Even mild foot pain can be bothersome, but usually it is safe to try simple home remedies for a short period of time.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Have serious pain or swelling, especially after an injury.
• Have an open foot wound or a wound that is oozing pus or discharge.
• Have signs of infection, such as a change in skin color, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).
• Are not able to walk or put weight on the foot.
• Have diabetes and have any wound to the foot that isn't healing or is deep, a shade or red, purple or brown depending on your skin color, swollen, or warm to the touch.

Schedule an office visit if you:

• Have swelling that doesn't improve after 2 to 5 days of home treatment