Psoriatic arthritis feet pain: what to know

Inflammation may affect the small joints of the toes, the midfoot, the ankle, or the places where tendons attach to bone. You may notice swelling, tenderness, warmth, stiffness after rest, or pain under the heel or around the back of the ankle. An entire toe can become diffusely swollen, a pattern sometimes called a sausage digit.

Foot pain has other causes too, including strain, footwear pressure, nerve problems, gout and infection. A clinician looks at both feet, the skin and nails, walking pattern, and the distribution of swollen or tender areas.

Choose supportive shoes with enough width and cushioning for the toes. Alternate demanding activities with rest, and avoid repeatedly pushing through sharp or increasing pain. Gentle movement after a period of rest may reduce stiffness, but stop if an exercise causes marked swelling or lingering pain.

A clinician may discuss medication for inflammation and refer you to physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can assess gait, suggest strengthening and mobility work, and advise on pacing or foot supports. Record which areas hurt, when symptoms peak, and how walking is affected.

Arrange a medical review if foot pain persists, keeps returning, or changes how you walk. Seek prompt care for a rapidly swollen, hot and very painful foot or toe, especially with fever or feeling unwell. Urgent assessment is also needed after injury when you cannot bear weight, the foot looks deformed, or there is numbness or a colour change.

Which part of my foot appears inflamed? Could the pain be from a joint, tendon attachment, nerve or another cause? Do I need imaging? What footwear and exercises fit my symptoms? Would anti-inflammatory treatment or physiotherapy help? What changes should prompt an earlier review?