Foot & Ankle Symptom Checker
Answer a few quick questions about where it hurts and what you are feeling. You will get a short list of likely causes and a sensible next step — and it will flag anything that needs urgent care.
Before you start
First, let’s rule out urgent symptoms
This checker is for non-urgent foot and ankle problems. Please read the list below before you begin. If any of these apply to you, do not use the checker — get medical help now.
Get urgent help if you have any of these
- A foot or ankle that is cold, pale, blue or numb
- Severe, tight swelling, or pain that feels far worse than expected
- A wound that is spreading, or you feel hot, feverish or unwell
- You cannot put any weight on it after an injury, or it looks deformed
- A painful, swollen, warm calf after surgery, illness or long travel
If any of these apply: use NHS 111 online for urgent advice, or call 999 in an emergency.
The checker gives general information only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace seeing a clinician.
Step 1 of 4
Where does it hurt?
Tap an area on the foot, or use the list. Choose one or more.
Step 2 of 4
What are you feeling?
Choose all that apply. Urgent combinations are checked as you select them.
Step 3 of 4
How long has this been going on?
Choose the closest match. This helps separate sudden injury from longer-term overload or arthritis patterns.
Step 4 of 4
How severe is it?
Pick the option that best describes how much this is affecting walking, work, sport or sleep.
Results
What this could be
Most problems are treated without surgery first.
The usual first steps are a proper examination, sometimes a scan, and non-surgical care such as footwear advice, orthotics, physiotherapy or an injection. Surgery is considered only when these have been tried or are not suitable.
Get urgent medical advice
About this symptom checker
This free symptom checker is provided by Mercury Foot & Ankle, a private foot and ankle surgery practice serving Milton Keynes, Northampton and Banbury. It helps you find likely causes of heel, arch, ankle and toe pain and points you to a sensible next step. It is information only and does not replace a clinical assessment.
Conditions we assess and treat
- Plantar Fasciitis — Heel pain that is worst with the first steps in the morning.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Gradual pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, worse with activity.
- Adult Acquired Flatfoot — Gradual flattening of the arch, often with pain on the inner foot and ankle.
- Ankle Arthritis — Stiffness and pain in the ankle joint, worse on activity.
- Ankle Sprain — Pain and swelling after twisting or rolling the ankle.
- Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus) — A stiff, painful big toe joint, worse when pushing off.
- Bunion (Hallux Valgus) — A bony lump at the base of the big toe that can rub on shoes.
- Hindfoot Arthritis — Pain and stiffness in the joints below the ankle.
- Midfoot Arthritis — Pain and stiffness across the middle of the foot, worse on activity.
- Morton's Neuroma — Burning or tingling pain in the ball of the foot, sometimes with numb toes.
- Small Toe Deformity — Claw, hammer or mallet toes that can rub and become painful.
Common questions
What can cause heel pain? Heel pain often comes from plantar fasciitis, felt as sharp pain under the heel with the first steps of the day. Pain at the back of the heel is more often Achilles tendinopathy. A sudden snap with weakness can mean an Achilles rupture and should be seen quickly.
When is foot or ankle pain an emergency? Seek urgent care if the foot is hot, red and swollen with feeling unwell; if it turns cold, pale or numb; if you cannot put weight on it after an injury; or if a wound is spreading. A cold, numb foot or severe swelling with numbness can be an emergency: call 999.
Do I need surgery for a bunion? Not usually as a first step. Many bunions are managed with footwear changes, padding and pain relief. Surgery is considered when pain limits daily life and non-surgical measures have not helped.
Can I see a foot and ankle surgeon privately near Milton Keynes, Northampton or Banbury? Yes. Mercury Foot & Ankle offers private assessment with consultant surgeons Professor Arul Ramasamy and Mr Joel Humphrey across Milton Keynes, Northampton and Banbury.
What can cause pain in the ball of the foot? Ball-of-foot pain can come from overload, Morton's neuroma, toe joint irritation, arthritis or footwear pressure. Burning, tingling or a pebble-like feeling may suggest nerve irritation and is worth assessing if it persists.
What can cause ankle pain after a twist? A twist can cause an ankle sprain, tendon irritation, cartilage injury or a fracture. If you cannot put weight on it, there is marked swelling, deformity or rapidly worsening bruising, seek urgent advice.
How long should I wait before booking an assessment? If symptoms are improving clearly over one to two weeks, simple self-care may be enough. Book an assessment sooner if pain is worsening, recurring, limiting walking or sport, or not improving after a sensible trial of rest and footwear changes.
Can the checker diagnose my condition? No. The checker gives general orientation based on your selected pain area and symptoms. A diagnosis needs a clinical history, examination and sometimes imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI.
What should I do if I have diabetes and a foot problem? People with diabetes should take foot wounds, redness, heat, swelling, numbness or feeling unwell seriously. Seek same-day advice through NHS 111, your GP, podiatry service or urgent care depending on severity.
Can I use the checker for sports injuries? Yes, it can help orient common sports-related foot and ankle patterns such as ankle sprain, Achilles pain, heel pain and forefoot overload. Sudden weakness, inability to bear weight or severe swelling should be checked urgently.
Will I need an X-ray or scan? Not always. Imaging is most useful when it answers a specific question, such as checking for fracture, arthritis, tendon injury, ligament damage or a problem that is not following the expected recovery pattern.
Can a GP or physiotherapist refer a patient? Yes. GPs, physiotherapists and other clinicians can use the referral page to send details for specialist foot and ankle review. Patients can also book directly for private assessment.
Reviewed by Professor Arul Ramasamy and Mr Joel Humphrey, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Last reviewed 28/05/2026.