Foot & Ankle

Pain in the foot or ankle can arise after an injury (e.g a fall), or develop with no known injury (e.g a flare of arthritis). 

It can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones or other tissues in the foot and ankle joints.

Go straight to A&E if: 

• You have a new and visible deformed or misshapen ankle or foot
• The ankle or foot pain was caused by a serious fall or accident (eg. a fall from height or high impact sports injury)
• A recent fall or trauma if you have osteoporosis 
• You're unable to move your ankle or put any weight through your leg 
• You have ankle or foot pain with a temperature and feel unwell, especially after recent foot or ankle surgery or injections in the foot or ankle area - this can be a sign of infection

You should see your doctor if you: 

• Have pain that doesn’t show any signs of improvement, within a couple of weeks of self help
• Have pain that has rapidly deteriorated or suddenly worsened despite self help
• Have a history of inflammatory arthritis, immuno-suppression, cancer, Tuberculosis (TB), drug abuse, AIDS or other infection
• Feel unwell, have a fever, or unexplained weight loss
• Are experiencing significant and regular changes to your usual sleeping pattern
• Have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot 
• Have diabetes and foot pain – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

If you do not have any of the above, you may be able to effectively self manage your condition

There are several ways you can help yourself including: 

• Taking pain medication
• Keep active and avoid static postures/positions
• Find a balance between rest and some activity, try not to overdo things (alter activities that make it worse so they are less painful) 
• Using cold treatment, eg. ice packs, or heat treatment, eg. heat packs 
• Wear comfortable and supportive footwear