I'm having pain in the top of my foot which sometimes goes up the side of my shin on the left side. what should i do?

Shin splints: This may be caused by shin splints. That is when the muscle that starts on the lower leg/shin bone extends downward and becomes a tendon that attaches into the foot. After overuse or exercise, it may start to pull away from the shin bone and therby cause a tendonitis, most commonly called a shin splint. Try icing and support in the shoes. If no relief, see your podiatrist.

Possible: Nerve compression. Differential diagnosis would include tendonitis.