Why Do My Feet Hurt More In The Morning - Is this Plantar Fasciitis?
Have you ever taken your first steps out of bed…and are met with a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel area? This may be an indication that you have plantar fasciitis. The good news is you are not alone as this is a common complaint we receive and with the right treatment, most people can get back to walking comfortably.
The following blog provides some guidance as to the pain you may be experiencing in the morning. However, regardless of your pain location or intensity, booking an assessment with one of our Chiropodists can help in determining the cause of pain and how best to treat it.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bones to your toes. It helps maintain your arch and absorb forces from walking and running. At times this tissue may become irritated, overloaded, or small tears may develop which leads to pain and a condition referred to as plantar fasciitis.
Why does it hurt more in the morning?
When you sleep, your foot naturally relaxes and the plantar fascia shortens slightly. When you stand in the morning, the tissue is again activated and stretched again. This can lead to reopening small tears causing the sharp heel pain.
As you continue to walk, the tissue warms up, becomes more flexible and you may feel an ease in pain level over time. It may return after long periods of standing or after sitting for an extended period of time.
Common Symptoms
People with plantar fasciitis may experience; sharp pain in heel or arch, pain when standing or sitting for long periods, discomfort after exercise rather than during it, tenderness along bottom of heel, stiffness/pain that improves with movement.
What can you do about it?
Helpful treatments may include:
· Stretching calves and plantar fascia before getting out of bed
· Wearing supportive footwear, even in the house
· Applying ice after activity to reduce discomfort
· Strengthening muscles that support the foot and ankle
· Custom orthotics
When to seek professional help?
If your help pain lasts more than a few weeks, becomes severe or is interfering with your daily activity, its time to seek some help. Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis as other conditions can produce similar symptoms. Seeking professional help is important to get an accurate evaluation.
Early treatment can help you stay active, prevent the condition from becoming chronic, and get you back to walking comfortably.
Comments