Health Information Library

Physical discomfort in the foot.

Rest the foot as much as possible. Avoid activities that worsen pain. Ice the area up to 20 minutes several times a day. Pain medicines available without a prescription may help.

See a healthcare professional immediately for:

• Serious pain or swelling.
• An open wound or obvious deformity.
• Signs of infection, such as fever.
• Trouble walking or putting weight on the foot.
• A wound that isn't healing.

Make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if:

• Swelling doesn't improve in 2 to 5 days.
• Pain doesn’t stop or worsens.
• Pain makes it hard to work or do daily tasks.
• There is numbness, burning or tingling in the foot.