Where does it hurt? A foot pain self-check

Find the spot that matches your pain below, then open the page for that problem. It's a guide, not a diagnosis: two problems can feel alike, and some need same-day care, so check the first list before anything else.

Check these first

• A foot or leg that's suddenly cold, pale or blue, or severely painful, numb or weak: call 000
• Can't take a few steps after a fall or injury, or felt a pop or snap at the back of the ankle: get same-day care
• A hot, red, swollen foot or toe joint, especially with fever or feeling unwell: see a GP the same day
• A swollen, warm or painful calf, or a wound from a nail, glass or a bite: see a GP the same day
• Diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling with a new wound, redness or swelling: get same-day care, even if it doesn't hurt
• Not sure who to see? Podiatrist, GP or emergency?

Heel and arch

• Under the heel, worst with your first steps in the morning or after sitting: plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Back of the heel or above it, stiff at first and sore on hills or stairs: Achilles pain
• Heel pain after sport in a child of about 9 to 13: Sever's disease
• Aching arches, or feet, ankles or knees that tire easily: flat feet and foot shape

Front of the foot and toes

• Under the ball of the foot: ball-of-foot pain
• Burning, tingling or a 'pebble in the shoe' feeling between the toes: Morton's neuroma
• A sore bump at the big-toe joint, worse in shoes: bunion pain

Nails and skin

• A sore, red or swollen nail edge: ingrown toenails
• Thick, yellow or crumbly nails: thickened and fungal nails
• Hard skin, or a spot that feels like a stone in your shoe: corns and calluses
• A rough, painful spot on the sole: plantar warts
• Dry heels that split: cracked heels

Ankle and shin

• An ankle sprain that still swells, hurts or gives way after about six weeks: ankle sprain not healing
• Pain along the inner shin with exercise: shin pain and shin splints
• Pain from running, training or sport: sports and running injuries

Children and diabetes

• Children's feet, walking or foot shape: children's feet and when should a child see a podiatrist?
• Living with diabetes: a yearly diabetic foot check, or sooner if your risk is higher

How we can help at Burwood Podiatry

Whatever the spot, you can book directly: no referral is needed for a private appointment.

• An assessment of where it hurts and why, with treatment that visit where suitable
• Treatments: strength and rehab, hands-on care, orthotics, shockwave, nail surgery and general podiatry
• Not sure what it is? See all foot problems we treat

If more than one area hurts, or you're unsure, book an assessment and tell us everything you've noticed. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.