When Should I See a Doctor for a Foot Injury?
If you’ve ever injured your foot on a hike, run, or bike ride, you may have asked yourself if you should see a health care provider. The good news is, most mild injuries go away on their own with time and rest. Even though many foot injuries heal on their own, some foot injuries need treatment. Our foot and ankle specialists at University of Utah Health care for both complex and simple injuries. As an academic medical institution, we offer the latest in foot and ankle care. We'll help you get back on your feet and enjoying the things you love.
Make an appointment with us if you experience any troubling symptoms:
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You feel pain in your foot for most of the day and it’s been a few weeks since your injury.
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Your pain worsens over time.
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You have swelling that isn’t getting better two to five days after your injury.
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You feel tingling, numbness, or burning pain—especially in the bottom of your foot.
Why Choose U of U Health for Foot & Ankle Care
When to Go to Urgent Care or the ER for a Foot Injury
Go to Urgent Care for Mild Injuries & Symptoms:
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Mild to moderate pain
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Difficulty walking or bearing weight
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Swelling that does not get better within a few days of an injury
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Bruising
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New foot or toe deformities
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Tingling, burning, or numbness in your foot
Go to the Emergency Room for Bigger Concerns:
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There’s an open wound on your foot.
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Pus is coming out of your foot.
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You can’t walk or put weight on your foot.
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You experience severe bleeding.
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There are broken bones coming through your skin.
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You feel lightheaded or dizzy.
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You think your foot could be infected.
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Your injury is hot, red, or warm to the touch.
Orthopaedic Injury Clinic at University Orthopaedic Center
Our Orthopaedic Injury Clinic offers same-day appointments. We provide extended hours and walk-in availability for sports and other orthopedic injuries. Providers at our walk-in clinic will treat your injury and refer you to an orthopedic foot specialist for follow-up care.
Our Foot & Ankle Surgeons
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Our Non-surgical Foot & Ankle Specialists
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Tyson Catmull
Emily J. Harold
Jesse A. Jorgensen
David J. Petron
Amy P. Powell
Haley M. Vanderhill
Foot Pain Relief at Home
If your injury and pain are mild and you don’t have an infection, you can most likely treat your injury at home. Follow a few helpful guidelines for foot pain remedies:
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Rest—Don’t do any activities that strain your foot (even if these activities are part of your normal, day-to-day routine). These may include things like hiking, biking, and running.
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Ice—Place ice or freeze packs on your foot multiple times each day, for 15–20 minutes each time.
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Medications—Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen can help with swelling and reduce pain.
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Protect & Support—Use a brace or bandage to protect and support your foot until it heals.
It’s important to remember that you’ll probably have pain and stiffness for a few weeks after your foot injury—even if you’re treating your injury correctly. Many people experience foot pain in the mornings while their foot is still healing or once they start walking after sitting for a long time.
Diabetic Foot Pain
People with diabetes are at higher risk of nerve damage in their feet. Diabetes can make it harder for cuts or sores on your feet to heal. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to infections or other complications over time. Diabetic neuropathy may make it harder to feel sensations in your feet.
Diabetic neuropathy and a lack of feeling in your feet can worsen wounds or injuries quickly. Injuries can also be bigger than they seem. If you have diabetes and have a foot injury, make an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Make an Appointment with a Foot & Ankle Specialist
You do not need a referral to see a foot and ankle specialist, but your insurance plan may require one. Check with your insurance provider before you call. You can get a referral to see our orthopedic specialists from several providers:
- Your primary care provider
- A provider in the urgent care or emergency room
- A provider at our walk-in Orthopaedic Injury Clinic
When you're ready to schedule, contact our Orthopaedic Services at 801-587-7109 to make an appointment.
