Do Your Feet Hurt In the Morning? Let's Find Out Why

What Causes Your Feet Hurt In the Morning When You Wake Up? You might be suffering from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or arthritis. It might be described as a stabbing or burning sensation that travels from the heel to the ball of your foot. It's also possible that the tops of your feet hurt when you wake up, and your heels feel constricted. If your feet hurt when you get up in the morning, you might wonder if it's just because you got out of bed on the wrong side or if it's anything more serious that you should be concerned about.

Foot discomfort or heel pain first thing in the morning can result from various issues, including a lack of support or overworked tendons or ligaments, as stated by a podiatrist named Dina Stock, DPM.

Here are four typical conditions that might be causing you discomfort when you first wake up, as well as some ways that you can treat these aches and pains.

Plantar Fasciitis

It is a frequent ailment that can affect you, especially if you have a job requiring you to stand for long periods or compete in sports that need you to start sprinting. The plantar fascia is a band of ligaments that runs down the bottom of the foot, starting at the heel and ending at the base of the toes. When you walk or run, the arch of your foot is supported by these ligaments, which absorb pressure. Plantar fasciitis is a disorder that develops when these ligaments get irritated or torn, and it may be pretty painful. According to Dr. Stock, the afflicted region experiences a severe ache whenever the patient takes a step. "One of the things you want to do is bring greater flexibility into that area," the consultant said.

Most people who experience heel discomfort first thing in the morning do so because of this ailment. As soon as you step out of bed and take a few steps after you leave, it may feel quite tight in your heel, and you may also suffer sudden acute pain in this area. The more you walk and wake up those ligaments, the more likely this pain will go away on its own. However, there are situations when this discomfort might last throughout the entire day. When you first wake up in the morning, Dr. Stock recommends stretching in bed before placing your feet down on the ground so that you might feel some relief from the discomfort.

To accomplish this, wrap a towel or an elastic band around your forefoot, and then bring your foot softly closer to you while doing so. Before getting out of bed, hold that position for twenty seconds, then relax and perform the stretch five to ten times. You need to make sure that you keep stretching throughout the day.

Tendonitis Of The Achilles

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendon that connects the Achilles muscle to the back of the heel. This condition is quite similar to plantar fasciitis. You might experience stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in the Achilles tendon if it is overstretched or overworked. This tendon is responsible for your ability to run, walk, and leap. You could feel pain in your heel when you first get up in the morning, but you might also feel discomfort when moving around during the day, especially if you exercise, climb stairs, or do other strenuous activities. You can find walking difficult if you don't get treatment for your condition.

It would be best if you tried to get some rest, freeze your tendon for up to 20 minutes throughout the day, and elevate your leg to assist in minimizing the swelling in your leg. These things will help you feel better. If the pain does not diminish, your physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory or recommend that you remain immobile. If the discomfort continues after using conservative treatment methods, you may want to consider having one of many surgical procedures performed on you.

According to Dr. Stock, "the therapy for Achilles tendinitis is much the same as the treatment for plantar fasciitis."

Archless Feet ( Flat Foot )

Flat feet affect around 20% of the population, yet most individuals with this condition don't report any symptoms. If you have flat feet, it's possible that your arches never fully matured or that they've flattened down as you've gotten older. Inflammation or a tear in one of your leg tendons, which is responsible for supporting your arches, can lead to this condition.

Dr. Stock recommends making accommodations for the foot so that the body's other components are not forced to work harder than necessary. If you have a flat foot, the most crucial thing you can do to improve your health is to support the arches of your foot, as instability in the foot can cause a wide variety of diseases affecting the tendons, ligaments, and joints in your body.

Other diseases, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, might worsen when you have flat feet. Therefore, providing your feet the support they need is essential by either investing in a pair of quality running shoes or incorporating supportive inserts into your existing footwear. Various stretches and exercises, such as arch lifts and heel raises, can help strengthen fallen arches or flat feet.

And if you have flat feet, you should avoid strolling about in sandals or going barefoot as often as possible.

Arthritis

You may have arthritis if you wake up in the morning with discomfort at the top of your foot, in your ankles, or both. When cartilage in your joints breaks down over time, this can lead to arthritis because it causes your bones to grind against one another. as a natural result of the wear and strain that comes with advancing age (osteoarthritis). Inflammation can also lead to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, both of which are forms of arthritis.

According to Dr. Stock, "it's vital to determine what sort of arthritis you have" so that treatment may be tailored appropriately. If you have inflammatory arthritis, you must take steps to reduce inflammation throughout your body.

How To Alleviate The Pain In Your Feet First Thing In The Morning

If you feel foot discomfort first thing in the morning, try extending your feet before you get out of bed and continue to do so throughout the day. In addition, you might want to think about using a night splint to assist you in maintaining a 90-degree angle with the afflicted foot while you sleep. It may help stretch your muscles and ligaments, which may have become tight. It may also be good to avoid sleeping on your stomach and to keep your feet from flattening out while you sleep.

If you have tried stretching, wearing better shoes, or utilizing inserts in your footwear, and you still suffer discomfort, you may consider making an appointment with your primary care physician. You should schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible if you see any visible swelling, a change in the color of your skin, or if your foot feels warm to the touch since you may have ripped a ligament or tendon.

According to Dr. Stock, "the first thing we're going to do if your pain is light or moderate is adjust your support, prescribe a stretching routine, make advice for icing, and provide activity reduction." 

If you feel your feet hurt in the morning, make sure you extend your feet as soon as you get out of bed and continue to do so throughout the rest of the day.