If you are an athlete or if you simply spend a lot of time on your feet, you may have noticed that the bottom of your feet hurt in the morning. Some patients describe it as “aching feet in the morning”. Some even complain after they’ve sat for a long time at a desk. It may be one foot or both. The pain decreases when you are wearing shoes, and you do not feel it while you are running or engaging in other forms of exercise. Show
For an athlete, this sensation can be relatively alarming. The good news is it’s more than likely nothing serious. Pain in the bottom of the feet after long periods of rest, such as sleeping overnight or sitting at a desk for eight hours, is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis, as well as Achilles tendonitis. The exact location of the pain in the bottom of your feet will help to determine which of these is your culprit. Read on for a breakdown of exactly why plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis causes the bottom of feet to hurt in the morning, or when you stand after sitting for a while, and what to do about it. Our experienced surgeons offer a wide array of surgical and non-surgical solutions, including Achilles tendon repair surgery, physical therapy, and much more. Plantar Fasciitis & Achilles Tendinitis FAQsDoes Plantar Fasciitis Cause Aching Feet in the Morning?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot which lends support to the arch of the foot. Think of it as a shock-absorbing bowstring, pulled tight beneath the arch of your foot. If too much tension and stress are placed on this bowstring, it can tear. Repetitive stretching and tearing in the fascia causes inflammation and irritation, which results in the pain you feel in the bottoms of your feet when you wake up in the morning. With plantar fasciitis, the pain will be localized in the heel area, or in the arch of the foot. Early in the course of the injury, the pain will only present when you place weight on the plantar fascia after a period of rest. As the injury progresses and worsens, the pain will persist even after you’ve been up and about for several hours. Why Do My Feet Hurt When I Wake Up?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot which lends support to the arch of the foot. Think of it as a shock-absorbing bowstring, pulled tight beneath the arch of your foot. If too much tension and stress are placed on this bowstring, it can tear. Repetitive stretching and tearing in the fascia causes inflammation and irritation, which results in the pain you feel in the bottoms of your feet when you wake up in the morning. With plantar fasciitis, the pain will be localized in the heel area, or in the arch of the foot. Early in the course of the injury, the pain will only present when you place weight on the plantar fascia after a period of rest. As the injury progresses and worsens, the pain will persist even after you’ve been up and about for several hours. What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can occur for any number of reasons, including:
Is There a Treatment for Aching Feet in the Morning?
Most people afflicted with plantar fascia can improve their condition with conservative methods. Before you get out of bed in the morning, try massaging your foot and stretch the plantar fascia. You can roll your foot over a golf ball or massage it with your hand. Icing the painful area is also helpful. Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen will ease the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. Will Achilles Tendonitis Cause Aching Feet in the Morning?
Aching Feet in the Morning: Achilles TendonitisIf you’ve attempted to treat plantar fasciitis and are still asking “why do my feet hurt when I wake up?”, Achilles tendonitis could present similar symptoms. The Achilles tendon is the most powerful tendon in the human body. It connects the backs of your calf muscles to your heel bone and enables movement in the ankle. Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of this tendon and is most common in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports regularly. Achilles tendinitis can occur for many reasons, including but not limited to:
How Do You Treat Achilles Tendinitis?
Aching Feet in the Morning: Treatment for Achilles TendinitisTendinitis responds well to self-care methods. If your early morning foot pain is a result of Achilles tendinitis, the pain will be localized to the tendon area, on the back of your ankle above the heel. Stretching this area several times throughout the day can be helpful in alleviating symptoms. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen will help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Avoiding exercise for a few days or switching to an activity like swimming that doesn’t strain the Achilles tendon can help ease the pain. Icing the painful area is always helpful. Find Relief for Aching Feet in the Morning at SPORT Orthopedics in DallasIf the bottom of feet hurt in the morning, this probably means the injury is in its early stages. If this pain persists, your injury is probably getting worse. Seeing a sports medicine specialist early on is the best way to ensure this pain doesn’t affect your day-to-day activities long-term. At SPORT, we will identify the source of your pain and then utilize state-of-the-art therapeutic techniques that focus on restoring your range of motion. Depending on the specific condition and its severity, these treatment options may include physical therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, slings, supports, cortisone shots, or surgery. Schedule an appointment with our Texas sports medicine experts. If you have an acute or chronic foot or ankle injury that needs medical attention, or if you’re just wondering “why do my feet hurt when I wake up?” call SPORT at (469) 200-2832 to arrange a consultation or you can request one online. Hurt today? We can arrange a same-day urgent care visit to ensure you get fast, effective relief. Why do my arches hurt when I wake up?Repetitive stretching and tearing in the fascia causes inflammation and irritation, which results in the pain you feel in the bottoms of your feet when you wake up in the morning. With plantar fasciitis, the pain will be localized in the heel area, or in the arch of the foot.
Why do my feet hurt when I first get out of bed in the morning?Your feet hurt more in the morning because it's a return of pressure and stress being placed on them. After being off of your feet all night, your feet usually aren't experiencing any pain. When you wake up, all the pain and pressure comes back.
Why do my feet hurt when I wake up?The Four Most Common Causes of Morning Foot Pain:
Plantar Fasciitis. Achilles tendinitis. Arthritis. Hypothyroidism.
What does it mean when the arches of your feet hurt?Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of arch pain and one of the most common orthopedic complaints reported. It's caused by inflammation, overuse, or injury to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the front of your foot to your heel.
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