Everyone has had a minor problem with a toe, foot, or ankle. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear or overuse. Toe, foot, or ankle problems can also occur from injuries or the natural process of aging.
Your toes, feet, or ankles may burn, sting, hurt, feel tired, sore, stiff, numb, tingly, hot, or cold. You may have had a "charley horse" (muscle cramp) in your foot while lying in bed at night. Your feet or ankles may change colour or swell. You may have noticed an embarrassing odour from your feet. Some changes in your feet and ankles are normal as a person ages or during pregnancy. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve your symptoms.
Toe, foot, or ankle problems may be caused by an injury. If you think an injury caused your problem, see the topic Toe, Foot, or Ankle Injuries. But there are many non-injury causes of toe, foot, or ankle problems.
Skin problems
Most skin problems that affect your feet are more annoying than they are serious. If you have:
The feeling of walking on pebbles: You may have plantar warts on the bottom of your feet.
Patches of thick and tough skin on the heel or ball of your foot: You may have a callus, corn, blister, or skin growth.
Red, peeling, cracking, burning, and itchy skin between your toes or on the bottom of your feet: You may have athlete's foot. Or maybe your feet are reacting to the shoes you are wearing (shoe dermatitis).
Red, swollen, and painful skin around a toenail: You may have an ingrown nail or an infection around your nail (Paronychia).
Red, swollen soles of your feet that are painful to the touch or when you walk: You may have a bacterial infection. Public showers, hot tubs, or swimming pools are common areas where bacterial infections, athlete's foot, and warts can be spread to your feet.
Joint problems
Toe joints are more likely to develop problems than other joints in your feet.
Heat, pain, redness, swelling, and extreme tenderness that comes on quickly in your big toe joint may be caused by gout. Similar symptoms can occur with an infection.
If you have swelling or a bump at the base of your big toe, you may have a bunion.
If you have a bump on the outside of your little toe, you may have a bunionette, also called a tailor's bunion.
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are common when you have conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, lupus, or gout.
Pain
You may develop pain in the front (ball) of your foot (metatarsalgia) or in your heel. Heel problems commonly occur when you overuse calf muscles, wear shoes with high heels, or participate in activities, such as running, that cause repeated pounding on your heels.
Sharp pain on the bottom of your heel may be caused by plantar fasciitis.
Pain that is worse before or after exercise but improves during exercise may be caused by a stress fracture of a bone in your foot (usually a metatarsal bone).
Small bony growths under your heel bone may be a heel spur.
Pain in your mid-foot may be caused by "fallen arches" or by being flat-footed.
Pain or a bump on the back of the heel is a type of bursitis called Haglund's deformity.
Numbness or tingling
Many conditions may affect the nerves of the foot and cause numbness, tingling, and burning.
Pain, burning, tingling, or numbness that occurs between your toes, especially the third and fourth toes, and in the ball of your foot may be caused by a growth around the nerves (Morton's neuroma).
Pain, numbness, and tingling that begins in your back or buttock, moves down your leg, and into your foot may be sciatica, caused by a pinched nerve (nerve root compression).
Foot and ankle pain that occurs with numbness and weakness in your foot may be caused by a pinched nerve in your ankle (tarsal tunnel syndrome) or back (sciatica).
Burning, numbness, or lack of feeling in your feet may be caused by poor circulation, especially in people who have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. The circulation problem can lead to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathies). Foot problems are more likely to develop in people who have these conditions.
This includes symptoms like pain and changes in the way your feet look or feel.
Yes
Toe, foot, or ankle problem
No
Toe, foot, or ankle problem
How old are you?
Less than 5 years
Less than 5 years
5 years or older
5 years or older
Are you male or female?
Male
Male
Female
Female
The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.
If you are transgender or non-binary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.
Did you injure the toe, foot, or ankle in the past month?
Yes
Toe, foot, or ankle injury in the past month
No
Toe, foot, or ankle injury in the past month
Have you had toe, foot, or ankle surgery in the past month?
If a cast, splint, or brace is causing the problem, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.
Yes
Toe, foot, or ankle surgery in the past month
No
Toe, foot, or ankle surgery in the past month
Do you have a problem with your nails?
This means a problem that affects the nails only and not any other part of the limb (no other parts of the finger or hand or of the toe or foot).
Yes
Nail problem
No
Nail problem
Has sudden, severe weakness or severe numbness affected the whole leg or the whole foot?
Weakness is being unable to use the leg or foot normally no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but that is not the same thing as weakness.
Yes
Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole leg or foot
No
Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole leg or foot
When did it start?
Think about when you first noticed the weakness or numbness or when you first noticed a major change in the symptoms.
Less than 4 hours ago
Numbness or weakness began less than 4 hours ago
From 4 hours to 2 days (48 hours) ago
Numbness or weakness began from 4 to less than 48 hours ago
From 2 days to 2 weeks ago
Numbness or weakness began 2 days to 2 weeks ago
More than 2 weeks ago
Numbness or weakness began more than 2 weeks ago
Do you still have any weakness or numbness?
Weakness or numbness that does not go away may be more serious.
Yes
Numbness or weakness is now present
No
Numbness or weakness is now present
Has the weakness or numbness:
Gotten worse?
Numbness or weakness is getting worse
Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?
Numbness or weakness is unchanged
Gotten better?
Numbness or weakness is improving
Is the foot or are any of the toes blue, very pale, or cold and different from the other foot or toes?
If the foot or leg is in a cast, splint, or brace, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.
Yes
Foot or toes are blue, very pale, or cold and different from other foot or toes
No
Foot or toes are blue, very pale, or cold and different from other foot or toes
Is there any pain in the toes, foot, or ankle?
Yes
Pain in toes, foot, or ankle
No
Pain in toes, foot, or ankle
How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?
Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?
Yes
Red streaks or pus
No
Red streaks or pus
Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?
"Hardware" includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.
Yes
Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area
No
Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area
Are you having trouble moving the foot or toes?
Pain and swelling can limit movement.
Yes
Difficulty moving foot or toes
No
Difficulty moving foot or toes
Is it very hard to move or somewhat hard to move?
"Very hard" means you can't move it at all in any direction without causing severe pain. "Somewhat hard" means you can move it at least a little, though you may have some pain when you do it.
Very hard
Very hard to move
Somewhat hard
Somewhat hard to move
How long have you had trouble moving the foot or toes?
Less than 2 days
Difficulty moving foot for less than 2 days
2 days to 2 weeks
Difficulty moving foot for 2 days to 2 weeks
More than 2 weeks
Difficulty moving foot for more than 2 weeks
Has the loss of movement been:
Getting worse?
Difficulty moving is getting worse
Staying about the same (not better or worse)?
Difficulty moving is unchanged
Getting better?
Difficulty moving is improving
Is there any swelling?
Yes
Swelling
No
Swelling
Do you have any new shortness of breath or chest pain?
When this occurs with swelling or deep pain in one leg, it can be a symptom of a blood clot that has moved from the leg to the lung.
Yes
Shortness of breath or chest pain
No
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Have you been urinating a lot less than usual lately?
Yes
Decreased urination
No
Decreased urination
Is the swelling getting worse (over hours or days)?
Yes
Swelling is getting worse
No
Swelling is getting worse
Is there a painful lump, bump, growth, or thickened area on the foot or toe?
Yes
Painful lump, bump, thickening, or growth on toe or foot
No
Painful lump, bump, thickening, or growth on toe or foot
Have you had toe, foot, or ankle problems for more than 2 weeks?
Yes
Symptoms for more than 2 weeks
No
Symptoms for more than 2 weeks
Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:
Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, or natural health products can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home Treatment
You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.
Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.
It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.
Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
Pain in children 3 years and older
Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the child can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain. No one can tolerate severe pain for more than a few hours.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt the child's normal activities and sleep, but the child can tolerate it for hours or days.
Mild pain (1 to 4): The child notices and may complain of the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt his or her sleep or activities.
When an area turns blue, very pale, or cold, it can mean that there has been a sudden change in the blood supply to the area. This can be serious.
There are other reasons for colour and temperature changes. Bruises often look blue. A limb may turn blue or pale if you leave it in one position for too long, but its normal colour returns after you move it. What you are looking for is a change in how the area looks (it turns blue or pale) and feels (it becomes cold to the touch), and this change does not go away.
Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:
Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Not having a spleen.
Pain in adults and older children
Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.
Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.
Symptoms of infection may include:
Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
Red streaks leading from the area.
Pus draining from the area.
A fever.
Seek Care Now
Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.
Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.
You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.
Seek Care Today
Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.
Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today.
If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Post-Operative Problems
Nail Problems and Injuries
Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries
Home Treatment
Most minor toe, foot, or ankle problems go away on their own. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve your pain, swelling, and stiffness.
If you have swelling, be sure to remove all rings, anklets, or any other jewellery that goes around your leg or ankle. It will be harder to remove your jewellery if swelling increases, which in turn can cause other serious problems, such as nerve compression or restricted blood flow.
Stop, change, or take a break from any activities that cause your symptoms.
Avoid "running through the pain," which may increase damage to your foot.
Consider changing your exercise routine if you think running or another high-impact sport is causing your foot pain. Switch temporarily to a low-impact exercise activity, such as cross-country skiing, stair-climbing machines, bicycling (regular or stationary), rowing, or swimming.
Use sensible sports training techniques, such as wearing the right shoes and stretching before activities.
Gently massage your feet to reduce discomfort, relax your feet, and promote circulation.
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes and socks. See tips on good footwear to learn how to choose the right shoes for you.
Consider using an orthotic shoe device, such as an arch support, to help relieve your foot pain.
Try heel-cord exercises to increase your strength and flexibility if your heel or heel cord (Achilles tendon) is tight and painful. This may help relieve your heel pain.
Medicine you can buy without a prescription
Try a non-prescription medicine to help treat your pain:
Aspirin (also a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Asaphen or Entrophen
Talk to your child's doctor before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you switch between two medicines, there is a chance your child will get too much medicine.
Safety tips
Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a non-prescription medicine:
Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box.
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it.
If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to.
Try home treatment for these other foot problems such as:
Foot cramps. Try the following home treatment to help relieve leg cramps:
Straighten your leg.
Hold your foot and pull it toward you. It is probably easiest to do this from a sitting position. You can loop a towel around the end of your foot and pull it toward you if you have trouble reaching your foot.
Gently rub or massage your foot.
Calluses and corns. Home treatment may help relieve discomfort from corns, calluses, or other thickened skin:
To thin a corn or callus, rub the thickened skin with a towel after a shower or bath.
Use a pumice stone after bathing to reduce the tissue. Do not do this if you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, or if you have been told that you have poor circulation in your feet.
Pad pressure areas with doughnut-shaped felt, moleskin patches, or lamb's wool.
Never cut corns or calluses. Infection may develop.
Some lotions and moisturizers may also relieve symptoms from corns and calluses.
Blisters. Home treatment for blisters depends on whether the blister is small or large and whether it has broken open. See a picture of blisters.
Swollen ankles and feet. Try the following home treatment measures to reduce swelling in your ankles and feet:
Elevate swollen feet and ankles on a footstool or pillows (above the level of your heart) when sitting for any length of time.
Get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour if you sit for any length of time.
Cut down on your salt (sodium) intake or make a salt substitute. Sodium can be hidden in foods such as cheese, canned soups, and salad dressing. Talk to your doctor before trying a salt substitute.
If you are diagnosed with a foot problem, other home treatment steps may help.
If your varicose veins are swollen or uncomfortable, see the topic Varicose Veins.
If your feet are peeling, cracking, itching, and burning from athlete's foot, see the topic Athlete's Foot.
The following tips may prevent toe, foot, or ankle problems.
General tips
Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water. Use a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately.
Avoid problems by wearing good footwear. Wear comfortable and supportive shoes. Support weak or unstable ankles by using a brace or taping before exercise or activities that increase your risk of problems.
Wear the correct size panty hose and stockings. Avoid wearing constricting garters, knee-high, or thigh-high stockings.
Use a rubber mat to stand on if your work requires you to stand on hard surfaces. This may reduce stress on your feet.
Maintain a reasonable weight for your height.
Exercise tips
Do stretching exercises for the tendons at the back of the heels. This is especially important for athletes before sports activities but is also helpful for people who are not involved with sports.
Walk regularly to improve circulation, increase flexibility, reduce fatigue, and encourage bone and muscle development.
Consider consulting a sports-training specialist if you are a competitive or serious recreational athlete. He or she can recommend training and conditioning programs to prevent foot problems.
Foot care tips
Never cut calluses and corns with a razor or a pocketknife. Use non-prescription toe sleeves or toe spacers to prevent irritation.
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
