you continue to do physical activity that puts too much pressure on the upper leg. such as exercising too much or too fast, causing swelling. Extensor tendinitis can be treated in the following ways:

• Break
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy or exercise

If the pain improves, exercise can be restarted slowly and gradually. But don't put too much strain on your feet.

4. Ganglion cyst

A ganglion cyst is a lump or tumor at the top of a joint or tendon (the tissue that connects muscles and bones). A ganglion lump looks like a sac filled with clear fluid with a thick and sticky texture like jelly. Ganglion cysts vary in size, from as small as a pea to the size of a golf ball. Small ganglion cysts usually number more than one.

The cause of ganglion cysts is still not known at this time. These cysts on the instep can occur as a result of a leg injury, or inflammation of the tendons. Surgery can be performed if the lump causes pain or pain in the upper leg, is tingling, numb, or interferes with daily activities.