Most foot complaints can wait a few days. These cannot.
Same-Day Evaluation
- A new wound or ulcer in a patient with diabetes
- Spreading redness, warmth, or red streaking up the foot or leg
- Significant deformity after an injury
- Inability to bear weight after trauma
- Severe swelling with one-sided calf pain (could be a blood clot)
- Sudden cold, pale, or blue toes
- Fever with foot pain or wound
Within a Week
- A new lump or mass that’s growing
- A toe or part of the foot that has changed color
- A non-healing wound (more than 2 weeks)
- Numbness or tingling that’s new or worsening
- Pain that wakes you up at night
Within a Month
- Foot or ankle pain that’s lasting more than 2–3 weeks despite rest
- A heel pain pattern (worse in the morning) that isn’t improving
- Recurrent ankle “giving way”
- Worsening deformity (bunion, hammertoe)
- Recurring calluses in the same place
When in doubt, call. The cost of a visit that turns out to be reassurance is small. The cost of waiting too long can be very large.
