Joint · Calf & foot · Foot
Foot pain
Common at this spot
Ordered by how common, not by search volume.
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Plantar fasciitis
A stab in the heel on the first step of the morning that eases as you walk
Get help right away ifSee a doctor promptly if you have tingling or loss of feeling in your foot, or if you have diabetes and foot pain.
Why it happens
Strain builds up in the tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes. It is more common between ages 40 and 60, if you have recently started exercising on hard surfaces, exercise with tight calves or heels, stand or walk or run for long periods, wear shoes with poor cushioning or support, or are overweight.
How it feels
- Pain on the bottom of the foot, around the heel and arch
- Worst when you take your first steps after sleeping or resting
- Eases as you move, but comes back after standing or walking a long time
- Hurts when the sole is stretched — raising your toes, climbing stairs
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the pain is severe or stops you doing normal activities, if it has not improved after 2 weeks of self-care, or if it keeps getting worse or coming back.
Source: NHS (UK)
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Ankle sprain
The ankle swells and the outer side feels raw when you step
Get help right away ifCall emergency services or go to A&E if you heard a crack when it happened, if the injured part has changed shape, if it has turned blue or grey, or if it feels numb.
Why it happens
A ligament that joins the bones is overstretched or torn. It happens most often at the ankle, wrist, big toe, and knee — usually when you overstretch or twist, and more easily if you did not warm up or the muscles were already tired.
How it feels
- Pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Swelling or bruising
- You cannot put weight on it or use it normally
How long it usually lasts
Most feel better after about 2 weeks. Avoid heavy exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks.
When to see a doctor
Get advice if severe pain is getting worse, if swelling or bruising is bad or worsening, if you cannot put weight on it or move it, or if you have a high temperature or feel shivery (that can mean infection).
Source: NHS (UK)
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Morton's neuroma
The forefoot burns when walking and the toes tingle
Why it happens
The tissue around a nerve in the foot becomes irritated or damaged and thickens. Tight, pointed, or high-heeled shoes, activities that put pressure on the foot such as running, and other foot problems such as flat feet, high arches, or bunions all contribute.
How it feels
- A shooting, stabbing, or burning pain between the third and fourth toes
- A feeling like a pebble or a lump under the foot
- Sometimes numbness or tingling in the foot
- Worse when you move the foot or wear uncomfortable shoes, and worse over time
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the pain is severe or gets in the way of everyday things, if it is getting worse or keeps coming back, if it has not improved after 2 weeks of self-care, if your foot feels numb or weak, or if it started after a foot injury or ankle surgery.
Source: NHS (UK)
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Metatarsalgia
The ball of the foot burns, worse after standing a while
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Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tingling below the inner ankle bone and a numb sole