Foot Tattoo

Right now I'm thinking about getting a foot tattoo, but I'm having a few difficulties. ONE: I've heard that they hurt - a lot. I'm not a afraid of a little pain (I have 5 tattoos already. Lower back, both hips, ankle and the fleshy part of my breast) but I need to know how this feels in comparison to other regions of the body. I know that tattoos feel different to everyone, but if any one can give me a general idea I'd really appreciate it. TWO: I'm havingso much trouble finding a design that I like. All of my other tattoos are kinda of a celtic theme. (2 Tribals with 4leaf clovers, a 4 leaf clover with my name, a heart with a crown and a pretty little fairy.) So my dilema is finding something small and delicate but still similar to the rest of my tattoos. I know my local tattoo artist could draw something up but until I have an idea of what it is that I want I can't really go any further. I am open to all suggestions, I'd really like the help. Thanks!

Feet do hurt a lot, I had both of mine tattooed 20 years ago, I shall be doing them again soon when I can design a cover up good enough. With feet as well as hands the ink fades quicker so will require touch ups every few years, also feet are more prone to infection due to sweat, concealed in socks, tight shoes etc. You need to use a good numbing cream such as Ametol Gel prior to tattooing to reduce the pain if pain worries you, after tattooing use a good quality tattoo after care cream, and most important of all, wear sandles to give the tattoo chance to heal in the open air and not trapped in a smelly warm / damp environment prone to infection.

I also have a tattoo on my foot, its on the side and i didn't really think it hurt any worse then the one on my lower back and my ankle...i think the one that hurt worse was the one right below my neck...but i did not have any problems with mine getting infected or anything....Good Luck :)

I have a total of 8 tats.. 3 of which are directly on my spine, but the pain of those were nothing compared to the pain of the one on my foot.. It does hurt, but if you are wanting one there so badly, then put the pain aside and go for it. As for a design ( you said you were having a hard time deciding), mine is simple. It's a lotus on the ankle bone and the water and waves coming up around it on both sides. This is my second favorite next to my "mother" tattoo..

hmmmm being a collecter of tattoos in many areas of my body...including top of foot from big toe to outer side, around that boney region, around ankle - then up side of leg...I can vouch that there is a certain amount of pain in tattooing the area you mention...but the result far out weighs a little temporary discomfort. My foot piece tends to be my personal favourite...i guess because it is the one i see the most. As far as design goes...like you i have a great deal of tribal and celtic themes happening and was challenged by a design that would 'fit' in so to speak...being a girl....i chose to go with a unique ' indian henna' / paisley / type design...It works very well with the foot...and has tended to grow up my leg over time...I always get many comments re how delicate and unique it looks...Which i guess is an indication that it must 'work' so to speak....Hope that is of assitance.

I have a tattoo on my foot that runs from the top of my big toe to close to my ankle. It was the fourth tattoo I had done. The pain was more than the others. I have had issues with mine and it has been done three times so far. I don't regret getting it done for one moment!

Hi I have two tats- one on each inside ankle and it feels kool as they do it. Yes it does sorda sting when they hit that bone but that only happens every once and awhile. I am looking for more foot tats. I like to get them in areas that arent prone to stretching and that dont look slutty or skanky. Just classy. Thanks Amber

I just got my first tattoo, and of course I got it on the upper part of my foot....with it being my first tat I didnt know what kind of pain to expect...but it really wasnt all that bad.. Yeah it hurts when they hit that bone, but other than that its kinda like your foot falls asleep, and it doesnt hurt. I dont know what kinda of pain its like because I dont have any more tats, but I do have quite a few piercings, and it didnt hurt any worse than those.

the healing is a bitch, getting tattooed isn't bad, but having to work the next day is not fun. your foot will swell like a brick. it will hurt to put pressure on it.

ive had my foot tattoo yesterday & its not even scabbed over yet, i was quite suprised. ive got rosmary beads going round my ankle then the cross near my toes, i didnt think it hurt that much, but each to their own i guess

I've had both of my feet and ankles tattooed over the last month in three 5 hour sessions. I think you'll find that it probably won't start to scab over noticeably for at least a few days, and will still be peeling several weeks from now. The closer to the sole of the foot the work is, the longer it seems to take to heal. I've got lines from the first session a month ago that are still peeling. Everyone's body is different, though. You're right about the pain; kind of dissappointing after all the hype. Maybe when we do the color............................ TCE

Got a tattoo on the side of my foot from the bottom of my ankle bone to my pinkie toe. It hurt like hell and not to mention the artist went in to deep causing scar tissue to form and pushed out 50% if my ink.. I love foot tattoos but I guess I'll have to find a better Artist next time.For the time being I'm looking for a cover up....

I recently had a foot tattoo and it did hurt when it got to the boney part, but i would say the one on my lower back and stomach hurt more. I will say though that if you are going to get one on your foot be prepared to wear open shoes for at least two weeks as the tat is quite sore afterwards and the rubbing of socks and shoes isn't nice!!!

I just got a tattoo on the top of my foot two days ago. Let me tell you, it hurt pretty bad. It was my first tattoo so I didn't know what to expect. But each time I looked down and saw how awesome it was turning out, it totally made it worth it. Now my foot is pretty swollen and its hard to walk on. I'm going in this weekend to get my other foot done. I'll have a sparrow on the top of each foot. Now that I know how much it hurts, I'm afraid to go in for the other foot, but its totally worth the pain!

i have just got a foot tattoo, and let me inform you it was the worst pain i have ever felt, the design is quite large and located down the side of my foot, i cant wear any type of shoe and my foot has swelled, but it looks beauiful!!!!!

I just recently gotten a tattoo on my foot which hurt pretty bad. my first was on the side of my leg which after getting it done, i wanted to get more stuff done right than and there. it took me a few days to want to get anything else done on my foot, but i decided to get another gecko done on the side of my foot next to the other one. unfortunately it will be a lengthy time due to scheduling, but the areas that will hurt the most is around the sides and anwhere with very thin skin. the worse part was the tale going on the knuckle of my foot. but the good thing about it is that it went by very fast. 40 minutes seemed like only 5. a few people i know who have gotten work done on there foot and also have an extensive amount done on the rest of there body said it was the worse pain than any tattoo they have ever gotten. the foot and your ribcage are probably the worse spots to get done.

I just got my sun swirl tattoo two weeks ago on the top of my left foot... It covers most of the top and kind of melts over the foot if you will.... I LOVE IT! The pain sucked but was so worth it... The coloring hurt more... but again - so worth it!! I have a little tattoo on my upper arm from 16 yrs ago but I don't remember the pain like this one.. I do have a REALLY boney foot though, so take that into consideration.. My foot did swell that day and the next but was told it was normal. I am still wearing these closed toe sandals with the top shoe exposed... They are perfect for my tattoo to heal and breathe... It slightly peeled (like a sunburn).. I used A&D ointment for the 1st week then alternated with Lubriderm.. I'll hopefully be in other sandals soon...

Foot tattoos from my experience have a higher incidence of infection unless proper after care is taken. My recommendation would either be sandals for two weeks after or a twice daily wrap. Being the closest part of your body to the ground they pick up a lot of things you may not even realize. As always make sure sterile technique is used and proper aftercare is consistently kept up.

I've got a bit of coverage. as far as pain for me it's been like this: Ribs Top of foot bottom of foot (small but super painful) Chest every other spot has been pretty easy.

i`ve got one on each foot,first one i did myself,over time have had to touch it up due to not being able to wear the right footwear.just had the other foot done,a koi carp,does it realy matter if it hurts or not, the pain only lasts while its being done,if thats where u realy want your next tattoo,you`ll get it there,end of story.

Hey, 2 days ago I got my foot tattoo colored. It goes from the top of my foot around my ankle and up the side of my calf. The outline was done 3 weeks ago. Piece of cake. The coloring, another story. I have 3 other large peices, one lower back, and 1 on each shoulder. The pain that I felt having it colored was unbelievable! My foot andcalf are still a little swollen, 2 days later,and throbbing like crazy, BUT.....It is gorgeous! Watch him/her tattoo you and it doesnt seem to be as bad as when you look away.Good luck

..... they do hurt ALOT! i recomend waiting till the end of summer untill you get one,or else u wont be able to enjoy the lovley things of summer like sand and sun and watter. hurts alot , get numbing creme. for shure. and if u get something detailed and coulorful like i did do it in sessions, long curvey lines feel the best , enjoy!

and......start moisturising now specially the sides of your foot where it gets real dry , the softer yer skin the less it will hurt.

I just got a tattoo on the top of my foot yesterday. I thought the pain was nothing compared to my lower back, at one point i actually laughed because the repeated vibrations from the needle were tickling me. Also...my foot is not swollen or sore at all and my tattoo looks amazing. Maybe my artist was just really talented but I have no complaints and would gladly do it again.

I recently had a my foot tattooed (flower on the very top of my foot with part of the stem on my second toe (next to big toe)). This being my third tattoo and having read a lot of comments that it hurts a lot and takes a long time to heal etc, i must say i was very pleased. It did not hurt and has not swollen at all. For those who live in the north east of the UK i reccommend Turvey's tattos in Whitby, the chaps are helpful, friendly and most of all competent.

I went to Hobo's in Portsmouth, NH. Got my first tattoo on my right foot, on the top. It hurt SOOO much. The color did not hurt nearly as much as the black outline. It felt like a red-hot knife cutting into my foot. It's about 2 inches by 1 inch seahorse, and the pain went away as soon as he was done...was like 10-15 minutes tops. There are so many shoe options out there you can probably find one to make it so your tat isn't covered while it heals.

I heard mixed messages about the level of pain associated with foot tattoos, but I got one yesterday, and it was pretty much the worst pain I've ever felt. The outline, the color, they are both extremely painful. Actually, my legs hurt worse than my foot when I left the shop because I was locked my knees so hard against the bench to try to tolerate it. I am assuming that the people who experienced little pain with theirs either have more "cushion" on the top of their foot, or got relatively small tattoos, because mine f**king hurt! On the positive side, it looks amazing, and I'm glad I got it done. Just don't be fooled, I have other tattoos, but this sh!t hurts!

i hav 3 soon to b 4 tats my 1st was on the lower part of my back my 2nd is on the tip top of my bikini line towards my hip bone and my 3rd was a series of flowers with some tribal art on the top of my foot........and YES it HURT!!!! It hurt yes but it was all worth the pain, and i said i would never get another on my foot however i have an appt. to go on the 17th of this month to get one on the other foot! haha granted it will not b in the same location as the other one because of all the pain......i plan to put it up the side of my foot. I love the ink on my feet i think it makes them pretty. So my advice to you is to go ahead and get it u'll be glad u did in the long run. Yes its gonna hurt but it'll b great

My ankle tat hurt a bit, but it wasn't unbearable.

My first tattoo was my foot. It wasn't too bad. It hurt, I'm gunna lie! lol...but it wasn't too bad. So, I go for my second tattoo that I decided to get on my left hip. I was very cocky and confident since I figured it would hurt much less than my foot. Haha. I was wrong. My hip was much more painful to tattoo than my foot. I think it all depends on the person. But in my case, definately would do my other foot over my other hip! Good luck!

I was considering having a tattoo on the top of my foot as well. I've already picked the tattoo and am game to get it done. My problem is that I work an 8 hour shift at work where I have to where closed dress shoes plus I'm on my feet during the entire shift. If I put vitamin E oil on my foot and wrapped it in saran wrap while I was at work could I pull it off. Whatcha think?

I got both of my feet doen a week and a half ago. It wasn't so much the pain, but the involuntary shaking that was the problem. Relaxing is the best way to go. Try to zen out and breath through it, it makes the pain a lot better! Also, to the person who has to work with closed toe shoes, I would wait! Wait until you have vacation or at least a long weekend. My foot was swollen for the first 4-5 days, and it still is irritated if I am standing for a really long time. I've never had shoes that covered it, but that is a lot of moisture to be trapped in a sock.

Yeah. Screw foot tattoos. I'm Janna, by the way. Hi. :] I have both my feet basically covered. I'll put a link to a picture at the bottom of my post. I can straight up tell y'all that the worst pain of my life was the linework on the knuckle of my big toe. Worst. Pain. Ever. It was terrible! If you're contimplating getting a foot piece as your first one, don't do it unless you REALLY have your heart set on it. Mine is about 5x5in when you put my two feet together and took about 3.5 hours to finish. Doesn't seem too bad in theory, but it was my first tattoo experience ever. Luckily, my good friend was doing it and my other good friend was screwing with me about being a pansy the whole time, so that made it somewhat bearable between my lamaze breathing to try and withstand the pain. It turned out amazing and completely to a T what I wanted, but for real. For having (what I thought was) such a high threshold for pain, it friggin hurt. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g79/fgrpromo/Tattoooooos/DSC01341.jpg

Yeah. Screw foot tattoos. I'm Janna, by the way. Hi. :] I have both my feet basically covered. I'll put a link to a picture at the bottom of my post. I can straight up tell y'all that the worst pain of my life was the linework on the knuckle of my big toe. Worst. Pain. Ever. It was terrible! If you're contimplating getting a foot piece as your first one, don't do it unless you REALLY have your heart set on it. Mine is about 5x5in when you put my two feet together and took about 3.5 hours to finish. Doesn't seem too bad in theory, but it was my first tattoo experience ever. Luckily, my good friend was doing it and my other good friend was screwing with me about being a pansy the whole time, so that made it somewhat bearable between my lamaze breathing to try and withstand the pain. It turned out amazing and completely to a T what I wanted, but for real. For having (what I thought was) such a high threshold for pain, it friggin hurt. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g79/fgrpromo/Tattoooooos/DSC01341.jpg

in a couple of days im getting the back of my foot done with a taurus symbol .. and i dont know what to expect. i do have a tattoo on my lower back but i obv know its not the same feeling.. can anyone. tell me if its going to hurt or not Thanks

I had a foot tattoo done on Friday afternoon and it had a little bit of pain it was my 4th tat and it hurt less than the two on my back, my first tat didn't hurt at all. If you want one on your foot I say go for it, the pain affects different people in different ways. I read all these post before i went to get mine so i went in prepared for pain and didn't have much at all..

I have a music note (8th note) on my left foot. I am a HUGE baby, with a very low pain tolerance, and I had no problem getting the tattoo done. It hurt, yes, but it wasn't unbearable by any means. Good luck!

i got a foot tattoo yesterday. it is a clover with red flowers and vines. it hurt more than any of my others and i'm having a pretty difficult time trying to walk. make sure when you get a foot tattoo that you won't need to wear shoes for at least a few days!!

I got my foot/ankle/calf tattoo done 3 days ago now, and to be honest, it did hurt, but nothing you can't handle. The best thing that worked for me was just breathing through the painful bits, talking to the tattooist and watching it being done. The worst bit for me has been the healing, at the moment, my foot has swollen up, and it kills to stand on it, but it'll pass :) It will be so worth it when it heals!

I got a foot tattoo about a week ago. It was my first tattoo and I after reading all the horror stories here on the internet about the pain and problems, I was terrified. Honestly, this tattoo did NOT tickle (lol), but my pain tolerance is pretty middle of the road and it was nothing that I couldn't handle. It was sore the first night and the next day, but other than that...nothing really bad to speak of. Start with a simple design if you're afraid, they can always add on to it if you're handling okay. Just like the guy at my tattoo place told me: "If they hurt that bad, people wouldn't get them..." ...i say go for it. and STOP reading stories online, they'll only freak you out...

I got a tattoo on the top of my foot a few days ago, a few flowers on a vine that go below my toes. I have two others, on my back and my hip, and this was about 50 times worse than the other two. And it is also taking alot longer to heal than my others. But it will be so worth it when its all healed. It looks amazing...

I just got home from having my feet tattoos touched up and while it didn't hurt quite as much as the initial tattooing, it still hurt like hell, especially on the inner arch side of my feet. I have a delicate henna pattern done on the sides of my feet above the callous line. The border runs along both sides of each foot (hmmm...does that count as four tats?) and I found that the outside edge of the foot on the anklebone side held ink pretty well, but the inner arch side lost 50% of its ink despite super diligent aftercare. My initial work was done 5 weeks ago and the pain was as intense as that of childbirth--and I had my kids at home without any pain medication at all. Once it was done it felt like cat scratches for a couple of days and after that like a mild sunburn. My feet never swelled and I had no difficulty walking. I kept ink well for two weeks, and then lost a good 50% of my ink in the third week of healing. For my touchup, I had the entire thing re-inked on both sides of both feet, and this time my artist told me to skip the goop stage and go right to lotion. I also took three weeks off from work so I can wear nothing but these cool topless sandals I bought on eBay. They are rubber soled flip flop bottoms with an adhesive on them that sticks fairly well to clean, dry feet. Absolutely no straps or anything touches the sides of my feet. At the end of the day you peel them off, rinse off the road grime and dust and let them dry. Once dry, they are sticky again. It is a hassle and really was about the worst pain I've ever experienced (worse thank broken bones by far), but the end result is SO beautiful that it was very much worth the pain and inconvenience. Go for it and enjoy your ink! BTW, your doc can write you a script for Emla cream which is a lidocaine cream to help numb your feet. It'll STILL hurt, but it takes the edge off. Apply thickly like icing a cake and cover with saran wrap. Let it sit for an hour before the inking starts.

I just got a tattoo on my foot. It was my first tattoo and I'm a huge wimp. I hate pain and I didn't think this hurt that bad at all. It was just irritating. I think if it didn't bother me anyone can get it.

I got a tattoo on my foot about a month or so ago and it did not hurt. There were some parts that hurt worse than others but I was totally relaxed. I was actually getting a joy from the pain. Some people say I must be crazy! The tattoo covers my entire foot and wraps around my ankle. Pretty cool. If you are thinking about getting one go for it and stop listening to what everyone else says. Each person has their own level of tolerance for pain and I think mine's is pretty high.

I decided to get a tattoo on my foot and before I booked myself in, I did some reasearch on various websites on tattoos on the foot. To be honest, the things that people said about the pain really put me off but I really wanted the design I had drawn myself and and I just had to have it done no matter what. I am the biggest baby when it comes to pain, I have the lowest pain threshold, so whilst reading various forums a few people had said about using a numbing cream called EMLA which they use in hospitals on kids whilst giving injections and putting drips in. Being the wuss that I am, I ordered some thinking that it might just numb the pain so I can get my beautiful foot tattoo. I told my tattooist that I had bought some and he said I was fine to use it but he didn't think it would make any difference. Other people on forums had mentioned taking Ibuprofen and paracetamol to help with hte pain....so of course I did that as well....I have no tolerance to apin so I was up for anything that would help me! So anyway, the day I arrived, I was very excited and very sure that that the numbing cream would help me. As soon as the tattooist wiped the cream off, I could still feel everything then I started to get a bit scared over the pain! I told him to do 1 dot......it was fine. So I told him to carry on...I wanted to watch the whole thing so that I felt like I was kind of in control. He did my whole tattoo and it was completely fine. There was some pain but it was nothing bad and a few parts tickled! I couldn't believe all the hype over the pain, on a scale of 1-10, ten being excruciating, I would rate it at 5. It just feels like something hot. Not once did I flinch like people said I would, my foot was completely still, I think the numbing cream might've taken the edge off but I still could feel everything and it was completely bearabel so don't listen to all the people who say it's really really bad, if it didn't hurt me much then you'll be fine! Just go for it, I love mine and glad that I decided to go for it instead of listening to people who compared it to child birth!!! You'll be fine.

I got a frog on my foot and it looks like it was healng really good but i got it about a month ago and now i have red bumps on it...it look like a rash or something...what can i use or do you know what it is..would it heal ? thanks

hay all..have a Question/help looking for a pik of a tat that i will like it has to have the foot& almost to the knee...was cut off on in Sept and the next day was international pirate day.. go figer.. need some good ones have my own words that will go with it ! thxs Nam

I Just got my First foot tattoo, 3 days ago, I have 2 others, one on my back and one on my ankle, I got three small stars, one yellow, one blue and one purple, going in a line on the top of my foot, I was scared because i thought it would hurt, the artist suggestested as long as it was keeped simple, it did not hurt very much, it was very tolerable, just like my other too. so I suggest getting a foot tatto if it is kept simple and try avoiding, tendents or bony areas!!!

i had a wave tattoo'd onto the top of my foot, i thought that it was uncomfortable, however not unbearable. maybe due to having a good artist doing it, or maybe i expected it to be worse, but it wasn't any worse than the tattoo's i have had on the inside of my wrists. really happy with the tattoo, and it healed up pretty quick and looks sick! if your wondering about a foot tattoo, id say go for it, a decent tattoo is always going to be worth any pain that it causes. Take it easy

I just got a foot tattoo earlier today! it is my second piece and it hurt like hell! worst pain ever! it was totally worth it though! my foot is a little swollen. but it doesnt hurt too bad to put a real shoe and some socks on. the big thing is making sure it is clean! im going to have to go back to get the color a little brighter, and im nervous about that because the pain was so bad! it was definatley worth it thought!! i got a Zinnia flower so it was pretty intricate! GOOD LUCK!!

HI! i just got my first tattoo today. It starts at the middle of my pinky toe and the toe to the right of the pinky and ends at my ankle..so its covering about 1/2 of my foot. Its a big pink hibiscus flower with 2 medium pink hibiscus flowers on the ends with little stem looking things :) VERY BEAUTIFUL since it being my first tattoo im not sure what other tats feel like on dif parts of your body but i HEARD the foot was the most painful.. to me, it DID hurt [[but not to the point of "i cant do this anymore" beacause when you start seeing the product your like "DAMN..THATS NICE" you DO savor the times he turns off the gun to whip the exxtra ink off lol but the part where it hurt the most was near my toes and by the ankle..and the OUTLINE [[not so much the coloring]] hurt. if you wanna email me or see pix my email is [email removed] pix at myspace.com/welcum2myhood <3 Kim

I just got both feet tattooed yesterday. A large owl on the right foot, went fast, hurt, but it was over with and looks gorgeous. A really big pumpkin ghost on the left foot. That was bad! Hurt ...holy hell. But it could be because he did the biggest one second and I think for me my left side hurts more to get tattoed than my right side. I'm right handed. Down by the pinkie toe knuckle the side closest to the sole of my foot hurt worst along with down by the joint of the second toe. I do really well with pain tolerance but man I couldn't take it..my knee was jerking and I had to take a break. Both look amazing, go to luckydraw tatoo in Phoenix and have Mike do it. He was great! The right foot hurt worse last night...swollen and throbbing. It is doing okay today. :) Pick something you love, I took my images from an old Halloween decoration that my Grandma gave me. Plus my husband and I met at Halloween. :) Good luck!

I had my baby's first footprint from the hospital tattooed on the top of my feet... I didn't think they were painful...I would do it again and again, just don't think about the pain..

Just got my foot tattoo on Sat night, it was my first, and it hurt like a bitch!! It only took like 5 mins of actual tattooing, but it seemed like it took forever!! I got a shooting star by my 3 little toes on my right foot, and almost didn't let him do the color... soo glad i did tho. I went to a party afterwards, it wasnt red or swollen and I felt no pain. It's been 4 days and I haven't had a problem at all!! I def reccomend getting a foot tattoo... it does hurt, but suck it up!!

OK .....first off dont listen to anyone else....EVERYONE is different when it comes to pain..... i read all these blogs.....and was sooooo nervous...i even threw up before i left to get it done..... was surprised at how little it did hurt... i got a vine like tattoo going from my second toe up and around my ankle bone with my daughters name in it!.....my first tattoo 2!!!! it has little bulbs that they colored pink......i love it... the worst part was the side of my foot and the color felt like he was digging a hole in my foot with a pin....

Jana, your tats look amazing. Glad you posted the pic..

I just got a tiny tattoo on the top of my foot and it didn't hurt at all....it is really tiny though...but I didn't tell my mom >_< who i still live with! I just turned 18 and I need to keep it covered but I'm scared that it wont heal because I'm always wearing socks. I hope it doesn't turn into a blue blob on the top of my foot! That would be bogus...I got a tiny snowflake its about the size of a penny and I love it!

I had gotten a Koi fish with a nice water scene very asian looking ontop of my right foot curving with the top of my foot.The tail of the Koi fish is by my ankle and the fish end by my big toe. Really detailed and big. I didnt get color the first time. I went to a different artist and he redid the out line and color about three days ago for me all in one sesson. OMG it hurt but not as bad as my natural child birth. lol. Its swollen and I can not put pressure on it. What ever you do, do not wrap in in anything! No gauze or seranrap nothing!! It will cause parts of the tattoo to come off during the unrapping process. Do not use Neosporin use A&D ointment or the same as triple antibiotic ointment. Do not wear socks or shoes! Do not go out side before it heals if you have to my suggestion is to put your foot depending on size in a zip lock bag ( i know it will look retarted but why go through the pain to mess up beautiful art work? Also I had a problem when I slept, the first time I would wake up and my blanket would be stuck to my tat,,,,not good!!! So with sleeping with a foot tat I have come to find to sleep on the couch during the critical healing time and prop my foot up on a pillow on my coffee table..oh my husband gets a laugh but it releaves the throbbing and the ache also take ibprofen if ya can to help the swelling. I would not use a ice pack because if you leave the cold on your tat to long it can cause the already damaged cells ( your new ink) to die basicly of frost bite. I know that sounds retarded but I have seen it done before. Also Henna designs are beautiful and quit sexy on a woman I am going in and getting my whole back in a henna and tribal mix. To find ideas go to photobucket.com and look up henna and tribal and tats and get a feel for what you think would best suit you! I hope my advice helps, also I have been tattooing and piercing for 6 years so I know a little about ink. Hope you get what ya want!

I just got my right foot done 2 days ago. My whole foot is covered and Holy Crap did it hurt. I have 2 others, one between my shoulder blades and a belt that wraps all the way around my waste, and my foot was my far the worst. 2 hours of HELL!!! Today my foot is super swollen. I am making sure to keep it elevated and am taking advil. BUT, with that being said...it is well worth the pain. My artist Liz Gruesome at Smokin Guns in Fayetteville, NC did an amazing job. I got a wintery scene with snowflakes and penguins with The Northern Lights in the background and it is absolutely beautiful. I have been wearing flip flops and ballet flats to keep it from being covered and it is already scabbed. I can't wait till summer so I can show it off!!

Nice!, any chance to post pictures of the tattoo? It sounds like a pretty composition

I just got my 2nd tattoo, but the first on my foot. i got a chinese symbol for love on my right foot in the upper right corner below my last 3 toes. it didnt hurt as much as i heard it would, but did hurt in certain places. it hasnt scabbed yet, and being our temperature dropped like 30 degrees and we are sitting in 20+ weather, my foot is freezing being i cant wear socks or shoes. I normally dont wear socks or shoes and have always worn flip flops and that was my main purpose for a foot tattoo to be shown off. i am a bit scared after reading the infection posts. i did put a peice of gauze on it this morning to put a slipper on to leave the house but when i am out i am wearing flip flops which rubs against it and doesnt feel any better. anyone know of any shoes that will protect it but also let it breath and heal? email me

I just got a foot tattoo, and yeah IT HURT. But its not totally unbearable. The worst part was the shading where he would sometimes do fast sharp pricks, the closer to my sole, the worst it hurt. My foot was a little jumpy. I recommend having someone there to talk to and take your mind off it. I about squeezed my boyfriends hand off. I got a simple unicorn/Pegasus and the only coloring is his gold/reddish wings, hooves, and blue eye. Its really quite amazing. I plan to wear loose fitting flats since my tattoo is mostly the top part of my foot I think it will cause minimal rubbing.

so im 16 and thinking about getting a chinese phrase (probably 2-4 symbols long) on the outside of my left foot. i want it to be about two inches long. the side of my foot is my goal spot, but im a total baby and am horrible with pain. is there a place other than the outside of my foot that would be less painful? any tips for dealing with the pain etc?

I just got my first tattoo and its a chain that wraps around my leg down to my ankle and at the end of the chain is a heart locket on the top of my foot and it hurt like hell! I don't have really anything to compare it to but i can't even explain the pain, i barely tolerate it at times. My tattoo artist told me once he was done that it was one of the most painful parts to get tattooed on your body. He said the rest you get are going to be piece of cake! But if you do get it on your foot, no matter how bad it itches do not scratch or do anything like that... I totally just fucked mine and I just got it 4 days ago. It's still healing so I'm pretty upset about it. Anyway, just a little advice!

Hey! I just got my first tattoo on monday on my foot. Obviously as it's my first, I don't have anything to compare it to. I listened to all these comments about how sore it was going to be. I was very pleasently surprised once I got there, as it was no where near as sore as I thought it was going to be. However, thanks to all that said it was cause it set me in good stead!! Even if there was a lot of pain, it would still have been worth it cause it looks gorgeous!!!!

i Just got my first tattoo on friday and clearly it was a foot tattoo. I read this page before going and was NOT looking forward to it. the tattoo took about an hour and a half and it was fun! Yeah there was parts that hurt but i got more annoyed of the feeling then being hurt. i am sitting at work now and i have shoes on and i forget i even have it. thats how much it didnt hurt! Even last night sleeping i was able to sleep like i normally do. it was completly worth the 0.7 seconds worth of annoying pain that i had when the artist crosssed over the big toe muscle i guess. i love it. do it! if you want to

i just barely got my foot tattooed for the first time, my 7. i got my whole bottom stomach done so i know pain. but for some reason my foot hates the tattoo. i woke up this morning and i could budge. and it seems my skin on my foot is rejecting it. all i can say everyone is different. at the same time as i was getting mine( which doesn't hurt way bad, just a different kind of pain) the girl next to me(tattoo convention) was getting quite a smalller than mine and she was crying. since this is the topic does anyone know why my foot is hurting this bad after? my foot is swollen.

I just got my tattoo on my foot done friday, and I have to say it hurts but it really to be honest wasnt horrible. I also have some on my back and now my foot i would say by far the one on my foot hurt the worse but its really not to horrible. Good Luck

I just got the top of my foot tattoo'd yesterday and for me it hurt like a mother %$#*@ and it's also fairly swollen. However, it's kind of a large tattoo, it's a cherry blossom branch that extends from my lower leg all the way down the front of my foot with flowers and petals. I think the larger the tatt, the more it hurts and therefore, the more it most likely swells. Also, keep in mind everyone is a bit different so it may not hurt as much for you. However, just be prepared in case it does and don't be surprised if it swells. Good luck!

i'va also got a tattoo on my right foot. I'm 16 and this was my 1st 1 but i though it hardly hurt at all, there was jus a bit of stinging towards the bottom end of my foot on the fleshy bit.

I have a foot tat got 2 yrs. ago it didnt hurt at all but honestly the healing took longer and the next day it hurt and a few more days after that. I thought it was infected but it wasnt the skin is so thin it was raised for a while. i suggest wait until u dont have to wear shoes like summer.

I have a foot tat got 2 yrs. ago it didnt hurt at all but honestly the healing took longer and the next day it hurt and a few more days after that. I thought it was infected but it wasnt the skin is so thin it was raised for a while. i suggest wait until u dont have to wear shoes like summer.

Over the last year Ive had full coverage on both feet. 3 - 4 hour sessions adding more design and dotwork each time. The bottom line is that it DOES HURT - especially the toes! Aftercare - Bepanthan cream for a week, covering with cling film for couple of nights or while wearing shoes. But go bare foot as much as possible and moisturise the area well. Ive never had any problems. Foot tattoos are so perfect to show off if you want to and cover when you need to. The pain is SO worth it that I never really want to wear shoes again!

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1534/smallcp5.jpg I know this post is old but I just got my foot tattoo yesterday and wanted to post something about it. Everyone has their own tolerance to pain- and mine is obviously extremely high because I almost didn't get my foot tattooed simply because of what everyone else was saying about it. Honestly- it was the least painful out of the 4 tattoos I have (shoulder, lower back, and ankle- now foot). So- if you want it, I recommend doing it: don't read up on it or listen to other people because it will just scare you...On a different note- I expected the worse so maybe that's why it wasn't so bad! Good luck to anyone who decides to do it!

I just got a tattoo on my foot literally 2 hrs ago haha, i got 10 stars, 1 big one with colour in it, i'm so pleased :D, It really didn't hurt as much as the one i have on my lower back, obviously its uncomfortable but if u really want one go for it it isnt as bad as what everyone thinks! I'm just confused about the aftercare, the tatooist told me 2 put antiseptic cream on it everyday, whether it be Savlon or Sudocreme but i've researched and different people seem to be saying different things and i'm not sure what to do!

I only just got my foot tattoo yesterday. Before i had it done i looked up how much it was going to hurt on the internet and what i found was this site. I was absoloutley terrified about getting it done after reading all these other comments, the feedback was so mixed (with some people it was the most pain they have ever felt and others it was not that bad). This being my second tattoo (my other on my lower back which didn't hurt too bad) i was expecting the worst pain as people were saying its so much worse than the lower back. I sat in the chair and she put the stencil on.. i was so nervous but i wanted it done. She said she would start with a small bit.. she did a bit of the outline and asked me how it felt.. I was so suprised, it was not that painful at all. Im not going to lie it was uncomfortable but compared to how people were describing it on here it was nothing. It was no worse than my lower back & i would do it all over again. I say if you want to get it done go for it.. everyone has a different pain barrier and nobodys experience is the same.. I don't take pain that well but i think if i can do it anyone can. Goodluck! =)

Oh and by the way to Clare about the creams. A really good cream to use is bepanthen it can be bought from a chemist and it is great for tattoos. Heals really well.

I just got a tattoo on the top of my right foot yesterday for my birthday...it's two roses and a banner underneath for my grandmother....it covers a good amount of my foot and was a lot larger than i had expected it to be....i have a much smaller tattoo on my left hip with not nearly as much detail...that one was uncomfortable but not too bad in the pain department....i have 8 ear piercings, a nostril piercing (juse done yesterday too!), and a belly button piercing (ouch, did that hurt!) in addition to the tattoos...every other thing i have gotten done besides the last tattoo have hurt/been uncomfortable, but i would def. do it again. i WOULD NOT in a million years get another tattoo on the top of my foot. it hurt sooo badly. and my foot would involuntarily twitch towards the sides, but nothing to mess the tattoo artist up. I was def. surprised how much worse it hurt than i thought it would, but it was def. not easy to take that sort of pain for an hour and a half to two hours, with no break. my foot is def. still sore and a little swollen too, but the tattoo looks great and i do love it!! had i known it would be so painful, i probably would have gotten a smaller one in a different location, but this was def. pain like i've never felt. but then i read other people's stories who say it's not that bad, so i guess it varies. good luck if you do decide to get a tattoo there!

i had a tatoo on my foot on monday it took nearly 2 hours and hurt like nothing ive ever felt before! i already have 2 tatoos one on my back on the shoulder blade and one just below my hip! but they didnt hurt at all if you compare it to the one on my foot! my leg kept having spasums and twitchs and i got cramp in my hip near the end! i have worn flip flops for the last 2 days but have to go back to work tomorrow,so i am going to try caking it in salvon and then putting my sock and boot on. hope it will be ok as i dont think i could go throught the pain again! good luck to anyone wanting one coz it HURTS LIKE HELL! but it looks really nice

just got my tattoo 5 days ago and it looks really cracked :( and a bit patchy....will it be like this after it heals? i'm soo scared its gonna look crap :( i have a tattoo on my lower back but this one on my foot is the only one that has colour apart from black so i'm really noticing the cracks!!

Im going for my first tattoo tomorrow. Its going to be on the top of my right foot. After reading these comments i really dont know what to expect. I've always thought my pain tolerance was ok so hopefully i wont find it too bad. In July im going to get another one done on my stomach so im hopeing that if i get my foot done first any other ones i get after that i will be able to deal with.

It WILL hurt, but it is very, very worth it. Remember its only painful for a short space of time, and your gonna get years and years of pleasure from your foot tattoo. Smother it regularly with Bepanthen and it will heal beautifully

I had a foot tattoo today, and had looked on here to see what people thought of the pain as I already have one on my ankle and one on my wrist. I was absolutely terrified after reading about the pain. And can only say although it did really hurt it wasn't by an y means excruciating or the worst pain i've ever felt as loads of people have described it!!

i have had a tat on my foot 3 yrs now . out of my 25plus it didnt feel any diffent but i do have to say the healing is a tough one. its sore for awhile and raised. i thought it was infected or messed up but it turned out perfect.

Who cares about the pain and just get it. i got a huge foot tattoo yesterday. stung a little bit, but doesn't hurt bad.

I just got my foot tattood last night and yes it hurt VERY much. This was my first tattoo and I have to say I think I can handle pretty much any tattoo now. I didn't think numbing cream was necessary. It took about an hour and a half to cover the top of my foot with a flower. I suggest you get maybe a fairy to go on your foot. It's delicate and kind of goes with your theme you have going on.

Ok, i have a tattoo along the side of my foot, it hurt alrite but was so worth it. i have 3 others including my neck and the foot was the worst but its my favorite for sure, i love it. do it!! just make sure u go to a very got tattoo artist and be particular with the after care, ive had mine for 2yrs ive had to get it re done once already and it needs re doing again. good luck!!

How about 2-3 inches above the ankle? i guess this would be the upper ankle does that hurt as much as the ankle? Inner or outter... is there a difference i got my other tattoo on my hip and it didnt hurt as much as everyone said..

I just recently got a foot tatto, relatively medium size on my right foot about two weeks ago. Compared to the one on my lower back the pain is a lot worse. BUT it only lasted around 10-15 min so it was worth the wait. It also depends on how detailed and big u get it. Overall, very satisfied

well i got 3 tats so far an the one on my foot hurt the most. i mean its not that big of a deal but it hurts. i have one on my spine and one on my ankle and the one on my foot put them out of the ball park of pain.but get one there so cute and u will love that one the best i promise you.

I got one on my foot a week ago. It's a tribal tattoo colored purple and its a little off to the side the tail is behind my pinky toe. It is my first tattoo and i can say that it hurt but it's def not as bad as you expect. Now i have 9 piercings so getting stuck by needles isn't that bad for me but the outlining i think was the worst part. Afterwards my foot burned like crazy for 3 hours or more but my foot didn't get swollen. i did have to walk barefoot and with a little limp that night however i was able to wear socks and sneakers the next day(only because it was raining out) but i do recommend wearing sandals. I treated it by using neo. and the scab got a little bigger than what it should so i started using Moonlite Tattoo Moon Goo and it has gone down a bit. It's now starting to crack so i use lotion on it sometimes and am planning on getting a touch up when it is healed but other than that i am completely satisfied with my tat and i think its beautiful.

SOOOO! I just got my FIRST tattoo yesterday (5/22) and i got it on the top of my left foot. Let me tell you i read this entire webpage before i went and i literally was shitting my pants nervous about doing it. Yeah it hurt but it wasnt anything you can't deal with! SO STOP READING!!!!

I just got my foot tattoo yesterday and it hurt sooooo bad, but it was so worth it! I have 2 cherries on my left foot and they pretty much cover half of my foot and I found the coloring and shading to be worse than the outline, but I say out of the 11 tattoo's that I have this is one of my favorites!!! But like I said it hurts, but pain is beauty!!!

i have an appointment to get my left foot tattooed tomorrow and after reading this page i dont know what to axpect now! just gonna prepare for the worst and hope it aint that bad! i alredy have one tattoo on my wrist and that didnt hurt.it was more of an annoying feeling than a pain.

I just got my tattoo done literally 4 hours ago and it didnt hurt one bit, I read this message board before getting it done and it kind of scared me but it didnt scare me. When i walked in the shop I was kinda acting like I knew what to expect but I didnt. AS SOON as he turned the gun on my heart went 100mph, as soon as he started, I laughed cuz I expected so much more, I laughed throughout the WHOLE experience cuz it didnt hurt AT ALL!! , it literally felt like shaving my foot over and over with a BiC razor in the same spot... its a shame that people say it hurt really bad, I feel sorry for them but. Im goin back again !! next pay day

Got my first tattoo ever this past Saturday at 7th Street Tattoos in Little Rock. They have some of the best artists in the area there, and after having seen much of their work around, I decided to give 'em a try on a fairly simple design I drew up a few months ago (a stylized Virgo symbol) with lots of shading. Everyone told me the top of my foot would be one of the most painful places to get one, so I figured it was going to be a bit uncomfortable, but the second the guy started outlining, it felt like a red-hot X-Acto knife slicing into my skin. Also, since outlines are generally deeper than coloring (to form a barrier to hold in the color), the needle kept hitting the bones in my foot, which not only hurt like hell, but also sent sickening shock waves up my leg. I've never experienced anything like it. I immediately broke out into a sweat, started clenching my jaw, and my breathing became rather rapid and labored. After what seemed like an eternity of this, I asked him how long it would take. "About forty-five minutes," he replied. "It feels like it's been two hours already!" I exclaimed. He then looked at his watch, grinned, and said, "It's been about a minute-and-a-half." That's when I looked back over my shoulder, terrified, at my boyfriend who was watching, and I suddenly didn't mind it so much. Having something else to focus on besides the sheer pain helps, it seems. From there on out, I just had to remind myself that it was only going to take about forty-five minutes, and even though I was cussing and clenching left and right, I knew I was in good hands with my artist, so at least the results were going to be worth it. And, sure enough, they were. The intense pain did stop the second he finished, but there were several hours afterward of feeling like a wasp was stinging it here and there. It would happen randomly, without warning, and it would make me jerk my leg instinctively. The stinging sensations really were that wicked. However, they became less frequent and severe as the evening wore on. The next day, it just felt like a bad sunburn, and by the third day, all pain was completely gone. The skin never even reddened all that much around the tattoo. It's been a week now, and since I'm having to keep it uncovered as it heals, many folks have been able to see it as I wear flip-flops everywhere. People who normally don't even like tattoos have loved it, especially because it's on one of the more unusual places to get inked. So, if you're wanting a foot tattoo, I say go for it. Yes, there will likely be excruciating pain during the process, but it's temporary, and I dare say anyone with enough determination to get such a tattoo will be able to weather the experience. Just be ready for quite a strict regimen of after-care, too. Washing it several times a day with a mild hand soap, applying a very thin layer of ointment (Aquaphor is what I've been using), and keeping it completely uncovered and out of the sun. It's a wound, after all, but I figure two weeks of intensive care will be worth a lifetime of having a tattoo that looks very striking--though I know it'll require the occasional touch-up to stay looking its best. Would I get a tattoo on the top of my other foot? Most likely not. But, if I had to get the one I got all over again, knowing now what it was like the first time, would I get it? Absolutely. Now, I just have to hope the huge-ass tattoo I'm gonna get on my back will be less painful, or I might die from honest-to-god shock...

Just got my first tattoo ever last night - on my foot! It was more uncomfortable than anything else, and the shading definately hurt more than the outline, but it's nothing untolerable by any means. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=559456&l=75511&id=503977419

I just got a tattoo which begins above my ankle and runs down the side and top of my foot. I was covering an ankle tattoo. I can't recall having any difficulties with the healing process at all. However my new tattoo is bigger and extends to my foot. the problem is that i work in a business atmosphere and have to wear shoes everyday. am i just asking for trouble? Does anyone know what i can expect?

i'm getting a tattoo on my foot here soon and after reading this page im kind of afraid to do it! i just hope it doesnt hurt too bad.. this is what im getting but im getting hibiscus flowers instead and a different chinese symbol http://z.hubpages.com/u/72446_f248.jpg

First off the feet hurt! My second tattoo is an Ichthys (The Jesus fish). Anywho the pain is very much worth the pain. Mine starts on the big toe bone which is by far the most painful. My other is a medium sized cross in the center of my back and that was painful too, but the big toe bone killed. that said never let pain stop you from getting your ink. We all have out reasons, most of us just think ink is beautiful, and somewhat symbolic of our own life. so whoever reads this please do it for yourself and you'll never regret it. Check mine out on facebook if you want. http://www.new.facebook.com/photos.php?id=559474430#/album.php?aid=29687&id=559474430 If that link doesnt work find me Andy M. Bristow

First off the feet hurt! My second tattoo is an Ichthys (The Jesus fish). Anywho the pain is very much worth the pain. Mine starts on the big toe bone which is by far the most painful. My other is a medium sized cross in the center of my back and that was painful too, but the big toe bone killed. that said never let pain stop you from getting your ink. We all have out reasons, most of us just think ink is beautiful, and somewhat symbolic of our own life. so whoever reads this please do it for yourself and you'll never regret it. Check mine out on facebook if you want. http://www.new.facebook.com/photos.php?id=559474430#/album.php?aid=29687&id=559474430 If that link doesnt work find me Andy M. Bristow

First off the feet hurt! My second tattoo is an Ichthys (The Jesus fish). Anywho the pain is very much worth the pain. Mine starts on the big toe bone which is by far the most painful. My other is a medium sized cross in the center of my back and that was painful too, but the big toe bone killed. that said never let pain stop you from getting your ink. We all have out reasons, most of us just think ink is beautiful, and somewhat symbolic of our own life. so whoever reads this please do it for yourself and you'll never regret it. Check mine out on facebook if you want. http://www.new.facebook.com/photos.php?id=559474430#/album.php?aid=29687&id=559474430 If that link doesnt work find me Andy M. Bristow

Yeah, the foot hurts, but it's totally survivable. Just got my first tattoo a few days ago on my right foot. I have nothing to compare it to, so I don't know if it hurts any worse than tattooing another body part. The first few lines smarted pretty good, but it wasn't that bad after a few minutes. It actually didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. I got a sea turtle and a couple of hibiscus flowers. I'm really glad I did it, and I'm glad I put it where I wanted, rather than picking a spot known to be less painful. If you really want one on your foot, I say go for it! Here's mine: http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b126/Peanutpower/tattoo%209-15-08/?action=view¤t=DSCN1508.jpg

I read this forum before I got my foot tattoo and i was scared crapless of the pain. Well.........I got the tattoo today and it was the same as my other tats. I have 1 on each ankle, wrist and 2 on the back of the neck. I think they all felt about the same. If I HAD to pick a more painful tattoo it would be the one on my ankle. I can't wait to get my other foot done!! It is my favorite tattoo so far!! It isn't even swollen or in pain!!

I just had one tattoo done on my foot today, and its the worst! I have 4 others. One on my leg, shoulderblade, side of the neck,and chest.....the foot thing, hurts bad but the worst is the vibration.....IT SUCKS

i had my foot tattoo done about 3weeks ago now n it was my first tattoo!!! the pain while gettin it does bareable i didnt understand y people were makin a big fuss about the pain while gettin it done.....it wasnt untill after did it start to hurt...but that only lasted a few days so i wud definately recomend it if its wat u want the pain...well in my opinion was hyped up alot more than wat it actually felt like xx

I got my foot tattoo on friday 28/11/08. i read this discussion board before i got it done well them done actually i got a tattoo on both feet . I was so scared it was going 2 hurt after what people had said about it being painfull etc. They were my first tattoos and i was so nervous when i sat in the chair. However it wasnt that bad. actually it wasnt realy painful at all just abit sore sometimes when he went over bone but apart from that it was fine. So stop reading the stories about it being painful it only makes you more nervous than you already are and theres no need 4 it. Im so glad i got them done as there so pretty. I have a shooting star on 1 foot an a heart on the other.

I have just had my foot tattoo done 2 days ago, and i also read all these stories prior to getting it done and in no way did it hurt as much as i expected. I read all these stories and was really scared but it didnt hurt apart from when they went over the bone bit but that was just for like 2 seconds! Dont believe all the stories its not that psainful

Everyone had been saying the foot tattoos hurt hte worst... this was my first tattoo so i cannot compare it to others, but in all honesty it didnt hurt as much as i expected it to. Im a young adult who has a very bony feet and i was terrified but the healing is a little painful for the first day or so. i think it worth it.

So im 16 and will be turning 17 in less than a month and am planning on getting one for my birthday, and after reading what some say the pain is like im kinda rethinking the whole thing. Ive talked to alot of people about it and they have all told me that if u want it bad enough you will just do it. But although i want it done and have wanted it done for about a year now im just scared i wont be able to tolerate the pain that comes along with it. I am terrified that the artist will start the work and i will freak out and not be able to let him finish. I have several peircings (nose, eyebrow, and belly button) none of which i thought hurt, but from the sounds of it there is a big diffrence of pain between tattoos and piercings. So my altumate question to everyone is should i go through with it and get it done or hold off and get a tattoo somewere else that is said to hurt worst?? im at a loss the foot is were i really want it but......but im not sure if i can handle it! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I am I guess what you would call a rather slim-footed person. I'm bony pretty much all around, I just don't have a lot of meat on me. I do, however, have a pretty high pain tolerance and I really really wanna get a tattoo on the top of my foot. I've thought a lot about the tattoo and am seriously considering making an appointment soon. Should I go for it?

Well, I am a "slim footed" person with high pain tolerance as well, and i have the entire top of my foot done, which i personally thought did not hurt at all. I'm beginning to think I just simply cannot feel pain, hah, in regards too how many people said it was excruciating, but so be it. But if you are the same as me at all, you should be fine. I actually thought it was a fun experience, and love getting tattooed. The only part that was even SLIGHTLY annoying, was as it neared my toes. Still not "pain" though. So good luck if you get it, and it's definitely worth it!

I just got my very first tattoo on my foot. To be honest, it didn't hurt as much as I had been told. Even the artist was telling me it was going to hurt real bad because its all bone, but it really didn't hurt that bad. The closest thing I can think of for how it feels would be getting a cut. It just felt like someone was scratching at my foot. It was more irritating than painful. It stings more afterwards than actually getting it done, but my foot was trembling, which I was told is really common for when you get a tattoo on your foot. My tattoo is a crescent moon with a big star on top of it... the left arm of the star, the left leg of the star and the top of it touch the outer rim of the moon. i dunno I can't really describe it. but yeah

i got a fleur de lis tat on my foot yesterday! i love it! dont get me wrong it hurt a bit but didnt take long and when it was over, no more pain. hasnt hurt since....thinking about getting one on my other foot:)

I got a tattoo on the top of my foot 6 days ago. It covers the entire top of my foot. I have a very thin and bony foot to begin with. I have 6 tattoos and to be truthful none of them have ever hurt. During the tattoo, it didnt hurt at all but even now 6 days later my entire ankly and foot are severely swollen and I have been icing, elevating, and using ibuprofen for days. I can barely walk on it. My artist says this happens but if I knew what kind of pain I would have to endure I may have chosen a different area to tattoo.

okay,I have read several peoples comment's about their experience with a tattoo on the top of their foot.I am 17 and I just got my first tattoo two days ago.it is on the top of my foot,I got 10 stars.it wasn't that bad though.I mean there was points where it did hurt for a second but then it was okay again.I seen on here where one person said that their tattoo hurt really bad,and that if people thought it didn't, then they must have more fat on their feet,well I have really skinny feet and it did not hurt that bad.but I am having trouble with shoes because It is winter here and it is really cold to be wearing toe flops.but my experience has been pretty great and my tattoo looks beautiful =]

So I'm not sure if I have a really high pain tolerance or if its the sort of tattoo I had done, but I have to say my foot tattoos were pretty much pain-free. I only have 2 other tattoos, both on the insides of my forearms/wrists, which I also felt were completely painless. However, my tattoos on the insides of my forearms/wrists are song lyrics, and I just have stars on my feet (20 on each foot in varying sides running from my big toe to the bone of my ankle on the outside of the foot). I don't have any shading/color, just black script on my forearms and black outlined stars on my feet. I think it really depends on the sort of design more than anything else. I hear that shading hurts a heck of a lot more than just outlining/script. I'm going to get 7 leaf clovers (Futurama) behind my ears soon so I guess I'll find out when I have those colored in. Anyway, I'd think of it like this, it'll hurt for a day but it will last a life time. Seems like a fair trade.

I just got my foot done 3 days ago.. its my 4th tattoo. i have one on my hip one on my lower side of my back one on my ribs and now the one on my foot. everyone told me the ribs are the worst but i was being tickled by the needle. as for the foot, i wanted to quit after the outline. its a lotus flower, all coloured in with pink and purple and white high lights. it goes from the top of my foot to the side, it took a bit over 2 hours to finish. it hurt so bad, some spots obviously more than others but all together the pain was bad. its still very swollen, and gets irritated often. i figured its normal especially since im on my feet all day. good luck to anyone planning on getting their foot tattooed, you guys are troopers... i said i wouldnt ever get my foot done again, but i already have another appt .. (haha) i guess its just that addicting.

I just got my foot tattoo 3 days ago! I had my sons footprint and his birth month flower. Love it. There are some spots that he hit and it hurt but not crazy pain. Other spots, it felt like he was painting with a brush. Well worth the pain though. The foot is just an awesome place to have a tattoo. Oh,the 2nd day, I could barely walk on it. I woke up the 3rd day and there was no pain at all. Guess everyone is different. Have fun....just go for it.

Hey hey, my experience is pretty much the same as everyone else's it seems.. Mine is a branch of blossom from the ankle bone to big toe. I got it done yesterday and yes it did hurt, especially nearing the toes and underneath the ankle bone. I got a small butterfly outline on my heel a while ago as well, which didn't hurt nearly as much as this tattoo, but its a lot bigger and has a lot of layers of colour shading which is where most of the pain came from! I'm struggling to walk on it today because it's quite swollen, but it probably didn't help that I was on my feet at work all day - not advised!! The pain now is just from the swelling stretching the skin when I try to walk on it, and after applying cream, the tatt prickles slightly. But even so, it's definately worth it. I'm confident mine will feel better in a day or two! Hope this helps.

I went in for my 16th birthday yesterday to get my tattoo; and it was no where near as bad as everyone says it is. My tattoo was on the top of my foot about 3 inches by 2 (of a Nautical star with vines). There were a few bits that hurt a little but I would do it again ten times over just to get those results. It was my first and now that I heard thats the worst place to get it, I'm looking forward to get another one sometime soon. I dont even feel it anymore and I got it yesterday. I dont think anyone should hold back from getting a tattoo on your foot.

yes it hurts really bad i can take pain really well and i went to go get a tattoo on my foot that starts at my big toe and wraps around my foot to my ankle and it hurt so bad that i almost passed out!! if you dont do well with pain dont do it you will regret it, especially around the toes because its so boney!!!!!! but if you decide to go ahead and do it you will remember it for forever. on the positive side i do get tons of compliments everyday about the tattoo. it says peace in every step

Hi, I got a tattoo on the side to top of my foot. This being my first tattoo I was really nervous about the pain, but honestly it wasn't as bad as I expected. It hurt afterwards for like 2 hrs but then the pain was gone, I went to work the next day and honestly forgot about it, I even wear clogs at work and they didn't bother me.I also never had any problem with infection and all I did was shower normally and use a cream that had vitamin E in it. My tattoo artist told me that if you're worried about the pain to take some Ibuprofen before and after. Also any tattoo hurts so if you want it on your foot then get it. Good Luck

I am planning on getting a foot tattoo tomorrow actually of a rainbow butterfly. After reading some of these responses, I am really nervous. Of course im expecting some kind of pain because HELLO it is a tattoo *laughing*. But some people go thru excruciatin pain and it was makin me havin second thoughts about it. Then i realized im gonna go thru with it because i really want it and i has been on my mind for awhile. I have 3 piercings and this will be my first tat. Im im love with pain u can say so we will see how thiis goes. I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED!!!

I got my first tattoo saturday and it is still healing, people kept telling me I was crazy for getting my first one on my feet but sacrificing a little extra pain to have in the exact spot you want it is totally worth it

I got my first tattoo yesterday on my foot. I was told by a friend to use ametop gel on the area i was having tattooed to numb it. I didn't quite cover the whole area, but the bits that it did cover, i could not feel a thing! the other areas did hurt but it's worth it for the end result!

I got a tattoo on my foot about a mth ago and have not been the same since. I already have 4 other tattoos so I thought I would be ok. Well my foot immediately began 2 swell but I thought it was because I got it in a very sensitive part. I winded up in the hospital with a very bad infection that was 2 unbearable 2 even describe.Had 2 get antibiotics thru iv and alot of blood work. It came back I was allergic 2 the blue dye. Went on 4 other antibiotics because the infection was that bad. Even after takin meds I was not getting any better so I had other tests done. It got 2 the point where I couldn't move my toes or ankle and the pain was like someone was constantly stabbing me. I am now in phsical therapy 3 days a week 2 hopefully move my toes again and have normal use of my foot. The outcome was the tattoo artist hit my nerves and tendons and thats the cause of my toes and ankle. Worst experience I have ever been thru.

I got a tattoo on my foot about a mth ago and have not been the same since. I already have 4 other tattoos so I thought I would be ok. Well my foot immediately began 2 swell but I thought it was because I got it in a very sensitive part. I winded up in the hospital with a very bad infection that was 2 unbearable 2 even describe.Had 2 get antibiotics thru iv and alot of blood work. It came back I was allergic 2 the blue dye. Went on 4 other antibiotics because the infection was that bad. Even after takin meds I was not getting any better so I had other tests done. It got 2 the point where I couldn't move my toes or ankle and the pain was like someone was constantly stabbing me. I am now in phsical therapy 3 days a week 2 hopefully move my toes again and have normal use of my foot. The outcome was the tattoo artist hit my nerves and tendons and thats the cause of my toes and ankle. Worst experience I have ever been thru.

Just got 2 tats done, my foot and shoulder and for the people who are scared because of the other posts - it is not as bad the amount of pain for both was pretty much the same that is you feel it but it is not excruciating pain, as far as swelling goes that I don't know yet but as of right now the swelling is minimal and the area is a little bit sore. I would definately do a foot tat again but I now have 3 tats and I decided that that's it.

i just had my foot tat done yesterday... got a buddha head in black and grey... it was my first tat and if that was honestly one of the most painful places to get inked... then im going to be getting loads more! it really wasnt that painful. i have the whole of the top of my foot covered and its amazing. i love the work and its beautful art allthough i must admit... my foot is hugggeee now lol... swollen big time... but honestly... its so worth the pain. i almost fell asleep half way through tho so... cant have been that bad eh! peace!

It's Friday, I got my tattoo on Tues night! They used two types of numbing gels, one they left on for a half hour and then after he did the outline he out on another one, the actual tattoo was NOT as bad as I thought it was going to be...assuming bc I got at that numbing gel, However....the after math is insanely painful! Walking is so painful! I got three shamrocks right on the top of my foot probably 3.5 inches! I love it but I am shocked this is so painful!

Hey! Glad to hear you thinking about having a foot tattoo, I had mine done yesterday, had been thinking for a while that I wanted a butterfly tat, and finally decided on the one i wanted. It's quite a complicated little traditional butterfly with purple edges, blue middle with pink flecks. i love it! To be honest, i am one of the biggest worriers you will meet!! I am so worried about having it done I was nearly sick! But i just covered my eyes and was suprised how much it didn't hurt! Doing the outline was a bit sore, but no way unbearable, and i found the noise quite soothing and wasn't an issue like i thought it would be. So, go for it! This is my first tattoo aand im really pleased with it. It only took bout 12 minutes and it bout 2.5 inches by 2 inches. Hope this helps =) xx

i am not going to lie, yes, a foot tattoo hurts alot! however some parts are worse than others (such as when they are near a bone or close to your toes). my foot is very skinny and boney, so i felt pain the entire time. you really cherish the moments when they are changing ink colors. however, the pain is totally worth it. my tattoo is beautiful, and im so glad i went through with it. i got mine yesterday, and now it just feels really bruised and tender. the aftercare kinda sucks since you cant wear shoes for like 3-5 days and you cant go outside. but again, totally worth it- no regrets!

If u remember ur spine ur foot hurts 3 times worse

hey guys =) im 16 years old and just got my foot tattoo yesterday..after reading the posts of so many people on this blog saying that they are the worst pain ever i was about ready to back out..before i got there i was freaking out almost to the point where i wanted to throw up..bottom line..does it hurt?...yes of course it hurts was it the worst pain ever?...hell no! i have 5 stars with a sort of swirly design to honor my brothers and sisters and it did bother me but i listened to my ipod and talked my way threw the tattoo..i realize that everyone is different but to me it was fine! i was sweating aand holding my breath alot but in the end i would do it again with no problem =)..i have to go in about 3 weeks when it heals to get it touched up but if you really want it done and your freaking out...i recommend bringing some of your favorite music and practicing holding your breath =) you will be fine!

the first tattoo i got was on my ankle, and that was nothing. i just recently got one on the top/side of my foot though, talk about pain. the worst part was the side, definitely; the top not so much. its a pretty big flower with a peace sign in the middle, and it takes up most of my foot, but it turned out so beautifully, that the pain, and horrible swelling :( is just a minor side effect i can live with. the swelling is the worst though, it makes youre entire foot sore, like you sprained it almost. i limped around work all day. haha. good luck, i hope you find a design you like :)

I just got a koin tattoo on my foot yesterday and i ended up fainting in 5 minutes, knocking my head on the floor super, embarassing, so i got a cool glass of water and chilled out until i felt better and after that. it was all good. it was defintaely a little more intense because of the sensitivity in that region. but it looks awesome!

Just had a foot tattoo today. On the inner side of my left foot. Seriously, it was not that bad! It doesnt feel good but nothing you cant sit through. Reading this forum made me extremely nervous and now I am so glad i did it, Love my tattoo, and did not think it was "the worst pain of my life" at all. But...everyone is different.

Im 15 and just had my first tattoo and it was on my foot, i didnt think it hurt much at all, and im a wuss, but it isnt huge

Just got my first tattoo 4 days ago, on my foot. I went in expecting the worst pain of my life after reading all the websites.. but it wasn't anywhere near as bad!! It hurt, kind of like a burning feel, but was definitely not unbearable. Mine took 45 minutes for the tattoo itself, and I didn't need any breaks at all. It looks amazing, and I'm so happy with it! I took the next day off from work just in case but I didn't need to. It hasn't scabbed at all (yet?) I have no swelling and no pain. It really was a good experience!! So, if you want a foot tattoo go for it! Find an experienced artist, eat a good meal before you go and bring a friend to talk to. Then keep it clean and moisturized and you will be fine. I love mine.. !!

I just got my feet tattooed today. Both on the inside near the ankle and it hurt like HELL is some spots but it turned out so AMAZING that it was well worth it. It was my first tattoo so if this spot hurts more than other spots then I think i could handle a tattoo anywhere...well maybe not the ribs. I hear that hurts even worse! Thanks for the aftercare advise on here though! :)

Oh my god, my foot tat was the most painful thing i have ever experienced... lol - not wanting to put anyone off!!! It was my first tattoo and probably not the best place to have it for my first. The worst bit was towards my toes and up around my ankle bone, my mother would have been ashamed of the swear words coming out of my mouth!! The other annoying thing is that i was involuntary twitching all the time so the tattooist had to hold down my foot. It was totally uncontrolable, when he got to a part the i knew was gonna hurt like hell i couldnt help but flinch. However, i dont have a very high pain threshold and i will never knowlingly put myself through pain, everybody is different and what really hurt for me maybe bearable for other people. All i will say is that i am so glad that i had it done, yes it hurt like hell and yes i almost kicked the guy in the face a few times but he was a great tattoist and put me at ease as much as he could. And i have to say that it hasnt put me off and i am now looking for my next one. Just maybe in a less painful place. My foot tat is amazing and i love it

hi im having a foot tattoo done on sunday and im working at 5pm that day do you think i could wear loose dolly shoes as i have to wear black shoes help please :-) !! x

my foot had to be the worst pain ever . i have stars on the side of my foot . if i could re.do it i would do it all over again . i also have my hip on donne , BUT my foot was the worst .

Hiyaa, i LOVE tattoos n have a big back peice and a tinkerbell on my ankle, them two tattoos were fine i had no pain at all, maybe it is because i have a very high pain threshold but they are perfect! However, yesterday i got a paw print tattoo'd on the top of my foot... OH MY WORD it is actually the most pain i have EVER encounted in my life (n i've cracked my skull before so u can imagine!) My foot has swelled up n it bleeds everytime i clean it... i can not walk n I am taking my mum's pain killers that she has been perscribed by the doctor for athritis in her back andn they still... they dont numb the pain and they contain morphine! I spose it is worth it because the tattoo is beautiful and i did want it but, having a tattoo on your foot is not a decision to be made lightly, everyone heals differently but let me tell you, just be prepared!

Hiyaa, i LOVE tattoos n have a big back peice and a tinkerbell on my ankle, them two tattoos were fine i had no pain at all, maybe it is because i have a very high pain threshold but they are perfect! However, yesterday i got a paw print tattoo'd on the top of my foot... OH MY WORD it is actually the most pain i have EVER encounted in my life (n i've cracked my skull before so u can imagine!) My foot has swelled up n it bleeds everytime i clean it... i can not walk n I am taking my mum's pain killers that she has been perscribed by the doctor for athritis in her back andn they still... they dont numb the pain and they contain morphine! I spose it is worth it because the tattoo is beautiful and i did want it but, having a tattoo on your foot is not a decision to be made lightly, everyone heals differently but let me tell you, just be prepared!

I just got a tattoo on the top of my foot, and the pain wasn't too bad. It was my first tattoo, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it wasn't bad. The only thing that hurt quite a bit was when they did were going around the tattoo in one motion, it felt like the end of a paper clip scraping across your skin.

I got a foot tattoo recently and it was my 8th tattoo and it hurt so bad! I have a whole back peice and the pain couldnt compare to the foot. I got the whole top part tattooed with a Dia de los Muertos girl and it is beautiful, and I am glad I went through with it. The next day I found it very hard to walk because my foot was so swollen still, and I had to work all day. Let me tell you that was hell ha ha. Definitely worth the 3 hours of pain because it looks awesome

I just got my first tattoo on the top of my foot yesterday. I am a hair dresser so i got a scissor and flowers surrounding it .. it took 1 1/2. I watched all these videos and everyones messages on the computer and i almost chickened out.. It hurt .. yes but it wasent as bad as i thought . some spots hurt more than others but just concentrate on something or keep talking to get ur mind off of the pain.. i dont have anything to compare my tattoo to but i can tell u .I am 19 years old and im the biggest wuss ever. if i can do it .. u can do it.

I got my foot tattooed today and it hurt like hell but it was definitely worth it. Afterwards it feels really sore.

I also wanted to add another thing. If you're getting a tattoo on your foot, it's a good idea to have the next few days off (if you work) to rest your foot & elevate it to keep the swelling down. I work M-F, so I had it done on Friday evening & had Saturday and Sunday to keep my foot elevated. The sweeling was gone & it felt fine when I returned to work on monday. :-)

I just had my foot tattooed and I heard that it is the worse pain ever! The truth is that it doesnt hurt that bad my outline did not hurt at all the color I felt but it was like your foot is asleep thats it. My problem was after... My foot hurt worse after than it did during!! I would reccommend you take a couple days off after getting it done I had to work the next day and i could not walk so take your time and let it heal!!!

I just got my first tattoos today, full tops of both feet, it was a bit stingy but i would definately do it again, and i need to get them coloured, but they look amazing it was well worth it :) x

I just got my first tattoos today, full tops of both feet, it was a bit stingy but i would definately do it again, and i need to get them coloured, but they look amazing it was well worth it :) x

I had a tattoo today, butterflies and flowers, on the top of my foot. This is my 5th tatt and it really made me cringe in places!!! Not unbearable but deffinately uncomfortable, the worst pain i'v had from a tattoo, the others iv got were fine (X2 lower back, wrist & hand) but its gorgeous and if you really want one dont let the pain put you off. My foots swollen at the mo and still red and inflamed (12hrs later) need luck tomorrow for 12hour shift :(

I just got my first tattoo on June 20. It is a toe ring with little curly q's and gemstones. I feel like I made myself so nervous about the pain that when I was finally getting it done It was not as bad as I had expected (don't get me wrong, it hurt!!) The worst part by far was when the ring wraps around in between the toes. But my feeling now is that if that's the worst the pain gets, I'm game for some more work!!

I have 10 tattoos total. 1- back, both forearms, calves, shoulder, and both my feet are covered. My feet were the worst that I have ever had to go through. I actually teared up and wanted to stop half way through. If you can take the pain then ABSOLUTELY go for it but the pain is nothing compared to the other parts on your body. Good luck

I recently had a piece done on my foot. It's quite large and spans almost the entire top of my foot into my toes, and it was pretty damn painful. I have two other tattoos, one on my outer thigh and one on my collarbone, and the foot was definitely the worst. Although it does hurt, it's COMPLETELY worth it afterward. The product far outweighs the pain, but be aware that there is a significant amount of pain...

I got a tattoo that covers the whole top of my foot, some beautiful cherry blossoms, and I can honestly say it didnt hurt, the vibrations annoyed me after a while. apparently your foot is meant to hurt....alot. mine is healing perfectly, and i have to wear safety boots all day. i was well prepared for pain....but none. my ribs are next, both sides of the ribs in one sitting, should be interesting. good luck with the ink.

I recently, within the past two weeks, got both of my feet done. My first one(and first tattoo) is of an anchor on my right foot, it wasn't bad at all. It's localized in the middle of the top or my foot, there were only a couple spots that were incredibly tender. My second one is of shells and a starfish in swirled water on my right foot, that one was a pain. The tattoo covers most of my foot. The worst parts on that one were the extremes. The very edge by my arch and by the far left were so painful I was shaking and twitching. The very worst was the knuckle of my big toe, if you can avoid it, don't get that part done. These are my first two tattoos so I can't really compare the pain to anything else, all I can say is the pain is all relitive to location. So if you're worried about it, go with the middle section of the top of your foot, it's still going to hurt but not as bad

I have just recently had a tattoo on my foot/ankle. It is similiar to a daisy chain but the flowers are pink, it goes up from my toes up to the top of my ankle, and then it goes around my ankle and crosses over. I also have a tattoo on my hip and it was nothing compared to the pain of my foot. The worst part is the back of your ankle, it is nearly unbearable but that is just my opinion, all tattoos hurt but i can't imagine one to be that bad, it does hurt! overall i am happy with my tattoo though, and i don't regret getting it done for a second, good luck!

I have just recently had a tattoo on my foot/ankle. It is similiar to a daisy chain but the flowers are pink, it goes up from my toes up to the top of my ankle, and then it goes around my ankle and crosses over. I also have a tattoo on my hip and it was nothing compared to the pain of my foot. The worst part is the back of your ankle, it is nearly unbearable but that is just my opinion, all tattoos hurt but i can't imagine one to be that bad, it does hurt! overall i am happy with my tattoo though, and i don't regret getting it done for a second, good luck!

i just got a tat done an my right side of my rght foot a dit hurt worse than the one on my bikini line i have had three kids to and this hurt mor that any of those hours in labor its been three days and my foot is stiil swollen three time bigger than the original size when it is elaovated it doesnt hurt a bit but as soon as it goes down its like getting stabbed and burned at the same time but i like it an d i would say that the pain is worth it

ive just had a tattoo done on my foot and like you i have 4 previous tattoos which all hurt different amounts, i put off getting the tattoo on my foot for about 5 years one day i just decided today is the day and off i went i know everyone is different but i dont know why i waited so long i can honestly say that the pain or should i say sensation because it didnt really hurt at all was nothing at all so i would say go for i, i like my foot tattoo the best out of all of mine just find a tattoo artist that you trust. hope this helps x

After reading all the messages about how painful a foot tattoo was i was a little nervous about going for mine. But i really wanted it, so i went. I had prepares myself for the worst!! I have to say, i did not find it painful. Nippy yes, uncomfortable, slightly, but painful, no. I didnt have the urge to jump/ flinch and my tattoo was over with in twenty minutes. And its quite a big design!! I also have a tattoo on my lower back and on my hip, and they two for me definately were worse than the one on the foot. Everybody is different and will feel differently during te procedure, so my advice is just go for it!! :)

There are a lot of stories on here about it being the worst pain ever. I may have thought twice about getting my one foot covered if I would of read this first. I had 2 tatts already, one on hip and one on my shoulder (which I had lasered off...talk about pain...the laser hurts much more)...anyway, I have always wanted my foot done. I have a vine that goes from the back of the ankle all the way up the left side of the foot..wraps around on the very top of the foot and then on the vine are my 4 children's birth flowers...He free handed the whole thing and included a background so basically my whole foot is covered except the toes. I was so nervous going in wondering about the pain on the foot. I knew the work was going to be great since my 3 kids had gone in 2 weeks before me and they all got one. It took 2 1/2 hours non-stop but as long as I wasn't watching I was just fine. Sure it hurts like any other tattoo but it was not unbearable....I think my hip bone hurt worse. However, no one informed me about the pain after. My toes all the way up my ankle are swollen, scabbing is a pain in the ass...everytime you move the scabs like break open and that hurts...bleeds at times. I haven't been able to sleep the last two nights either because it just keeps throbbing. Also, don't want to cover it up and my foot is freezing...I was so worried about the pain of getting it that I didn't think of the after pain since my other tattoos didn't have any problem after...didn't even have scabbing much on those either. I have a very tiny foot and very boney. All in All I just love it. Just be prepared for the after pain. I had no idea my foot was going to swell and that is what led me to this website to find out if that was all normal. I am assuming in the next few days the bruising will start. Just think of it as any other piece of art that you put on your body. Hope this helps someone...