Updated at: 07-12-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Getting out of bed in the morning is nearly unbearable if you wake up with aching feet. Plantar fasciitis is a common assumption if your feet suffer as soon as you put pressure on them in the morning.

Although plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of morning foot discomfort, it is not the only one out there. For more information on the causes and treatment of morning foot pain, contact Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine today.

Why your feet hurt more in the morning

Wake up and know that your feet are going to be sore as soon as you get out of bed and walk about. Your feet suffer worse when you wake up because they’ve been subjected to the same amount of pressure and stress as they were the night before. Most people’s feet don’t hurt after being off their feet all night. After a good night’s sleep, the ache and stress of the day are returning.

Other common causes of foot pain

When you wake up with heel pain, it’s a good idea to call one of our providers and be checked out as quickly as possible. While plantar fasciitis may go away on its own, you may have a more serious problem that needs to be addressed. The following are some of the other causes:

Plantar warts

A virus is to blame for these common warts. When it comes to plantar warts, they’re different from other warts in that they don’t protrude from the surface of your skin. They are capable of inflicting a great deal of discomfort. Fortunately, plantar warts can be successfully treated.

5 Reasons You May be Experiencing Foot Pain in the Morning - Foot and Ankle Group

Achilles tendonitis

Another common cause of foot pain is Achilles tendinitis. If you’re a runner or participate in any other sport that tests your physical stamina, you’re more likely to develop this ailment. The Achilles tendon connects your calf bone to your foot from the back of your ankle. It could become bloated and rigid.

Achilles tendinitis is more likely to occur if your exercise level is abruptly increased beyond what your body is ready to handle. In many cases, the danger of acquiring this illness can be reduced by slowing down and pacing yourself. It’s also important to note that persons with obesity, high blood pressure and flat feet are also at danger.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes known as RA, can induce a variety of additional symptoms, including discomfort in the feet. Wrist and hand swelling and soreness are some of these symptoms. A referral to a rheumatologist is usually necessary to acquire the proper treatment.

The doctors at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine can help if your foot pain is worse in the morning. You can get in touch with us by phone or by filling out the form on this page.

Explore these common causes of foot pain in the morning:

1.) Plantar Fasciitis

If your foot discomfort starts as soon as you step out of bed, the most likely cause is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia ligament, which links your toes to your heels. When you wake up and take your first step of the day, you will feel a stabbing pain in your heel. Plantar fasciitis can, of course, create pain at other times of the day, but for many people, the morning is the worst time to experience it.

Plantar fasciitis symptoms can be more noticeable when you wake up since the blood supply to the heel area is diminished when you sleep. You can use anti-inflammatory medication to minimize swelling in this situation. Another option is to use a tennis ball and roll it along your arch or bottom of foot while stretching the area.

If you think you could be suffering from this problem, have a look at these arch-supporting shoes.

2.) Arthritis

There is an autoimmune illness called RA, which can cause joint pain and even deformity in some people. RA causes the body to attack itself, targeting the fluid in the joint lining and the joints themselves. Inflamed and swollen joints are the result.

If you wake up with terribly tight and sore soles of your feet, this type of arthritis may be to blame. The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are commonly affected by RA, which can cause the toes to move. Talonavicular and ankle joints, as well as the ball of foot, can be affected.

Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause discomfort in the feet, which is most obvious in the morning. While osteoarthritis is the most frequent type of arthritis, it is also known as “wear-and-tear,” because of its degenerative and age-related characteristics.

Treatments exist for arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but they are unlikely to cure it. Anti-inflammatory drugs, arch supports, braces, and more are commonly used to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis.

3.) Flat Feet

When your arches are weak or absent, you develop flat feet, which is also known as falling arches. If your foot has no arch, when you stand, the sole of your foot will contact the ground, rather than just your heel and front pad.

Swelling in the arch and heel can come from flat feet, even if they don’t cause pain itself. These muscles and ligaments are overworked because there is not enough support for them. If you wake up every morning with foot pain and worry that you may have flat feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can make a formal diagnosis. After that, they may suggest pain-relieving measures such as therapy, stretches, and footwear modifications.

My Feet Hurt When I Wake Up and Walk: 4 Possible Causes and Solutions

4.) Bone Spurs

An abnormal growth of the bone may result in discomfort if it rubs on other tissues or nerves in the affected area. Having a bone spur in your heel can cause excruciating agony, especially when you get out of bed in the morning.

Having plantar fasciitis increases the likelihood that you will develop a bone or heel spur as a result of the ailment. If you’re worried about developing a bone spur, talk to your doctor about getting an MR scan.

5.) Ill-Fitting Shoes

Last but not least, if you wake up with foot pain in the morning, it could be because of your shoes. If you have a pre-existing foot ailment that necessitates special footwear, make sure your shoes fit precisely and have enough arch support. A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that many foot discomfort and foot illnesses might be directly linked to inappropriate footwear use.

Participants with foot health difficulties were found to be wearing shoes that did not fit adequately in the study. As a result, if you’re experiencing foot discomfort, one of the first things you should do is assess the fit of your footwear. Here are some of our podiatrists’ best advice for obtaining the correct shoe fit.

Your Next Step

A pain-free life is our goal at the Foot & Ankle Group of New York. As a matter of fact, you may only be a few steps away from relief.

If your pain is severe, we may be able to get you in for a same-day visit. In order to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible, we also provide a wide range of treatment choices, including therapeutic treatments meant to prevent the necessity of more intrusive procedures. Make an appointment with us today by contacting us through phone or email!

Plantar Fasciitis & Achilles Tendinitis FAQs

Does Plantar Fasciitis Cause Aching Feet in the Morning?

Thick tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and supports the arch of your foot is called the plantar fascia. Think of it as a shock-absorbing bowstring that is coiled tightly beneath your foot’s arch.

This bowstring can break if it is under too much strain and pressure. The pain you experience on the bottom of your feet when you get up in the morning is caused by repetitive stretching and ripping of the fascia, which results in inflammation and irritation.

If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll notice a lot of pain in your heel or arch area. In the early stages of the damage, you will only feel discomfort in the plantar fascia when you put weight on it after resting for a while. You will continue to feel agony even after you’ve been up and about for several hours, as the damage intensifies.

Why Do My Feet Hurt When I Wake Up?

Thick tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and supports the arch of your foot is called the plantar fascia. Think of it as a shock-absorbing bowstring that is coiled tightly beneath your foot’s arch.

This bowstring can break if it is under too much strain and pressure. The pain you experience on the bottom of your feet when you get up in the morning is caused by repetitive stretching and ripping of the fascia, which results in inflammation and irritation.

If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll notice a lot of pain in your heel or arch area. In the early stages of the damage, you will only feel discomfort in the plantar fascia when you put weight on it after resting for a while. You will continue to feel agony even after you’ve been up and about for several hours, as the damage intensifies.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Among the many possible causes of plantar fasciitis are:

  • Age. Between the ages of 40 and 60, plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of lower leg pain.
  • Certain forms of physical activity. Long-distance running, high-intensity ballistic leaping, ballet, and aerobic dance all put a lot of stress on the heel and associated tissue, which can lead to early-onset plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis, which is common in marathon runners, might cause morning foot pain if you’ve just started a particularly rigorous training regimen.
  • Mechanics of the feet. A person’s plantar fascia’s ability to evenly transfer weight is compromised if they are “flat-footed,” have abnormally high arches, or walk abnormally.
  • Obesity. The plantar fascia is put under more strain when one is overweight.
  • A job that requires you to be constantly on your toes. The plantar fascia can be damaged by manufacturing employees, teachers, nurses, and others who spend the most of their workweek on hard surfaces.

Is There a Treatment for Aching Feet in the Morning?

Most patients with plantar fasciitis can benefit from non-invasive treatment options. Try massaging your foot and stretching the plantar fascia before you get out of bed in the morning. You can either massage the golf ball with your hand or roll your foot over it.

It’s also beneficial to apply ice to the area that’s hurting. Plantar fasciitis can be alleviated with the use of ibuprofen and naproxen, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Will Achilles Tendonitis Cause Aching Feet in the Morning?

Aching Feet in the Morning: Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis may present symptoms that are similar to those of plantar fasciitis, such as “why do my feet pain when I wake up?” despite your best efforts to address the condition.

The strongest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon. Calf muscles attach to the heel bone, allowing for ankle mobility and flexion.

It is most prevalent in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs that they suffer from Achilles tendinitis, an overuse injury to this tendon. Also, it’s prevalent in persons in their mid-thirties who are active in sports.

From a variety of causes, Achilles tendonitis can develop.

  • Your genitalia. Males are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendonitis than females. .
  • Age. Achilles tendinitis is more common as you get older.
  • Symptoms of a physical illness. As a result, the Achilles tendon is subjected to greater stress if you have flat feet. In addition to being overweight, having overly tight calf muscles might exacerbate the problem.
  • Training options are available. An increased risk of tendinitis is associated with running in worn-out footwear. In cold weather, tendon soreness is more likely to occur, and mountainous terrain might increase the risk of Achilles injury.
  • Conditions that require medical attention. Achilles tendinitis is more common in people with psoriasis or high blood pressure.
  • Medications. Achilles tendonitis is more common in people who take certain antibiotics.

How Do You Treat Achilles Tendinitis?

Aching Feet in the Morning: Treatment for Achilles Tendinitis

It is possible to treat tendinitis with self-care treatments. In the case of Achilles tendinitis, your morning foot pain will be restricted to the tendon area at the back of your ankle, just above the heel. In order to alleviate discomfort, it is recommended to stretch this area many times a day.

Taking ibuprofen or naproxen over the counter will help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. The Achilles tendon can be less painful if you avoid exercising for a few days or do something like swimming that doesn’t put any strain on it.

Icing the part that is hurting is always a good idea.

My Feet Hurt When I Wake Up and Walk: 4 Possible Causes and Solutions

Find Relief for Aching Feet in the Morning at SPORT Orthopedics in Dallas

In the morning, if the bottom of your feet pain, this indicates that the injury is still in its infancy. As long as this discomfort remains, your injury is most likely becoming more serious. Preventing long-term limitations on your daily activities by seeing a sports medicine professional early on is the best course of action.

At SPORT, we’ll figure out where the discomfort is coming from and then use cutting-edge treatment methods to get you moving again.

Physical therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, slings, supports, cortisone injections, and surgery are all possible treatment options. Make an appointment with one of our sports medicine specialists in Texas today.

If you’re asking “why do my feet pain when I wake up?” or if you’ve suffered an acute or persistent foot or ankle injury, you should seek medical assistance right away. To set up an appointment, call SPORT at (469) 200-2832 or fill out an online form. Are you in pain right now? In order to provide you with quick and effective treatment, we can schedule an urgent care visit for the same day.