Pain In The Bottom Of The Foot

Common causes of pain in the bottom of the foot

Pain in the bottom of your foot is often caused by exercise such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight.

It can also be caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium, especially in children. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot.

Do not self-diagnose the cause of the pain yourself.

Important

If you think you may have broken your foot or any toes, do not try to treat it yourself. Contact NHS 111 to find out what to do.

How you can ease pain in the bottom of the foot

There are things you can do to help pain in the bottom of your foot:

Do

  • rest and raise your foot when you can

  • put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet that have a low heel and soft sole

  • use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes

  • try to lose weight if you need to

  • try regular gentle stretching exercises for your foot and ankle

  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)

Don't

  • do not do any sports or other activity that you think is causing the pain

  • do not walk or stand for long periods

  • do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

A pharmacist can help with foot pain

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • the best painkiller to take
  • insoles and pads for your shoes
  • treatments for common skin problems, such as hard skin or a verruca
  • whether you need to see a GP

Find a pharmacy

See exercise video safety information

The exercises in this series of videos are suitable for most people in good health with a reasonable level of fitness.

Unless stated otherwise, they are general exercises only and are not aimed at treating any specific cause of pain or condition. Video titles and descriptions can give more information on how difficult the exercises are and who they are for.

Get advice from a healthcare professional (such as a GP) before trying them if:

  • you are not sure if the exercises are suitable for your current level of fitness
  • you have a health problem, an injury, any symptoms, are feeling unwell, or you have had a recent health event such as a heart attack or operation
  • you have any other concerns about your health
  • you are pregnant or have recently given birth

Stop the exercise immediately if you feel any pain or become unwell. If you are concerned about any symptoms, or they do not go away, get help from 111 online or call 111 for advice.

See a GP if:

  • the pain in the bottom of your foot is stopping you doing normal activities
  • the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
  • the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
  • you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot, or your feet feel weak
  • you have diabetes and foot pain - foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
Information:

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Contact NHS 111 if:

  • you have severe pain in the bottom of your foot
  • you're not able to walk
  • your foot has changed shape or is at an odd angle
  • you heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
  • you feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

You could also go to an urgent treatment centre.

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
Photos: OutUK and LightFieldStudios.

 

search | site info | site map | new this week | home | outspoken | more

 

 

  UK gay lads | Gay news UK | Gay travel and holidays UK | UK & London gay scene

OutUK is the UK's Gay Men's Guide with the latest gay news, advice, entertainment and information. We feature gay guides to cities and holiday destinations around the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. In our Premium Membership section there are hundreds of galleries of photos and videos of the sexiest guys around, from the UK and all over the world.