- I am over the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you recall any specific trauma (e.g. car accident, fall, direct impact, etc.) that caused your foot or ankle pain to start?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid this happen within the past 6 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you attend A&E or see your GP following this foot or ankle trauma?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you had an x-ray or any other investigations for this foot or ankle trauma?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid your x-ray reveal an injury to the bone?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of foot or ankle trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
You may need to attend A&E or a fracture clinic if you don't already have an appointment.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you having difficulty taking your full weight through the leg, causing you to limp or rely on a walking aid since this foot or ankle trauma?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of foot or ankle trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
You may need to attend A&E or a fracture clinic if you don't already have an appointment.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of foot or ankle trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you recall any specific injury (e.g. twisting injury, landing from a jump, direct impact, sports-related, etc.) that caused your foot or ankle pain to start?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid this happen within the past 6 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you having difficulty taking your full weight through the leg, causing you to limp or rely on a walking aid since this foot or ankle injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of foot or ankle trauma.
Please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upWhere do you feel the pain in your foot or ankle region?
1. Lateral (outside) ankle
2. Calf or achilles tendon3. Medial (inside) ankle
4. Foot- 1. Lateral ankle
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have an ankle sprain (over-stretched your ligaments) on the outside of your ankle.
Ankle sprains are common in sport but can also happen in everyday life when walking on uneven ground or wearing high-heeled shoes.
Mild sprains can improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take anything from 4 to 16 weeks to get better.
Sprains are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT - While many ankle sprains are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, occasionally they can happen alongside fractures of the ankle and foot, which require prompt medical advice.
If you have sustained a significant injury within the past 24 to 48 hours and you are unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, and you are still unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
If you can take full weight on your ankle and walk independently more than 4 steps then you can try to manage your ankle sprain by yourself.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- 2. Calf or achilles tendon
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid you feel a 'pop' or feel like something or someone had hit you in your calf area?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have equal movement when performing the exercise shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have equal movement when completing the exercise shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have sustained a calf strain, which involves over-stretching, overworking or injuring the muscles in the lower leg.
Calf strains are a very common cause of calf pain, especially among people whose activities include running with sudden bursts of speed or changes of direction.
Mild calf strains often improve within 1 to 2 weeks with full recovery in 3 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve if it is not managed properly.
IMPORTANT - On rare occasions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or achilles injuries can have similar symptoms to calf strains. Please contact your GP practice for further URGENT medical assessment if any of the following symptoms apply to you:
- Your pain is getting worse even after following advice
- Swelling or heat in the lower leg which is getting worse
- You have discoloration, a change in appearance, redness or darkening of the skin around your lower leg or calf
- You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse
- There is a significant change in the appearance of your calf muscle / tendon - such as a lump or gap
Please note, your GP practice appointment may be with a first-contact physiotherapist.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, calf muscle injuries can get worse over time if they are poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
Further information on managing calf strains
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upCan you perform the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have sustained a calf strain, which involves over-stretching, overworking or injuring the muscles in the lower leg.
Calf strains are a very common cause of calf pain, especially among people whose activities include running with sudden bursts of speed or changes of direction.
Mild calf strains often improve within 1 to 2 weeks with full recovery in 3 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve if it is not managed properly.
IMPORTANT - On rare occasions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or achilles injuries can have similar symptoms to calf strains. Please contact your GP practice for further URGENT medical assessment if any of the following symptoms apply to you:
- Your pain is getting worse even after following advice
- Swelling or heat in the lower leg which is getting worse
- You have discoloration, a change in appearance, redness or darkening of the skin around your lower leg or calf
- You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse
- There is a significant change in the appearance of your calf muscle / tendon - such as a lump or gap
Please note, your GP practice appointment may be with a first-contact physiotherapist.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, calf muscle injuries can get worse over time if they are poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have equal movement when performing the exercise shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have sustained a calf strain, which involves over-stretching, overworking or injuring the muscles in the lower leg.
Calf strains are a very common cause of calf pain, especially among people whose activities include running with sudden bursts of speed or changes of direction.
Mild calf strains often improve within 1 to 2 weeks with full recovery in 3 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve if it is not managed properly.
IMPORTANT - On rare occasions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or achilles injuries can have similar symptoms to calf strains. Please contact your GP practice for further URGENT medical assessment if any of the following symptoms apply to you:
- Your pain is getting worse even after following advice
- Swelling or heat in the lower leg which is getting worse
- You have discoloration, a change in appearance, redness or darkening of the skin around your lower leg or calf
- You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse
- There is a significant change in the appearance of your calf muscle / tendon - such as a lump or gap
Please note, your GP practice appointment may be with a first-contact physiotherapist.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, calf muscle injuries can get worse over time if they are poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- 3. Medial ankle
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have an ankle sprain (over-stretched your ligaments) on the inside of your ankle.
Ankle sprains are common in sport but can also happen in everyday life when walking on uneven ground or wearing high-heeled shoes.
Mild sprains can improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take anything from 4 to 16 weeks to get better.
Sprains are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT - While many ankle sprains are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, occasionally they can happen alongside fractures of the ankle and foot, which require prompt medical advice.
If you have sustained a significant injury within the past 24 to 48 hours and you are unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, and you are still unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
If you can take full weight on your ankle and walk independently more than 4 steps then you can try to manage your ankle sprain by yourself.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- 4. Foot
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upCan you perform the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have a soft tissue injury to your ankle and foot.
This includes mild injuries to muscles, tendons or ligaments, which can often happen if you stretch too far, twist suddenly or the wrong way or put too much pressure on your ankle or foot, causing a sprain or strain.
Mild soft tissue injuries improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take from 6 to 12 weeks to improve. They are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT - While many soft tissue injuries are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, occasionally soft tissue injuries can happen alongside fractures of the ankle and foot which require prompt medical assessment.
If you have sustained a significant injury within the past 24 to 48 hours and you are unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 weeks, and you are still unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
If you can take full weight on your ankle and walk independently more than 4 steps then you can try to manage your soft tissue injury by yourself.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, soft tissue injuries can take longer to get better if they are not managed properly and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes it hurt to press any of the locations shown in this image?
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have a soft tissue injury to your ankle and foot.
This includes mild injuries to muscles, tendons or ligaments, which can often happen if you stretch too far, twist suddenly or the wrong way or put too much pressure on your ankle or foot, causing a sprain or strain.
Mild soft tissue injuries improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take from 6 to 12 weeks to improve. They are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT - While many soft tissue injuries are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, occasionally soft tissue injuries can happen alongside fractures of the ankle and foot which require prompt medical assessment.
If you have sustained a significant injury within the past 24 to 48 hours and you are unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 weeks, and you are still unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
If you can take full weight on your ankle and walk independently more than 4 steps then you can try to manage your soft tissue injury by yourself.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, soft tissue injuries can take longer to get better if they are not managed properly and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you having difficulty taking your full weight through the leg, causing you to limp or rely on a walking aid since this foot or ankle injury?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upIs your calf, ankle or foot swollen when compared with your opposite side?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDid the swelling start within the past 2 weeks?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upIs your knee, calf, ankle or foot hot to touch? Test with the back of your hand and compare both sides.
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have ANY of the following symptoms:
- Confusion, slurred speech or difficulty making sense / being understood
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which need further medical assessment to rule out infection or sepsis.
Please contact 999 immediately for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day appointment and mention your symptoms.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day appointment and mention your symptoms.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upCan you answer 'yes' to any of the following questions?
- Have you been under the care of rheumatology and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis?
- Do you suffer with the skin condition psoriasis?
- Do you suffer with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
- Do you suffer with uveitis or iritis, a condition involving inflammation at the front of the eye?
- Yes to any
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you recently had any infections (e.g. stomach upsets, diarrhoea, other gut infections, conjunctivitis or a sexually transmitted infection)?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have any of the following?
- Red or bloodshot eye
- Painful eye
- Blurred or misty vision
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice or NHS 111 IMMEDIATELY for further advice and guidance.
You may have a condition called reactive arthritis.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for an URGENT same-day appointment and mention your symptoms.
If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP practice today, please contact NHS 111 for further advice and guidance.
You may have a condition called reactive arthritis.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have progressively worsening foot or ankle pain AND a previous history of cancer?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your previous history of cancer.
If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.
If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately and mention to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer and progessively worsening foot or ankle pain.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upWhere do you feel the pain in your foot or ankle region?
1. Plantar fascia
2. Achilles tendon
3. Medial (inside) ankle / foot4. Lateral (outside) ankle / foot
5. Front of foot / toes
6. Anterior (middle) ankle- 1. Plantar fascia
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciopathy, or plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the connective tissue at the bottom of the foot and heel.
This kind of pain is very common, with around 1 in 10 people experiencing it at some point in their lives. While it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Mild symptoms can start to improve within 6 to 8 weeks if it is managed with an active approach, though for some people it may take much longer to improve. Around 8 out of 10 people will have no pain or symptoms within 1 year.
An active approach includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, plantar fasciopathy can get worse if it is poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- 2. Achilles tendon
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing symptoms of achilles tendinopathy, which involves irritation of tendon at the back of your calf.
Achilles tendinopathy is very common, with around 1 in 10 people experiencing it at some point in their lives. While it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Mild symptoms can start to improve within 3 to 6 weeks if it is managed with an active approach, though for some people it can take much longer to improve.
An active approach includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep. Use of orthotic heel raises or footwear with a slightly raised heel can also be helpful.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, achilles tendinopathy can get worse if it is poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- 3. Medial ankle or foot
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your foot on your painful side appear flatter than the opposite foot when standing without any shoes or socks on, as shown in this image?
(With thanks to Belfast Health and Social Care Trust for use of the image)
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your pain on the inner side of your ankle or foot worsen, or is it more challenging on your painful side compared with your non-painful side, when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing symptoms of tibialis posterior dysfunction, which is a common cause of pain on the inside of the ankle or foot, and the leading cause of developing flat feet later in life.
It can affect both very active people and those who are older and inactive. While it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Mild symptoms can start to improve within 3 to 6 weeks if it is managed with an active approach, though for some people it can take much longer to improve.
An active approach includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, tibialis posterior dysfunction can get worse if it is poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your pain on the inner side of your ankle or foot worsen when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing symptoms of tibialis posterior dysfunction, which is a common cause of pain on the inside of the ankle or foot, and the leading cause of developing flat feet later in life.
It can affect both very active people and those who are older and inactive. While it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Mild symptoms can start to improve within 3 to 6 weeks if it is managed with an active approach, though for some people it can take much longer to improve.
An active approach includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, tibialis posterior dysfunction can get worse if it is poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your pain on the inner side of your ankle or foot worsen, or is it more challenging on your painful side compared with your non-painful side, when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- 4. Lateral ankle or foot
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upHave you sprained your ankle before?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your ankle feel unstable walking on uneven ground?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have an ankle sprain (over-stretched your ligaments) on the outside of your ankle.
Ankle sprains are common in sport but can also happen in everyday life when walking on uneven ground or wearing high-heeled shoes.
Mild sprains can improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take anything from 4 to 16 weeks to get better.
Sprains are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT - While many ankle sprains are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, occasionally they can happen alongside fractures of the ankle and foot, which require prompt medical advice.
If you have sustained a significant injury within the past 24 to 48 hours and you are unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, and you are still unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
If you can take full weight on your ankle and walk independently more than 4 steps then you can try to manage your ankle sprain by yourself.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes the pain on the outside of your ankle or foot worsen when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker. Based on the information you provided, you may have an ankle sprain (over-stretched your ligaments) on the outside of your ankle.
Ankle sprains are common in sport but can also happen in everyday life when walking on uneven ground or wearing high-heeled shoes.
Mild sprains can improve within 1 to 3 weeks, but more significant injuries can take anything from 4 to 16 weeks to get better.
Sprains are best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), managing swelling by applying ice packs, movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).
IMPORTANT - While many ankle sprains are mild and can be managed with relative rest and simple exercise, occasionally they can happen alongside fractures of the ankle and foot, which require prompt medical advice.
If you have sustained a significant injury within the past 24 to 48 hours and you are unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please attend A&E for URGENT assessment.
If your injury happened more than 48 hours ago but within the past 6 to 8 weeks, and you are still unable to take full weight on your ankle or walk 4 steps independently, please contact your GP practice for URGENT advice or call 111. You may be seen by a first-contact physiotherapist at your GP practice.
If you can take full weight on your ankle and walk independently more than 4 steps then you can try to manage your ankle sprain by yourself.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
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- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes the pain on the outside of your ankle or foot worsen when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing symptoms of peroneal tendinopathy, which is a common cause of pain on the outside of your ankle or foot - particularly if you are very active.
Peroneal tendiopathy can also develop after an ankle sprain or when the ankle is unstable from older, repeated ankle sprains. While it is painful, it is rarely a sign of a serious issue.
Mild symptoms can start to improve within 3 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
It is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength), movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep. Use of orthotic inner soles or supportive footwear can also be helpful.
Surgery is rarely required for peroneal tendinopathy and is usually only needed if it has not improved with supervised physiotherapy.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, peroneal tendinopathy can get worse if it is poorly managed and develop into persistent pain, which is complex and harder to treat. Persistent pain is complex and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- 5. Forefoot or toes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you a runner who has recently increased your running distance, or are you new to running and have just started to regularly run?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms.
You may have a stress fracture.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you experience tingling or pins and needles in the toes that are painful?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you have any associated back pain or stiffness which developed since your foot or toe pain started?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYour foot or toe pain could be a problem coming primarily from your back.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your foot pain, pins and needles or tingling worsen when performing the test shown in this video?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for completing the symptom checker.
Based on the information you provided, you may have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, which will require further medical assessment to confirm or explore possible alternatives.
Please contact your GP practice for further support an advice. This might involve an appointment with a first-contact physiotherapist).
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker.
We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms.
- 6. Anterior ankle
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upAre you 45 years of age or older?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDoes your foot or ankle pain limit you performing normal activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, taking part in sports or exercise?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upDo you suffer with stiffness in your ankle first thing in the morning, which takes less then 30 minutes to ease up?
- Yes
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upYou are likely experiencing a flare-up of ankle osteoarthritis, which involves the ankle joint.
Ankle osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain in those aged over 45, though the ankle is less commonly affected than other joints. It is more common in people who have had previous ankle injuries or surgery.
Most acute flare-ups of ankle osteoarthritis settle within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to get better or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.
Ankle osteoarthritis is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, avoiding unsupportive footwear, quitting smoking and seeking help for any problems with mental health or poor sleep.
Osteoarthritis is NOT caused by activity or exercise. You WON'T wear out your joints by using them. In fact, being more active and exercising can be a great way to ease symptoms.
Find further self-help advice and suggested exercises
(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')
Unfortunately, ankle osteoarthritis can become persistent and get worse over time if it is poorly managed. Persistent pain is complex and harder to treat and can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.
Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
Unfortunately we are unable to give you a specific diagnosis.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may be from the first-contact physiotherapy service.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
Unfortunately we are unable to give you a specific diagnosis.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may be from the first-contact physiotherapy service.
- No
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
Back upThank you for using the symptom checker
Unfortunately we are unable to give you a specific diagnosis.
Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. This may be from the first-contact physiotherapy service.
- I am over the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18
- I am under the age of 18
- I am over the age of 18I am under the age of 18