What disease causes frequent swelling of the top of the foot?

I often experience swelling on the top of my foot, and it takes 3-4 days of anti-inflammatory medication for the pain to subside. Applying ointment makes the pain and swelling worse. The medication I'm taking is Celecoxib 200mg. Could you please tell me what condition I have and how to treat it? Is it harmful to take too much Celecoxib? Thank you, doctor!

Báo Đồng Nai•14/07/2025

(Mr. Vu Nguyen, 58 years old, residing in An Vien commune)

The doctor replied:

Hello, sir!

The swelling and pain in your foot could be related to several joint conditions or soft tissue inflammations. Here are some possible causes of these symptoms:

1. Gouty arthritis: This is an inflammatory joint disease caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints, commonly affecting large joints such as the big toe and the top of the foot, causing sudden swelling and pain. If you frequently experience swelling and pain in the top of your foot, especially at night, this condition may be the cause.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints, especially in small joints such as the toes and feet.

3. Tendinitis, bursitis: If you experience swelling and pain in the top of your foot, tendinitis or bursitis could also be the cause.

4. Soft tissue inflammation: Inflammatory conditions of the soft tissues (e.g., subcutaneous tissue inflammation or phlebitis) can also lead to swelling and pain in the top of the foot.

Regarding the Celecoxib 200mg medication you are using, it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain. However, when used long-term or at high doses, it can cause some side effects such as: digestive disorders (stomach pain, stomach ulcers, bleeding), and effects on kidney and cardiovascular function. Therefore, if you use the medication continuously for a long time, you need to be monitored by a doctor to reduce the risk of side effects.

Regarding treatment options, you need to go to the hospital for examination and undergo paraclinical tests (such as blood uric acid test, X-ray, and joint ultrasound) to accurately determine the cause.

At the same time, you should not overuse Celecoxib without a doctor's guidance, especially for long-term use. To reduce pain and swelling, you can temporarily use cold compresses instead of applying oil, as applying oil can worsen the swelling.

I hope you get well soon!

Dr. Vu Xuan Hoang Tri, Specialist Level I

Deputy Head of the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital