Why Do My Feet Hurt in the Morning?

If you’re someone who wakes up with foot pain in the morning, you’re not alone. Foot pain is a common problem that many people experience, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Stuart J. Mogul, DPM, FACFAS, is a Foot Pain and Injury Treatment specialist in New York who can quickly diagnose the cause of your morning foot pain and recommend a course of treatment.

Here are some of the most common reasons Dr. Mogul sees patients with morning foot pain, and what he can do to alleviate the pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common causes of foot pain in the morning is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. The pain is usually felt in the heel and can be particularly intense in the morning when you first get out of bed.

To alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis, Dr. Mogul may prescribe stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes and using orthotic inserts. You can also apply ice to the affected area and take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Arthritis

Arthritis is another common cause of foot pain in the morning. This condition occurs when the joints in your feet become inflamed, which can cause pain and stiffness. Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, genetics and lifestyle.

To manage arthritis pain in your feet, Dr. Mogul may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, recommend wearing supportive shoes and using orthotic inserts. You can also try doing low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga to keep your feet mobile and reduce inflammation.

Poor Circulation

Poor circulation can also contribute to foot pain in the morning. When your blood isn’t flowing properly, it can cause your feet to feel cold, numb, or tingly. Poor circulation can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, obesity, and smoking.

To improve circulation and alleviate foot pain, Dr. Mogul may recommend exercises that promote circulation, such as walking or cycling. You can also try elevating your feet and wearing compression socks to improve blood flow.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in your feet become damaged. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your feet, and it can be particularly severe in the morning when you first wake up.

To manage neuropathy pain, you can try taking medications that are prescribed by Dr. Mogul. You can also try doing exercises that promote circulation, wearing supportive shoes and using orthotic inserts.

Tight Muscles

Finally, tight muscles can also contribute to foot pain in the morning. When your muscles are tight, it can cause pain and stiffness in your feet, making it difficult to move around comfortably.

To alleviate the pain of tight muscles, you can try doing stretching exercises that target the muscles in your feet and legs. You can also try using a foam roller to massage your muscles and loosen them up.

New York Morning Foot Pain Relief

Morning foot pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, poor circulation, neuropathy and tight muscles. By understanding the cause of your foot pain, you can take steps to alleviate it and improve your overall foot health. If you’re experiencing foot pain that’s persistent or severe, contact Stuart J. Mogul, DPM, FACFAS, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Our team can help you make your mornings pain-free.