Why do my feet hurt when I wake up. What causes foot pain in the morning. How can I relieve foot pain after sleeping. What are the best treatments for morning foot stiffness. When should I see a doctor about foot pain upon waking.

Understanding Morning Foot Pain: Causes and Symptoms

Waking up with foot pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable way to start your day. Many people experience soreness, stiffness, or sharp pain in their feet upon taking their first steps in the morning. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may affect one or both feet. Understanding the potential causes of morning foot pain is crucial for finding effective treatment and relief.

Common Symptoms of Morning Foot Pain

• Sharp pain in the heel or arch
• Stiffness in the foot and ankle
• Burning sensation along the bottom of the foot
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Swelling or tenderness in specific areas of the foot

Plantar Fasciitis: The Leading Cause of Morning Foot Pain

Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason for experiencing foot pain upon waking. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. The pain is typically felt in the heel area but can extend to other parts of the foot.

How does plantar fasciitis cause morning foot pain? During sleep, the plantar fascia tightens and shortens. When you take your first steps in the morning, the tissue is suddenly stretched, causing a sharp, stabbing pain. This pain often subsides as you continue to move and the tissue warms up, but it can return after periods of rest or prolonged standing.

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

• Age (more common in adults aged 40-60)
• Obesity or sudden weight gain
• Jobs or activities that require long periods of standing
• High arches or flat feet
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons

Arthritis and Its Impact on Morning Foot Pain

Arthritis is another significant contributor to foot pain experienced upon waking. This condition causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Various types of arthritis can affect the feet, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Why is arthritic foot pain often worse in the morning? During sleep, inflammation can build up in the joints, leading to increased stiffness and pain when you first wake up. This discomfort typically improves as you move around and the joints “warm up.”

Types of Arthritis Affecting the Feet

1. Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear arthritis that affects the cartilage in joints
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation
3. Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup, often affecting the big toe
4. Psoriatic arthritis: Joint inflammation associated with the skin condition psoriasis

Bone Spurs: A Less Common but Significant Cause of Foot Pain

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that can develop along the edges of bones. In the feet, they commonly occur in the heel area and can cause significant pain, especially when pressure is applied after periods of rest.

How do bone spurs contribute to morning foot pain? When you sleep, the soft tissues around the bone spur can become less inflamed and more relaxed. Upon waking and putting weight on your foot, these tissues are suddenly stretched and pressed against the bone spur, resulting in sharp pain or discomfort.

Common Locations for Foot Bone Spurs

• Heel (calcaneal spur)
• Top of the midfoot
• Big toe joint
• Ankle joint

Foot Injuries and Their Role in Morning Pain

Foot injuries, whether acute or chronic, can lead to persistent morning pain. Sprains, strains, fractures, and other traumatic injuries can cause inflammation and tissue damage that results in stiffness and discomfort upon waking.

Why do foot injuries often feel worse in the morning? During sleep, injured tissues may swell and become less flexible. When you first put weight on your foot in the morning, these tissues are forced to stretch and bear load, which can cause pain. Additionally, the healing process for many foot injuries involves the formation of scar tissue, which can be less flexible and more prone to morning stiffness.

Common Foot Injuries Associated with Morning Pain

• Ankle sprains
• Stress fractures
• Tendonitis
• Ligament tears
• Bruising or contusions

Poor Blood Flow: An Often Overlooked Cause of Morning Foot Discomfort

Inadequate blood flow to the feet during sleep can contribute to morning stiffness and pain. When you’re lying down for extended periods, circulation to the extremities can be reduced, leading to a buildup of metabolic waste products and a decrease in oxygen supply to the tissues.

How does poor blood flow affect foot health during sleep? Reduced circulation can cause tissues to become less pliable and more prone to stiffness. Additionally, the lack of movement during sleep means that the pump action of muscles, which normally aids in blood return from the feet, is not active. This can result in fluid accumulation and swelling, contributing to morning discomfort.

Factors Contributing to Poor Foot Circulation During Sleep

• Sleeping position (e.g., legs elevated above heart level)
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, peripheral artery disease)
• Tight-fitting socks or pajamas
• Dehydration
• Smoking

Effective Strategies for Relieving Morning Foot Pain

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate morning foot pain and start your day on a more comfortable note. These approaches range from simple at-home remedies to more advanced medical treatments, depending on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms.

Immediate Relief Techniques

1. Gentle stretching exercises for the feet and calves
2. Rolling the foot over a tennis ball or frozen water bottle
3. Massaging the affected area to improve circulation
4. Applying ice or heat therapy, depending on the cause of pain
5. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

Long-Term Management Strategies

• Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes
• Using custom orthotics or insoles
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on feet
• Practicing regular foot and ankle exercises
• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or high-impact activities

When to Seek Professional Help for Morning Foot Pain

While many cases of morning foot pain can be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. It’s important to recognize when your foot pain requires expert evaluation and treatment.

How can you determine if your morning foot pain warrants a doctor’s visit? Consider seeking medical help if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or home treatments
• Persistent swelling or redness in the foot
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
• Pain that worsens over time or spreads to other parts of the foot or leg
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the foot
• Signs of infection, such as fever or warmth in the foot
• Foot pain accompanied by other systemic symptoms

A podiatrist or orthopedic specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examination, imaging studies if necessary, and a tailored treatment plan to address your specific condition.

Potential Diagnostic Procedures

1. X-rays to check for bone spurs or fractures
2. MRI or ultrasound to assess soft tissue damage
3. Blood tests to check for inflammatory conditions or gout
4. Gait analysis to evaluate foot mechanics

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Morning Foot Pain

For individuals with persistent or severe morning foot pain that doesn’t respond to conservative measures, several advanced treatment options are available. These interventions should be discussed with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific condition and needs.

Innovative Therapies for Foot Pain Relief

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing
• Custom-made night splints to maintain proper foot positioning during sleep
• Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation
• Physical therapy programs tailored to foot conditions
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures for persistent issues

Remember that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the foot pain. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Preventive Measures to Reduce the Risk of Morning Foot Pain

Taking proactive steps to maintain foot health can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing morning foot pain. By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can help keep your feet comfortable and pain-free upon waking.

Lifestyle Habits for Healthy Feet

1. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
2. Stretch your feet, ankles, and calves regularly
3. Wear supportive shoes appropriate for your activities
4. Avoid going barefoot on hard surfaces for extended periods
5. Practice good foot hygiene, including regular washing and moisturizing
6. Stay hydrated to support overall tissue health
7. Incorporate low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling into your fitness routine

Nighttime Routines for Foot Health

• Elevate your feet for a short period before bed to improve circulation
• Perform gentle foot massages to relax muscles and promote blood flow
• Use a moisturizing lotion on your feet to prevent dryness and cracking
• Consider wearing compression socks to bed if recommended by your doctor
• Keep your feet at a comfortable temperature during sleep

By implementing these preventive strategies and being attentive to your foot health, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of waking up with painful feet. However, if you continue to experience persistent morning foot pain despite these measures, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

My Feet Hurt When I Wake Up. What Are the Causes?

Most people expect their feet to feel sore after standing on them for a prolonged period during the day. However, you do not expect to wake up with sore or hurting feet. Since you have been off of your feet, you expect to wake up having feet that feel fresh and ready to go for the day. If you wake up and your feet are sore, you may find yourself wondering why this is happening. Here are a few of the most common reasons why you may wake up with feet that hurt. 

Plantar Fasciitis

The number one reason why your feet may hurt when you wake up in the morning is due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. This condition is typically felt underneath the heel, but may be felt anywhere on the bottom of the foot. This condition is caused when the plantar fascia ligament gets inflamed. This can cause a shooting pain sensation on the bottom of the foot. While the pain may be felt any time of the day, most people with plantar fasciitis often complain of feeling pain when they take their first steps in the morning.  

Arthritis

Another reason why your feet may hurt when you wake up is due to arthritis. Arthritis is a term that refers to joint inflammation. Typically, this type of inflammation is more common in the elderly, those who have had foot problems in the past, or those who have had a major foot injury, such as a broken foot. Inflammation tends to be worse in cold weather, so you may feel like your arthritic foot hurts more in the mornings in the winter as compared to the summer. Many people with arthritis do not have pain all the time, only some of the time. 

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are one of the less common reasons why your foot or feet may hurt when you wake up. Bone spurs are caused when a bone is growing abnormally. Most people with bone spurs in their foot experience the pain in the heel area, and that is also where the pain is felt. Pain from bone spurs is typically felt after resting the foot for a prolonged period and then placing weight on the foot again, such as in the morning after a long sleep.  

Foot Injuries

The final common reason why your feet may hurt when you wake up is due to foot injuries. If you have a sprain, strain or even broken foot, your foot may feel stiff and sore in the morning. While resting your foot is beneficial, it will not eliminate all of the pain you feel. Professional treatment may be needed to help you heal correctly from various foot injuries. 

Waking up with feet that hurt is never fun, and it can put a damper on your entire day. Unfortunately, there are many reasons you may wake up with sore feet, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bone spurs and foot injuries. If you experience foot pain upon awaking in the morning, you should visit a medical professional.

Here at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, we can help determine what is causing your pain and get to work treating it, so you can wake up pain-free in the morning. Call to schedule an appointment today. 

5 Reasons Your Feet Hurt When You Wake Up and How to Ease Foot Pain

Foot pain when you wake up could be a sign that you wore the wrong shoes the day before.

Image Credit:
onsuda/iStock/GettyImages

The first step out of bed shouldn’t be agony, but, unfortunately for many, foot stiffness, soreness and pain are a usual part of the morning routine.

From average aches to chronic conditions, physical therapist Tyler Nightingale, DPT, discusses five common causes for the discomfort in your dogs at daybreak, plus what you can do to ease the a.m. pain.

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1. You’re Not Getting Enough Blood Flow

Bedtime is the only time of day when you’re not moving your feet or putting any weight on them. But here’s the thing: “Joints, tendons and muscles crave movement, so a lack of that during a night of sleep will result in a feeling of stiffness the next day,” Nightingale says.

Once you begin to move, you increase the blood flow to your feet, which also heats the tissues and improves elasticity and mobility, Nightingale explains.

‌The fix‌: Get moving. “Most morning stiffness resolves after walking around for a few minutes,” Nightingale says.

2. You Put Too Much Stress on Your Feet the Day Before

Often, the amount of soreness you feel in the morning links back to the degree of stress your feet underwent the day before.

“It’s important to think about exercise of any kind, even something as simple as walking, as a stimulus that causes fatigue,” Nightingale says.

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That’s to say, if your feet are sore and stiff the day after a strenuous sweat session, you might be experiencing delayed-onset muscle soreness, which is “the mildest form of fatigue-induced micro-tearing,” Nightingale says.

When this overloading happens, your body tries to make repairs at night when your feet are at rest.

“Whether you’ve done a tough workout, ran 10 miles or have an injury like plantar fasciitis [more on this later], your body is working hard while you sleep to heal,” Nightingale says.

Your body repairs these micro-tears “by laying down collagen fibers, which are stiff and rigid before they are better integrated as you move,” he explains.

In other words, the healing process itself may also contribute to achiness in your feet.

‌The fix:‌ If delayed-onset muscle soreness is the source of your stiffness, don’t fret. Your body typically repairs itself within 24 to 72 hours, Nightingale says.

Still, pay attention to your pain. If your morning discomfort is recurrent, it may be a sign that you’re overworking your feet, which can lead to injury.

To avoid this, make sure you balance activity with recovery: “Foam rolling, stretching, proper sleep and nutrition are all ways that you can accelerate the [healing] process,” Nightingale says.

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3.

You Have an Injury

“Too much loading to any tissue can lead to micro-tearing,” which, over time, can result in pain and injury, Nightingale says.

Frequent foot pain in the morning is one of the first signals that you’re on the path to a more serious issue or an overuse injury like chronic tendinopathy, which causes long-term inflammation, irritation or impairment of the tendons, he says.

One form of tendinopathy called plantar fasciitis is one of the most common culprits of heel pain, according to the Northshore University Health System. This condition happens when you strain and inflame the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes.

‌The fix:‌ “Chronic issues need chronic solutions,” Nightingale says. To help diminish discomfort, try to reduce activities that produce pain in your feet, and stretch daily.

If your pain persists, you might need to seek help from a doctor or physical therapist who can assist you with a proper treatment plan.

“The best way to fix a long-standing tendon issue is to take a slow and steady approach to loading the tissue to promote healing, like a slow-graded walking program or a specific loaded exercise program [targeted] to one particular joint,” Nightingale says.

4. You Have Arthritis

Chronic foot pain, stiffness and swelling can also result from joint inflammation and indicate arthritis.

Osteoarthritis — aka “wear and tear” arthritis, the most common type — is usually related to aging, but other factors can increase your risk, such as joint injury, obesity, genetics and anatomic issues such as joint shape and alignment, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

For a proper diagnosis, you should see a medical professional.

‌The fix:‌ To reduce the stress on your feet, shift from doing high-impact activities (like jogging or tennis) to lower-impact activities (like swimming or cycling), according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Maintaining a healthy weight will also help lessen stress on the joints, producing less pain and better function, while physical therapy may improve your flexibility and range of motion and strengthen the muscles in your feet, per the AAOS.

Plus, your doctor may recommend you wear custom-made shoes or orthotics (shoe inserts), which may decrease pressure on your feet and reduce your pain.

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5. You’re Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Another reason your feet might be feeling funky first thing in the morning? Ill-fitting shoes.

A review published July 2018 in the ‌Journal of Foot and Ankle Research‌ found that incorrectly fitted footwear was associated with foot pain and foot disorders. What’s more, sporting shoes that don’t fit properly was quite common: Between 63 and 73 percent of participants wore shoes that did not suit either the width or length of their feet.

‌The fix:‌ Get a new pair of shoes that fit you right. Here are some tips to help you select comfy shoes, according to Harvard Health Publishing:

• Because your foot naturally
  expands during the day, go shoe shopping during the afternoon.
• When trying on shoes, always wear
  the same type of socks to the store that you plan to wear with the shoes.
• Every time you buy new shoes,
  ask a salesperson to measure both of your feet. If one foot is larger, opt
  for a size that fits the bigger foot.
• When you stand in the shoes, make
  sure you have a little wiggle room at the toes. Ideally, you should have about
  a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Take a quick walk around the
  store in the shoes. If they fit snugly, pinch or slip off, they’re not the
  right fit.
• Shoe size — which can vary from
  one manufacturer to the next — doesn’t always tell the whole story. Use your
  own comfort level to judge.
• The width of a
  shoe is equally as important as the length. If the ball of your foot feels
  squished, ask if the shoe comes in a wider size.

Choosing shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole can also be helpful, according to the Northshore University Health System.

Goosebumps, tremors in the legs and 7 more symptoms that require an urgent visit to a neurologist

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Previously, this doctor was called a neurologist, today – a neurologist: this is the official name of the specialty fixed at the level of regulatory documents. There is no difference in names, it is the same specialist. He specializes in all the problems that arise in the work of all parts of the nervous system – this is the central part (it includes the brain and spinal cord), the peripheral part is a whole network of nerve fibers that braid all parts of the body, organs and tissues so that the brain can control the whole body efficiently and quickly.

Not all diseases of the nervous system manifest themselves immediately, with sharp symptoms, there are those that can form gradually, slowly and lead to irreversible changes – decreased intelligence, paralysis, problems with speech and self-care. It is the neurologist who can determine the onset of severe pathologies, but it is important to know what symptoms you need to go to him with.

1. Regular or unusual headache

We all have had a headache at least once in our lives. If this is a sign of a cold, a consequence of overwork or a strong shock, let’s take painkillers and rest, treatment of the underlying disease. If the headache occurs daily or does not go away, the symptoms become more severe, it is worth worrying. Neurologist’s attention required:

• headache with nausea, photophobia, vision problems;

• migraine;

• sudden onset pain that is not relieved by usual drugs;

• arising after a head injury, fall, influenza, SARS.

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2. If you feel dizzy and dark in the eyes

Another reason to consult a neurologist without delay is attacks of dizziness or a persistent sensation of rotation of objects.

Head may be dizzy with sudden movements, when turning the head, getting up from a chair or bed, while moving or at rest.

All this is important to explain to the doctor. In addition, there may be lightheadedness, darkening of the eyes, nausea, bouts of vomiting. Against the background of dizziness, a person can lose balance, fall and get injured, including the head. This is dangerous and will exacerbate the problem.

3. Pain in the region of the spine

Inside the spinal column is the spinal cord, from which the nerves go to the organs and tissues to deliver information and commands to them and read various signals from the periphery, transmitting them to the “command center” — brain.

Nerves come out of the spinal cord, pass through the processes of the vertebrae along with the muscles and go into the tissues. If there are problems in the area of ​​the vertebrae, the nerves can be pinched by bones or muscles, irritated or inflamed. All this provokes pain. Depending on where the nerves are affected, pain may be located from the coccyx to the neck . The strength of the pain and its duration, the violation of other functions depend on how much the nerve suffers.

4. Severe blindness in one or both eyes that resolves

Blurred vision in one eye, its complete loss for a while is a dangerous sign. Of course, problems of the eye itself (usually the retina) are not excluded, but this is not uncommon in case of neurological pathologies. Vision problems are typical of multiple sclerosis, migraines, brain tumors, hemorrhages, etc.

5. Goosebumps, pins and needles, and shaking, head nodding

Any discomfort in the arms or legs—numbness, tingling, crawling, or burning—are signs that the nerves are being damaged, irritated, and conduct impulses poorly. In addition, a sign of problems with the nervous system is constant or intermittent trembling of the hands or feet during activity or at rest.

Sometimes shaking, nodding of the head, involuntary movements of the fingers are also possible – these are extremely alarming signs, they can be the first “bells” of Parkinson’s disease.

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6. Weakness of muscles, sudden falls

A sharp change in muscle tone, their weakness to the point that the legs or arms fail – this is a very disturbing manifestation. It can be accompanied by convulsions, twitching of muscle fibers, the formation of painful knots, impaired limb mobility. This should be a reason to see a doctor.

Of course, it can also be problems with calcium, magnesium, circulatory disorders, but muscular dystrophies, hyperkinesis and other serious problems should be ruled out.

7. Sleep disorders, awakenings in the middle of the night

The brain is responsible for sleep, and if it malfunctions, this is a problem. If a person does not sleep, he cannot rest normally, working capacity, concentration, attention, memory decrease. If you deprive a person of sleep for a long time, it can be deadly. Naturally, not only insomnia and awakening at night, superficial weak sleep, but also opposite states are no less disturbing – constant drowsiness, too deep sleep from which the patient is difficult to wake up.

8. Problems with intimacy and bladder

The spinal cord is responsible for the functioning of the pelvic organs. If it is damaged, inflamed, or there are circulatory problems, urinary incontinence, intimate disorders, and stool disorders may occur. In parallel with this, sensitivity in the legs, muscle movements may suffer.

Text author:Alena Paretskaya

Why does the calf cramp | causes of seizures, prevention and treatment

Cramps are uncontrolled contractions of the leg muscles that appear unexpectedly. As a rule, they appear in the evenings before going to bed or in the morning after waking up. According to the duration of the manifestation, there are short ones that last a few seconds and long ones – the duration of which can be up to 15 minutes. With a single character, they do not cause serious problems. However, they lead to uncomfortable sensations, disruption of rest and muscle work. With repeated repetitions and the appearance of pain, they serve as a separate symptom indicating a number of diseases.

From this article you will learn the reasons why cramps in the morning, what first aid should be carried out with cramps, treatment and prevention.

Causes of convulsions

Convulsions in the morning that do not require medical intervention include involuntary contractions that occur when:

• prolonged body, legs in an uncomfortable position;
• wearing ill-fitting, uncomfortable shoes;
• lack of water in the body, and vice versa, an excess of fluid;
• lack of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• lack of physical activity, and vice versa, an overabundance of it;
• being in all sorts of stressful situations;
• excessive alcohol consumption, smoking.

In case of recurring nature and manifestation of pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since muscle spasms may indicate a number of diseases, such as:

• varicose veins, other manifestations of venous pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency;
• heart failure;
• disease or insufficiency of the thyroid gland;
• kidney pathology;
• infectious diseases;
• overweight.

In this case, after a series of consultations and examinations of the body, a treatment corresponding to the diagnosis is prescribed.

First aid for cramps in the legs

If cramped calves in the morning and you need help, you can resort to the following actions:

• Pull the toe up towards the head. In this case, the muscles are stretched, not giving the opportunity to contract;
• In case the spasms do not subside, there is a need for a massage. It is important to carry out carefully, without too much pressure;
• Bring the position of the body to a position in which the limb that reduces is higher than the head. This is necessary to reduce blood flow and reduce muscle activity;
• Get out of bed and walk around;
• Take a warm compress. A wet towel works great;
• Take a warm bath to relax your muscles.

Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis and further treatment, the attending physician prescribes medications. Some compensate for the lack of vitamins and trace elements – they affect the cause of the disease, others relieve spasms and improve well-being – symptomatic therapy is carried out. They are used together, complementing each other.

The most popular drugs for the treatment of calf muscle cramps:

• Tablets containing trace elements – Asparkam, Panangin, Magnerot, Magnelis B6.
• Vitamins – popular are Complivit, Alphabet, Calcium D3
• Ointments – Venuron, Venarum, Heparin ointment, Diclofenac. They act on the veins, improve blood circulation in the legs and relieve pain.

In addition to medicines, physiotherapeutic methods are used, such as electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, ionotherapy and others.