history (foot)

Last reviewed 01/2018

When taking a history for a foot disorder, the following topics should be broached:

  • pain:
    • relation to weightbearing, ie, standing and walking
    • over a bony protrusion, localised or diffuse

  • deformity:
    • the part of the foot does the abnormality resides: ankle, mid-foot or toes
    • problems with fitting shoes

  • swelling:
    • localised or diffuse
    • bilateral

  • nature of any injury:
    • site and direction of force
    • approximate force applied

  • family history

  • past history of condition: previous operations or aids used to overcome disability, e.g. walking stick