Foot Pain is a common problem that can affect walking, activity levels and day-to-day life. It may come on gradually or more suddenly, and it can affect different parts of the foot depending on the underlying cause.

Mr Edward Dawe is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle surgery. He assesses a wide range of foot and ankle conditions in Sussex, and treatment may include non-surgical measures, further investigation, or surgery where appropriate.

Where is your Foot Pain?

The site of pain can help suggest the underlying problem:

When should you seek specialist advice?

Assessment may be helpful if:

  • pain is persistent or worsening
  • symptoms are affecting walking, exercise or daily activity
  • there are ongoing problems with shoe fitting
  • there is swelling, stiffness or deformity
  • previous treatment has not improved symptoms

Early assessment can help identify the likely cause of symptoms and guide the most appropriate next steps.

Assessment and diagnosis

A consultation usually involves discussing your symptoms, examining the foot and ankle, and reviewing any previous treatment or scans. Where needed, further investigations such as weight-bearing X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be arranged.

The aim of assessment is to identify the most likely source of pain and to discuss whether non-surgical treatment, further investigation or surgery may be appropriate.

Treatment for Foot Pain

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Many causes of Foot Pain can be managed without surgery, for example with changes in footwear, activity modification, insoles, physiotherapy, medication or injection treatment where appropriate.

Surgery is considered only in selected cases, depending on the condition, the severity of symptoms, imaging findings and the response to non-surgical treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Common causes include Bunions, Big Toe Arthritis, Heel Pain, Achilles Tendinopathy, Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, arthritis, tendon problems and other causes of forefoot pain.

Yes. The site of pain can help guide diagnosis. For example, Heel Pain, Big Toe Pain, Arch Pain, Forefoot Pain and pain at the back of the heel may each suggest different conditions.

Assessment may be helpful if pain is persistent, worsening, affecting walking or activity, causing problems with shoe fitting, or not improving with previous treatment.

Not always. Some conditions can be diagnosed clinically, but X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be useful depending on the symptoms and examination findings.

No. Many causes of Foot Pain can be managed without surgery. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and how much symptoms are affecting quality of life and activity.

Yes. Bunions can cause pain around the Big Toe joint and may also contribute to pressure symptoms and problems with shoe fitting in the forefoot.