Do your first steps out of bed feel like a searing stab in the heel, or maybe a ripping sensation across the arch of your foot? Board-Certified Podiatrist Dr. Albert Nejat often hears these complaints from patients at his private practice, the Podiatry Institute of Southern California, in Culver City, CA.
These patients are among 2 million Americans who are treated annually for plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of morning foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is typically the result of structural issues, such as flat feet or high arches, or lifestyle factors, such as wearing unsupportive shoes or being significantly overweight.
Here’s how Dr. Nejat breaks down the condition.
The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies directly beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot. It connects your heel to the front of your foot and supports your arch. While you sleep, your feet often point downward, which causes the plantar fascia to shorten and tighten.
When you take your first steps in the morning, that tight ligament is suddenly stretched and pulled. This creates micro tears in the tissue and causes significant pain.
Dr. Nejat always starts with a conservative approach. These first-line treatments may include one or more of the following:
If these fail to relieve your pain, Dr. Nejat may recommend steroid injections directly into the plantar fascia. This can provide pain relief and help the tissue begin to repair itself.
Plantar fasciitis is the leading culprit of morning foot pain, but it's not the only possibility. Other potential causes include:
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. If it's inflamed, it will feel tight and painful when you first move after a period of rest.
It's like carpal tunnel, but for your foot. You’ll feel a burning, tingling, or "pins and needles" sensation that may radiate from the inner ankle down into the arch and sole.
This is a small crack in the heel bone (calcaneus), often from overuse.
It causes a deep, throbbing ache. Unlike plantar fasciitis, which usually gets better as you walk and warm up, a stress fracture often stays painful or gets worse the more you walk.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both cause joint stiffness that worsens in the morning. As you move the joint, it produces more lubrication, and the pain may lessen.
Whichever ailment is preventing you from bounding out of bed in the morning, Dr. Nijat can diagnose and treat it. To book an appointment, call the office at 310-204-2300 or request an appointment online today.
