Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Understanding the problem
Pain under the foot is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. The exact location, how it started and what activities provoke it can help narrow the possibilities.
Common causes or contributing factors
- Plantar fascia irritation
- Metatarsalgia or overload beneath the ball of the foot
- Morton’s neuroma or other forefoot nerve irritation
- Sesamoid problems beneath the big-toe joint
- Corns, callus or plantar warts
- Stress injury, arthritis or joint inflammation
What can you do?
- Reduce or modify clearly aggravating activity for a short period.
- Wear supportive, comfortable footwear with cushioning and room for the toes.
- Avoid repeatedly walking barefoot on hard surfaces if this increases symptoms.
- Return to higher-impact activity gradually as symptoms improve.
When not to wait
Seek prompt assessment for severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, marked swelling, a hot red foot, an open wound, loss of sensation or persistent focal bone pain.
Seek prompt assessment for severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, marked swelling, a hot red foot, an open wound, loss of sensation or persistent focal bone pain.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.
Start the Footpath Health assessment →