Why Do I Have Heel Pain in the Morning?

Overview

If you wake up in the morning with heel pain, you may feel stiffness or pain in your heel when you’re lying down in bed. Or you may notice it when you take your first steps out of bed in the morning. 

Heel pain in the morning might be because of a condition like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. It may also be due to an injury like a stress fracture.

Heel pain can sometimes be treated with at-home remedies like ice and rest. If your pain is more debilitating, a doctor or podiatrist can diagnose your symptoms and recommend treatment.

Read on to learn about some of the possible causes for heel pain in the morning.

1. Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia, a thick ligament on the bottom of your foot, is irritated. Symptoms include stiffness or pain in the heels or feet. Symptoms might be worse in the morning because of poor blood supply to the heel and foot area when you’re at rest.

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury for runners and other athletes. Athletics put a lot of stress on their feet and heels. Cross-training a few times a week with activities like cycling and swimming may help. Wearing proper footwear and changing out your running shoes every 400 to 500 miles may also prevent overuse pain.

If you have plantar fasciitis, it usually takes a few minutes of activity, such as a few minutes of walking, to warm up the area and relieve the pain.

2. Achilles tendinitis

The Achilles tendon, the band of tissues that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, can become inflamed. This can result in Achilles tendinitis, or stiffness and pain in the heel area. Symptoms may be worse in the morning because circulation to this part of the body can be limited at rest.

Unlike plantar fasciitis, you’ll likely feel pain or discomfort throughout the day if you have Achilles tendinitis.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for plantar fasciitis. This can result in heel pain in the morning (see above).

If your symptoms don’t improve with home treatments, your doctor may recommend wearing a night splint to keep your foot flexed at night.

4. Stress fracture

You can get a stress fracture in your heel from overuse, improper technique, or intense athletic activity. You may notice pain that develops over days or weeks, and swelling. It may hurt to walk.

If you have a stress fracture, you’ll likely experience pain throughout the day. See your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have a stress fracture.

5. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause heel pain in the morning. The disruption of chemicals and hormones in the body can lead to inflammation and swelling in the feet, ankles, and heels. It can also cause tarsal tunnel syndrome, where the tibial foot nerve is pinched or damaged.

If you have unexplained heel pain in the morning and symptoms of hypothyroidism, your doctor may recommend a blood test to check your thyroid.

When to seek help

Make an appointment with a doctor or podiatrist if you have the following symptoms:

• morning heel pain that doesn’t go away after a few weeks, even after trying home remedies like ice and rest
• heel pain that continues throughout the day and is interfering with your daily routine

Seek emergency care if you notice any of the following:

• severe pain and swelling near your heel
• severe heel pain that starts following an injury
• heel pain accompanied by a fever, swelling, numbness, or tingling
• inability to walk normally

Source:  healthline

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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