Pain in the bottom of the foot

You can usually ease pain in the bottom of your foot by resting and raising your foot, using an ice pack and taking painkillers.

Causes of pain in the bottom of your foot include exercising a lot, wearing tight shoes and conditions such as Morton's neuroma.

Pain in the bottom of your foot is often caused by exercise such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight.

It can also be caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium, especially in children. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot.

Do not self-diagnose the cause of the pain yourself.

If you think you may have broken your foot or any toes, do not try to treat it yourself. Contact NHS 111 to find out what to do.

There are things you can do to help pain in the bottom of your foot:

• rest and raise your foot when you can

• put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

• wear shoes with plenty of room for your feet that have a low heel and soft sole

• use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes

• try to lose weight if you need to

• try regular gentle stretching exercises for your foot and ankle

• use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)

• do not do any sports or other activity that you think is causing the pain

• do not walk or stand for long periods

• do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• the best painkiller to take
• insoles and pads for your shoes
• treatments for common skin problems, such as hard skin or a verruca
• whether you need to see a GP

• the pain in the bottom of your foot is stopping you doing normal activities
• the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
• the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
• you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot, or your feet feel weak
• you have diabetes and foot pain – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems