Toe, Foot, And Ankle Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have pain, soreness, or cramping in your toe, foot, or ankle?

See significance of pain, soreness, or cramping if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe pain that does not get better with rest?

Yes

Do you have severe pain when you try to stand or walk (bear weight)?

Yes

Is a young child unable or unwilling to walk or stand, limping, or protecting a foot or ankle?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that gets better with rest but comes back with activity?

Yes

Do you have moderate pain in your foot or ankle that has made walking difficult?

Yes

Do you have a foot cramp that has not gotten better after 4 hours of home treatment?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has pain, soreness, or cramping that is usual for you become worse after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Does walking or putting pressure on your foot still cause pain after 24 hours of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do your foot cramps improve with home treatment but keep coming back (without other symptoms and without getting worse)?

Yes

Have you had mild pain, soreness, or cramping for 1 week or longer?

Yes

Do you have foot cramps that come and go for 1 week or longer without other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	October 27, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer