Foot pain

Alternative names:

pain in the foot

Home care:

Wear comfortable shoes. Wear shoes with adequate room around the ball of the foot. Try wearing sneakers to work, and change into "dress" shoes at the office.

Over-the-counter pain medications for 2 to 3 weeks may help relieve the pain.

For foot pain caused by a bunion, moleskin or padding around the bunion may help relieve the pressure.

For foot pain caused by a stress fracture, rest is recommended. Crutches may be used for a week or so to take pressure off the foot if it is particularly painful.

For foot pain due to bony spurs, shoe inserts (one-fourth pads) may help, but rest is the most important ingredient to healing.

Call your health care provider if:

• the foot pain remains unexplained and is seemingly unrelated to either injury or shoes. A podiatrist may be helpful when dealing with foot pain.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and the foot will be examined. Once a diagnosis has been established, the doctor will treat the underlying cause.

Medical history questions documenting foot pain in detail may include:

• location
  • Are both feet affected?
  • Exactly what part of the foot is affected?
  • Is there pain over the small joints of the foot?
  • Is the pain in the joint where the toes and foot meet (MTP joint)?
  • Is the pain in the joints in the middle of the toes (PIP joint)
  • Is there pain in the bones of the foot (tarsal pain)

• distribution
  • Does the pain move from joint to joint (migrating)?
  • Does it always occur in the same location?
  • Is the pain the same on both feet?

• time pattern
  • began suddenly and severely
  • began slowly and mildly and then got worse
  • lasting for === months
  • worse at night
  • resolving spontaneously in less than 6 weeks

• other
  • What other symptoms are present?

The physical examination will include thorough examination of the feet.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include foot X-rays (extremity X-ray).

For bunions or spurs, cortisone injections may be prescribed if relief has not been obtained with other medication or changing shoes. No more than 3 injections should be attempted in most cases.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to foot pain to your personal medical record.