The evaluation of foot pain begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings may include:

• Heel tenderness
• Heel swelling
• Foot bruise
• Foot swelling (unilateral)
• Foot tenderness
• Tenderness overlying an injured bone or ligament
• Foot redness
• Foot weakness (unilateral)
• Foot numbness (unilateral)
• Inability to walk
• Inability to move the foot

Testing may not be necessary to evaluate foot pain.

Tests that may be used to evaluate foot pain include:

• Complete blood count
• Serum uric acid level
• Extremity ultrasound:
• May show cysts and other abnormalities
• Arthrocentesis:
• Analysis of synovial fluid can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis
• Foot x-rays:
• Used to detect a fracture or dislocation.
• Bone scanning:
• Detects hairline fractures (stress fractures) you cannot see on x-ray
• MRI scan or the foot or ankle
• Arthroscopy of the ankle joint