Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Sudden foot weakness or numbness with other signs of loss of function
• Sudden foot pain with numbness and cold or pale skin that has lasted for more than a few minutes

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• An injury to a toe, foot, or ankle: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries.
• Leg problems such as pain, cramps, or swelling in a leg: Go to the topic Leg Problems, Noninjury.
• Damage to your feet from cold exposure: Go to the topic Cold Temperature Exposure.
• If you are pregnant and have swelling in your lower legs: Go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.

Yes	Do you have pain, soreness, or cramping in your toe, foot, or ankle?
Yes	Do you have toe, foot, or ankle swelling?
Yes	Do you have numbness, tingling, burning, or stinging in your toes or feet?
Yes	Do you have pale, white, blue, or cold toes or feet?
Yes	Did you have sudden weakness of a toe, foot, or ankle with any other symptoms of loss of function, but your symptoms are gone now?
Yes	Do you think you have an infection?
Yes	Do you have a lump, bump, thickening, or growth on your toe, foot, or ankle?
Yes	Do you have skin changes on your feet or between your toes?
Yes	Does your toe bend in an odd direction?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• A rash on your feet: Go to the topic Rash, Age 12 and Older or Rash, Age 11 and Younger.
• Athlete's foot: Go to the topic Athlete's Foot.
• Fungal toenails: Go to the topic Fungal Nail Infections.
• A toenail problem: Go to the topic Nail Problems and Injuries.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA	Last Updated: February 8, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
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