How do I know if my foot pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

Have severe pain or swelling.
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 your foot.

What does foot pain indicate?

Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy).

How long should foot pain last?

Foot problems can cause a range of symptoms including pain, swelling and limping. In many cases, new or flare-up of long-standing foot problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.

Should I go to the hospital if my foot hurts?

Swelling and/or discoloration on one side of your foot or toes – This could indicate an injury which needs immediate medical attention! You could have broken a bone in your toe, sprained ligaments around it, or even suffered arthritis while walking. A doctor should see this promptly before it worsens.

How do I know if my foot injury is serious?

Go to the emergency room if:

there's an open wound on your foot.
pus is coming out of your foot.
you can't walk or put weight on your foot.
you experience severe bleeding.
there are broken bones coming through your skin.
you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
you think your foot could be infected.

15 related questions found

When should you get foot pain checked out?

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

Have severe pain or swelling.
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 your foot.

What does a torn ligament in foot feel like?

Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Foot

Swelling and bruising will occur at the site of injury. Pain and tenderness are concentrated on the top, bottom or the sides of your foot near the arch. Pain intensifies when walking or during other physical activity. Inability to bear weight on the injured foot.

Can foot pain be related to heart problems?

One reason your feet can develop problems is because of the distance that they are away from your heart. When the heart's pumping is strained by something like peripheral arterial disease, it reduces the flow of blood to your feet, making them hurt or making them swollen.

What does arthritis in the foot feel like?

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

Pain when you move it. Trouble moving, walking, or putting weight on it. Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling. More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping.

What is the best medication for foot pain?

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.

What happens when the middle of your foot hurts?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of arch pain and one of the most common orthopedic complaints reported. It's caused by inflammation, overuse, or injury to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the front of your foot to your heel.

What kind of foot problems are there?

Common foot problems

Athlete's foot. Itchy, stinging, and burning feet and toes may be signs of athlete's foot. ...
Blisters. Raised pockets of fluid on your feet are known as blisters. ...
Bunions. A bump on the side of your big toe may be a bunion. ...
Corns. ...
Plantar fasciitis. ...
Heel spur. ...
Claw toe. ...
Mallet or hammer toe.

What does peroneal tendonitis feel like?

Peroneal tendonitis presents as a sharp or aching sensation along the length of the tendons or on the outside of your foot. It can occur at the insertion point of the tendons. Along the outside edge of your fifth metatarsal bone. Or further up along the outside of your ankle.

What to do if your foot hurts for no reason?

Rest, ice, and elevate your foot. Wear stiff-soled shoes or foot pads to relieve pressure. Take pain relievers. If you're still in pain, talk to your doctor.

Why is under my feet paining me?

Pain in the bottom of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition, such as Morton's neuroma. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.

Why does my left foot hurt when I walk?

Because we use our feet so much, occasional aches and pains are common, especially after walking for long periods. Overuse is a common cause of foot pain, but an underlying injury or medical condition can also cause your feet to hurt when you walk.

Is walking good for arthritis in the feet?

Walking is recommended for people with arthritis as it's low impact, helps to keep the joints flexible, helps bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

What is osteoarthritis foot?

Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more joints. Cartilage (the connective tissue found at the end of the bones in the joints) protects and cushions the bones during movement.

What are common foot problems in older adults?

Age-related fat pad atrophy, bony deformities such as hallux valgus (bunions) and hammer, claw and mallet toe, Morton's neuroma, toe nail disorders and arthritis are common foot problems in older people.

Can high blood pressure cause your feet to hurt?

7 Signs of High Blood Pressure to Look for in Legs and Feet

Burning sensation in feet (due to weakened pulse) Hair loss on the legs and feet. Numbness and tingling in feet. Cramping after exercising.

Can your feet tell you about your health?

Your feet can tell you a lot about your general health condition or warn you of underlying health conditions. From pesky foot pain to more serious symptoms, such as numbness, your feet often show symptoms of disease before any other part of your body.

Why does the bone on the top of my foot hurt?

Pain on the top of the foot can be caused by different conditions, the most common of which are due to overuse in activities like running, jumping, or kicking. Conditions caused by overuse include: Extensor tendonitis: This is caused by overuse or tight-fitting shoes.

How do I know if I tore a tendon in my foot?

What are the symptoms of a torn tendon?

A sudden, severe pain during activity or injury.
Hearing and/or feeling a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury.
Feeling that you've been struck in the back of the calf.
Swelling and bruising on the inside of your heel or the back of the leg below the calf.

How can I tell if I have a hairline fracture in my foot?

MRI: The best imaging test for determining hairline fractures is an MRI. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide images of your bones. An MRI will determine a fracture before an X-ray can. It'll do a better job of determining the type of fracture as well.