Foot
Foot pain
Pain in any part of the foot — heel, arch, toes or the ball of the foot — most often from strained tissues, arthritis or gout, but occasionally a sign of poor circulation or infection that, particularly in people with diabetes, needs urgent attention.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of foot pain and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is foot pain?
The foot carries the whole weight of the body over thousands of steps a day, so it is a frequent site of pain. Heel and arch pain that is worst on the first steps in the morning typically comes from inflammation of the band of tissue under the sole.
- Get urgent help: Call 999 if a foot becomes cold, pale or blue, numb and painful with no pulse — this can mean the blood supply has been suddenly cut off. Seek urgent same-day help for a hot, swollen, red foot with fever, especially if you have diabetes, as this may be a spreading infection.
- Self-care: For everyday foot pain that has been confirmed as non-urgent, supportive, well-fitting shoes with good cushioning and a low heel make a big difference, while worn-out or unsupportive footwear often makes things worse.
About foot pain
The foot carries the whole weight of the body over thousands of steps a day, so it is a frequent site of pain. Heel and arch pain that is worst on the first steps in the morning typically comes from inflammation of the band of tissue under the sole. A hot, red, exquisitely tender big toe that comes on suddenly is a classic sign of gout, while aching, stiff joints suggest arthritis. Pain that comes on while walking and eases with rest, especially in older people or smokers, may signal narrowed arteries reducing the blood supply to the feet. This matters most in people with diabetes, in whom reduced sensation and circulation mean a minor injury can turn into a serious infection or ulcer without much pain to warn them. A cold, pale, pulseless and painful foot is an emergency, as is a hot swollen foot with fever and spreading redness.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if foot pain comes with any of these warning signs:
- Call 999 if a foot becomes cold, pale or blue, numb and painful with no pulse — this can mean the blood supply has been suddenly cut off.
- Seek urgent same-day help for a hot, swollen, red foot with fever, especially if you have diabetes, as this may be a spreading infection.
- Seek urgent help for any new sore, ulcer, blister or colour change on the foot if you have diabetes.
- Seek urgent help for foot pain after a significant injury with deformity, severe swelling or inability to bear weight.
- Seek urgent help for a sudden, severe, hot and swollen joint with fever, which could be an infected joint rather than gout.
When to see a doctor
Call 999 for a foot that suddenly becomes cold, pale, numb and painful, and get same-day help for a hot, swollen, feverish foot or any new wound if you have diabetes. Book an urgent appointment for a first sudden attack of a hot, swollen joint so the cause can be confirmed. For persistent heel, arch or joint pain that limits walking and is not settling with supportive footwear and rest over a few weeks, arrange a routine appointment to confirm the cause and plan treatment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of foot pain
Foot pain has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
For everyday foot pain that has been confirmed as non-urgent, supportive, well-fitting shoes with good cushioning and a low heel make a big difference, while worn-out or unsupportive footwear often makes things worse. Resting an inflamed foot, gentle stretching of the calf and sole, and a cold pack on a flare can all help. Cushioned insoles or arch supports relieve heel and arch pain for many people, and keeping to a healthy weight reduces the load on the foot. If you have diabetes, check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or colour changes, keep the skin moisturised but not soggy between the toes, never walk barefoot, and have your feet reviewed regularly, as small problems can become serious without warning.
Answers
Foot pain: frequently asked questions
Why does my heel hurt most first thing in the morning?
Sharp heel pain on the first steps of the day that eases as you walk is typical of inflammation of the tissue band under the sole. Calf and sole stretches, supportive footwear and cushioned insoles often help, and a clinician can confirm the cause.
Could my sudden painful big toe be gout?
A big toe that becomes suddenly very painful, red, hot and swollen is a classic picture of gout. It should be assessed, as a hot swollen joint with fever can also signal an infected joint, which is an emergency.
Why should people with diabetes take foot pain seriously?
Diabetes can reduce sensation and circulation in the feet, so a minor injury can turn into a deep ulcer or infection with little pain to warn you. Daily foot checks and prompt review of any sore, blister or colour change are important.
Can foot pain be a sign of poor circulation?
Yes. Pain in the foot or calf that comes on while walking and eases with rest, with cold or pale feet, can point to narrowed arteries reducing blood flow. A sudden cold, pale, painful foot is an emergency.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Plantar fasciitis.
- Versus Arthritis: foot pain.
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