Do you often experience heel pain when you wake up in the morning? If so, you’re not alone. Plantar heel pain is a musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts work and activities. Around 11-18 percent of people report symptoms beyond one year following conservative management.
What Causes Heel Pain in the Morning?
If your heel pains when you wake up in the morning, there could be different reasons. Here are the most common causes:
1) Plantar Fasciitis
One of the primary reasons of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This medical condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can be painful and is often worse in the morning because the tissue tightens overnight.
There are different things you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis, including:
- Wearing shoes that provide adequate support for your feet
- Stretching your calves and Achilles tendon regularly
- Using arch supports or orthotics
- Avoiding high heels
If you already have plantar fasciitis, several treatments can help relieve the pain, including:
- Rest
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Stretching exercises
- Physical therapy
- Shoe inserts or orthotics
- Night splints
Consult your doctor to know what option will work best with your condition.
2) Achilles Tendonitis
This condition occurs when the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel becomes inflamed.
Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse, such as running or playing sports. If you have Achilles tendonitis, you may notice that your heels hurt more when you exercise or walk uphill.
Some ways to treat Achilles tendonitis at home include:
- Resting your feet as much as possible
- Applying ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time
- Stretching your calf muscles regularly
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen
Read more: Foot Injuries You Shouldn’t Treat Yourself: When to Call the Foot Doctor
3) Rheumatism
Arthritis is a common cause of heel pain. It results when the cartilage that cushions your heel bone breaks down. It makes it hard for your joints to move smoothly. The symptoms are often worse in the morning because you’ve been lying down all night. Treatment involves medication and exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around your joints. Advanced Foot & Ankle Institute is the best place to visit for heel pain treatment in Roswell. We can treat any heel pain you may have and help prevent it from returning. Our treatments are available for all ages.
