Want To Beat Foot Pain?

Written By: Chloe Wilson - BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed By: FPE Medical Review Board

Foot pain is a common problem. The foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons. Each year we take on average half a million steps, so it’s no wonder that things go wrong.

The good news is that most cases of foot pain will settle with simple treatment at home. But where should you start? 

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis By Pain Location 
e.g. top of foot, heel, arches

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Symptoms

Common Foot Symptoms
e.g. burning pain, swelling, numbness

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Conditions

Conditions & Injuries
e.g. sprains, tendonitis, bone spurs

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Treatment

Best Ways To Reduce Foot Pain
e.g. PRICE, orthotics, injections

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Exercises

Foot, Ankle & Calf Exercises
e.g. stretches, strengthening, balance

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Anatomy

Foot & Ankle Structures
e.g. bones, muscles, ligaments

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Take Back Control

I have helped countless people beat foot and ankle pain, having worked as a physiotherapist (PT) for over 10 years. The key is to understand what is wrong, why it is causing pain, how to treat it and how to stop it from coming back. 

Each section on foot-pain-explored contains in-depth information on each topic and will guide you through the different aspects of foot and ankle pain. If you can’t find what you are looking for, have a look at our sitemap.

If your pain is further up the leg, please visit our sister site on knee pain.

When Is Foot Pain Serious?

Most cases of foot pain will settle down with simple treatment, but sometimes it’s worth discussing things with your doctor.

See Your Regular Doctor If:

• You have moderate foot pain
• The pain is there all the time
• Your foot symptoms have suddenly got worse
• You have a high temperature with your foot pain
• You notice that your lymph nodes are swollen e.g. in the neck or groin as this can be a sign of an infection
• There is no improvement in your symptoms after a week
• You have a medical condition that affects your circulation e.g. diabetes

Seek Urgent Medical Attention If:

• You have severe foot pain
• You heard a cracking or popping noise when you injured your foot
• There is severe foot swelling and bruising
• Your foot looks an awkward shape
• You are unable to bear weight on your foot
• You notice any changes in your bladder or bowel
• You lose sensation in one or both feet

Where Should I Start?

Let's have a look at what you can expect to find in each of the main sections on foot-pain-explored.com

Foot Pain Diagnosis

In the foot pain diagnosis section, we'll help you work out what is causing your foot pain and why. 

One of the simplest ways to do this is to start by thinking about where your main area of foot pain is.

It may be on the top of your foot, on the side of the ankle, underneath the foot, in the toes, up the calf or in the heel.

Our handy foot pain diagram is a great tool for working out what going on. LEARN MORE >

Foot Pain Symptoms

Another way to work out what is causing your foot pain is to think about your specific symptoms. There may be foot and ankle swelling, burning pain, numbness, foot or calf cramps, a rash or even a changes in foot position.

Each of these things may indicate a different foot problem so we guide you through how to work out what is going on and then how to treat it. LEARN MORE >

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Here we look at the most common causes of foot pain. These include common foot and ankle injuries such as ankle sprains and fractures as well as conditions that come on gradually over time such as tendonitis and bursitis.

We look at common foot problems affecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves to give you a comprehensive guide to over 25 possible causes of foot pain. LEARN MORE >

Foot Pain Treatment

Once you know what is causing your foot pain, it's time to find out what to do about it!

In the foot pain treatment section we look at a whole range of treatment options for a wide variety of conditions including exercises, stretches, special footwear and orthotics, reflexology, acupuncture and foot surgery.

We also look at the best first aid treatments for foot and ankle injuries. LEARN MORE >

Foot & Ankle Exercises

In the foot and ankle exercises section you will find a huge range of exercises to choose from.

Whether you are wanting to strengthen your calf, ankle & foot muscles, improve the balance and stability around your ankle or stretch out the foot to improve mobility you will find some great foot exercises for you.

We also share our top tips on how to get the most out of exercises without causing further injuries, how to work at the right level for you and how to progress as you get stronger. LEARN MORE >

Foot & Ankle Anatomy

Find out all about the many different structures in the foot and ankle in the anatomy section. With over 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons, not to mention the 33 bones, there's a lot to get your head round! LEARN MORE >

What Next?

Please be aware that all the information on foot-pain-explored.com is intended for general education purposes only. 

Nothing that you read on this site should delay you from seeking professional medical advice or substitute any advice, diagnosis or treatment that you have been given or recommended by your health professional - please see our terms and conditions before proceeding.  

Thank you for visiting foot-pain-explored.com. If you have any questions, do get in touch via the contact form. 

1. Foot Pain Guide

Page Last Updated: March 3rd, 2020
Next Review Due: March 3rd, 2022