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Foot pain

Bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles make up the foot. The foot is strong enough to bear body weight and move the body. But the foot can be painful when injured or affected by illness.

Foot pain can affect any part of the foot, from the toes to the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel.

Mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments. But it can take time for the pain to ease. See a health care provider for severe foot pain, especially if it comes after an injury.

Any part of the foot can be injured or overused. Some illnesses cause foot pain, as well. For example, arthritis is a common cause of foot pain.

Common causes of foot pain include:

Even mild foot pain can be troubling, at least at first. It is usually safe to try simple home remedies for a while.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

Schedule an office visit if you:

Self-care

Foot pain caused by an injury or overuse will often respond well to rest and cold therapy.

Even with the best of care, the foot might be stiff or hurt for several weeks. This is most likely to be first thing in the morning or after activity.

If you don’t know the cause of your foot pain or if the pain is in both feet, see a health care provider before trying home remedies. This is especially true for those with diabetes.

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