Heel Pain in the Morning?

03 Oct, 2024

Heel Pain in the Morning?

A good night's sleep is supposed to wrap up with you waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. If you're waking up with foot and heel pain, however, then there's something worth discussing with a podiatrist. We’ll explore some potential causes here on this page.

If you are tired of experiencing chronic and/or severe foot pain, or if you want to address a foot deformity or condition with a licensed foot doctor, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to get in touch.

Plantar Fasciitis: The usual suspect

The most common cause of heel pain in the morning is plantar fasciitis. This condition happens when the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed or agitated.

The plantar fascia tissue connects your heel to your toes and acts as a shock absorber for when you walk, run, or stand. During the rest position while you’re sleeping, this tissue shortens and tightens. If you are quick to step out of bed in the morning, the tissue can suddenly stretch and result in a sharp pain in your heel or arch.

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Achilles Tendonitis: That notorious back-of-the-heel tendon

If your foot pain is located more toward the back of your heel, you might be dealing with Achilles tendonitis. This condition involves the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscle to your heel.

In the same way that plantar fasciitis can flare up in the morning, Achilles tendonitis can be particularly noticeable after periods of rest. Overuse of the tendon as well as tight calf muscles can worsen the condition.

Heel Spurs: Little bony bumps

Heel pain in the morning could also be caused by heel spurs. These are small bony growths that can develop on the bottom of your heel bone as a result of plantar fasciitis. While they don’t necessarily cause pain, they can irritate the surrounding tissues. Heel spurs are especially common in people with flat feet or high arches as well as in those who wear shoes with inadequate support.

Stress fractures and overuse

If you’re an athlete or someone who is very active, then you should expect some heel pain. Stress fractures in the heel bone can develop from repetitive high-impact activities like running, jumping, or even standing for long hours on hard surfaces. You don’t have to push through the pain. Some foot care can have you restored.

Poor selection of footwear

If you’re spending a lot of time in flip flops, high heels, or shoes with minimal or no arch support, then you could be setting yourself up for morning heel pain. Making the switch to more supportive footwear or even investing in custom orthotics can make a world of difference.

When to see a podiatrist

A podiatrist is an ankle and foot specialist with extensive education and training in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions. Here are some signs that it’s time to seek professional assistance:

The pain doesn’t go away or worsens through the day,
You notice swelling, bruising or signs of infection in the area,
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation does not help, and/or
The pain is recurring and affecting your ability to go about your normal routine.

Residents in the area can call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a convenient appointment. We are also happy to arrange a walk-in for as soon as possible if you can come into our clinic early in the morning.