Foot pain When to see a doctor (2024)

FAQs

Foot pain When to see a doctor? ›

Schedule an office visit if you:

Seek medical treatment immediately if you experience: Severe pain or swelling. An inability to walk or bear any weight on the foot. Instability or feeling unsure/unsteady when walking.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

Have severe pain or swelling, especially after an injury. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C). Are unable to walk or put weight on the foot.

Possible foot pain treatments include: Orthotics (shoe inserts). Steroid injections. Shoes that offer the specific type of support you need.

Pain in the foot can be a sign of plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or a stress fracture. Ignoring foot and ankle pain can lead to further damage and complications. Ignoring pain can lead to other issues. Ignoring foot and ankle pain can lead to other issues, such as balance problems, falls, and chronic pain.

Plantar fasciitis

This is the most common cause of foot pain in or around the arch.

If you have foot pain

In some cases increased walking can cause damage to tissues in the foot and a more serious problem may arise. Simple foot exercises can help to keep your foot strong and improve your walking ability, along with general care of your foot.

If your shoes aren't a problem, you may have one of several conditions that cause foot pain. Arthritis, a fractured or broken bone, gout, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis can all make your feet hurt. You're more likely to have foot problems as you get older and your joints wear down.

What is foot tendonitis? Foot tendonitis (tendinitis) is inflammation or irritation of a tendon in your foot. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Overuse usually causes foot tendonitis, but it can also be the result of an injury.

Foot pain at night may be related to having poor circulation in the foot. The name for this in medical terms is “rest pain”. This is not “pain at rest” but rather pain that happens because the circulation cannot support the tissues even when they are at rest.

Is it better to go to a podiatrist or orthopedist? ›

Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care. Conversely, orthopedists cater to general musculoskeletal problems. Although an orthopedist technically has studied foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist specializes in them. This specialization allows a podiatrist to better address issues unique to your foot and ankle.

Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.

However, it's essential to note that pain from a foot fracture isn't necessarily debilitating. For instance, you can have a broken bone in your foot and still walk on it. It's also common to have pain that increases with activity and fades with rest, especially when you have stress fractures from overuse.

If you have a broken foot, you may experience throbbing pain that comes on suddenly or develops gradually. The pain may get worse with activity and better when you rest.

Morton neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are among the most common painful foot and ankle conditions.

Foot pain and swelling can be indicators of poor circulation, which can result from heart-related issues. Non-healing ulcers or open sores on the feet can signify anemia, blood disorders, or vascular disease. Burning or swelling in the feet may point to kidney, heart, or circulatory problems.