Waking up feeling refreshed and energized can be the start of a great day. But when you take your first step and notice pain in your feet, it can put a damper on things. Let’s get to the bottom of why your feet may hurt in the morning after you wake up.
Foot pain can be debilitating making every step seem like a mile. But why is foot pain seemingly more prevalent after your wake-up? Here are 5 reasons your feet may hurt more in the morning:
- Plantar Fasciitis: One of the most likely causes of morning foot pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a flat ligament connecting your toes to your heel, becomes inflamed causing discomfort. Plantar fasciitis pain is most prominent in the mornings likely due to the stiffness of the ligament from a long period of inactivity.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis could also be the culprit, responsible for your foot pain. The Achilles tendon stretches along the back of the foot connecting the heel bone to the calf muscles. When this tendon is overused it can become inflamed causing Achilles tendonitis. Similar to plantar fasciitis, pain from Achilles tendonitis tends to be worse in the morning due to tendon stiffness.
- Foot Cramps: While foot cramps are often caused by overexertion, they can also be caused by dehydration, lack of nutrients, and hormones. All of these factors fluctuate while you sleep, leaving you more prone to a cramping foot in the morning.
- Poor Circulation: Poor blood circulation while we sleep can significantly impact your feet in the mornings. If your feet aren’t getting enough blood flow, they can feel numb, cold, and tingly contributing to your pain.
- Arthritis: If you suffer from arthritis in your foot, you may have noticed your arthritic inflammation and pain are worse after you wake in the morning. This is because your foot hasn’t been used in a few hours so the joints aren’t properly lubricated, contributing to more stiffness and pain.
By understanding the cause of your foot pain in the mornings, you can work to combat it. An orthopedic foot specialist can help you determine the exact cause and help create a treatment plan for a quick recovery. For guidance on foot pain, visit the expert physicians at Hinsdale Orthopedics at Munster.
AUTHOR: Bryant S. Ho MD is a board-certified in orthopedic surgery at Hinsdale Orthopedics, with comprehensive training in the operative and non-operative management of adolescent and adult foot and ankle disorders.