Foot pain finder: what's causing it and what helps
Short answer
Location tells you most of it. Bottom-of-heel pain that's worst with your first steps is usually plantar fasciitis. Burning between the third and fourth toes points to Morton's neuroma. Aching under the ball of the foot is metatarsalgia. Use the finder below to narrow it down; it runs in your browser and doesn't store anything.
How the finder works
Each spot on the foot maps to the conditions that most commonly cause pain there, according to AAOS, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and the NHS. Your answers about timing move those up or down the list. "First-step" pain, for example, is the classic sign of plantar fasciitis; pain that's better barefoot points toward a neuroma.
It can't examine your foot, order an X-ray or rule out a fracture, so treat the result as a starting point. If two conditions come out close, read both pages; they often overlap. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, for instance, can occur together, though many people with a spur have no pain.
When not to use a finder at all
- You heard a pop or snap, the foot looks deformed, or you can't bear weight.
- The foot is red, hot and swollen, or you have a fever.
- You have diabetes and a cut, blister or sore that isn't healing after a few days.
- Pain is severe, getting worse, or hasn't improved after about 2 weeks of home care.
Common questions
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It lists common causes that fit where and when it hurts. Only an exam, and sometimes an X-ray or ultrasound, can confirm a diagnosis.
Does it save my answers?
No. The finder runs in your browser. We only record anonymous usage events (which spot was picked) to improve the site.