Pain in the bottom of the foot

Pain in the bottom of your foot (arch, ball or sole) will often get better in a few weeks. See a GP if it does not improve.

If you see a GP about pain in the bottom of your foot, they may suggest trying these things:

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're overweight

  • 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

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
  • if you need to see a GP

Find a pharmacy

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
  • you have diabetes and foot pain – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E 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

These might be signs of a broken bone after an injury.

Find an urgent treatment centre
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
  • always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
  • you cannot sleep
  • it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:
  • always there
  • makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
  • you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
  • comes and goes
  • is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Pain in the bottom of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition, such as Morton's neuroma.

Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.

Your symptoms might give you an idea what's causing it, but do not self-diagnose. Get medical help if you're worried.

Symptoms Possible cause
Pain, swelling, bruising, started after intense or repetitive exercise Sprained foot
Sharp, burning or shooting pain near your toes (ball of your foot), feels like a lump or small stone under your foot Morton's neuroma
Sharp pain between your arch and heel, feels worse when you start walking and better when resting, difficulty raising toes off floor Plantar fasciitis
No gap (arch) under your foot when you stand up, your foot presses flat on the floor Flat feet (fallen arches)

Do not worry if you're not sure what the problem is.

Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if the pain does not get better in 2 weeks.

Self-refer for treatment

If you have pain in the bottom of your foot, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
  • search online for NHS treatment for foot pain near you