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.
Start
Find a sensible next step for foot or ankle pain.
Choose where it hurts, select matching symptoms, then see likely conditions.
Step 1 of 3
Where does it hurt?
Tap an area on the foot, or use the list. Choose one or more.
Step 2 of 3
What are you feeling?
Choose all that apply. Urgent combinations are checked as you select them.
Step 3 of 3
What this could be
These results are orientation only, not a diagnosis. The highest scoring matches are shown first.
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? Yes. Mercury Foot & Ankle offers private assessment with consultant surgeons Professor Arul Ramasamy and Mr Joel Humphrey at The Saxon Clinic in Milton Keynes and Three Shires Hospital in Northampton.
Reviewed by Professor Arul Ramasamy and Mr Joel Humphrey, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Last reviewed 28/05/2026.