Foot Pain

Foot pain can happen in your bones, ligaments (tissue that connects bones), skin and tendons (tissue that connects muscles to bones). Our healthcare providers know what it takes to pinpoint what’s causing your foot or heel pain. During your diagnosis and treatment, you might see different providers:

• Orthopedists.
• Podiatrists (foot specialists).
• Surgical podiatrists.
• Certified nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Nurse anesthetists.
• Orthopaedic surgeons.
• Physical therapists.

We start by talking with you about your symptoms and medical history and doing a physical exam. We listen to you to understand how foot pain impacts your daily activities.

Our providers use X-rays to check for injuries or damage to the bones and joints in your feet. Sometimes we might need to take an even closer look. To get more detailed images of your feet, we may do imaging tests, like:

• CT scan: Healthcare providers use CT scan, a computerized X-ray, to see soft tissue and bone detail in your foot.
• Fluoroscopy: We use fluoroscopy, a special type of X-ray that produces video images, to see how structures in your foot move.
• MRI: We may order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a test that uses magnets and radio waves to create images of your foot.
• Ultrasound: Providers use ultrasound, a test that uses sound waves, to see details of the foot.

Our experts sometimes recommend additional testing to check on how the nerves in your feet are working. During electromyography, we insert a thin needle with an electrode through your skin to monitor muscle and nerve activity.

Everyone experiences pain. But the way you feel it is always unique to you. The ache in your foot is no exception. We want to understand how you feel pain. And that’s why we take the time to listen to you and how your foot pain is affecting your life.

Our experts use a personalized approach to treat foot pain. We offer:

Nonsurgical treatments for foot pain

Not all causes of foot pain require surgery. Sometimes there are other things we can try to help with your pain. Our experts take a close look at your symptoms and your lifestyle to recommend noninvasive treatments that help minimize downtime. We work with you to get you back to daily activities as quickly as possible.

We use a variety of nonsurgical techniques to treat foot pain, like:

• Cortisone injections to reduce swelling and stiffness.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen your feet.
• Protective footwear, like a boot, to support your foot as it heals.
• Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) to reduce pain and swelling.

Orthotics for foot pain

We use custom shoe inserts, splints and braces (orthotics) to correct foot alignment, reduce foot pain and heel pain and provide support. It can be an adjustment to get used to wearing orthotics. We’ll talk through your options and answer any questions you have about these wearable devices. Our orthotic experts work with both children and adults.

Surgery for foot pain

There are some cases where surgery may be the best option for your foot pain. Our providers may do surgery to remove damaged bone or tissue, correct deformities, repair tendons and ligaments or replace damaged joints. We may do surgery with local anesthesia (medicine that blocks pain) or general anesthesia (medicine that puts you to sleep).

Our experts may also use surgery to relieve pain from: 

• Achilles tendon injury.
• Benign bone tumors.
• Foot and ankle arthritis.
• Hammertoes.
• Bunions.
• Morton’s neuroma.

Foot Care for People with Diabetes

Our specialists treat painful foot and skin-related complications in people with diabetes. Cleveland Clinic podiatrists also provide routine care to help prevent foot problems from developing.

When infections, foot ulcers or other serious conditions develop, you have access to immediate expert care at all our regional locations. Our healthcare providers focus on treatments that help preserve and protect your feet.

Taking the Next Step

Foot pain from an injury or an ongoing problem can make it hard to walk from room to room, let along jog through the park. But you don’t have be sidelined for long. Cleveland Clinic is here to help you heal and recover from foot pain, no matter the cause. We’ll get you back to walking and running sooner than you think.