Why Do My Heels Hurt in the Morning?

Getting up to throbbing and stabbing pain in the arch of the foot is no way to start the day. Talk about getting off on the wrong foot! Of course, you don’t have to wake up feeling like a champion every single morning. But, when the pain gets in the way, it’s normal to feel drained and frustrated.

So, why do heels hurt in the morning? Many issues can lead to pain in the heels. Morning heel pain could be the result of Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis. But, it could also pop up if you’ve recently hurt your foot, like with a stress fracture. Let’s take a closer look at what’s causing the problem.

What Issues Can Cause Morning Heel Pain?

Why do my heels hurt in the morning? This is one of the most typical questions we hear when patients book an appointment. Now, to better understand what you are dealing with, it’s important to take a look at the broader perspective. Plenty of heel pain causes exist.

The main cause of heel pain in the morning is Plantar Fasciitis. Some other causes of morning heel pain include:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Stress fractures
• Heel spurs
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Joint inflammation

Achilles tendinitis (back of the heel) and plantar fasciitis (bottom of the heel), are without a doubt the most predominant factors. People who experience pain in the Achilles tendon typically complain of morning stiffness, variable pain, and tenderness.

Their heels can hurt when they wake up first thing in the morning. In some cases, the pain symptoms subside after a couple of minutes of walking. At other times, however, they persist, hindering your ability to do stuff around the house. Plantar fasciitis is another typical hindrance.

Research indicates that 1 in 10 people will experience Plantar fasciitis in their lifetime. With adequate treatment, 80% of those affected can alleviate their symptoms in 12 months. When the plantar fascia develops inflammation, that’s when the morning stiffness and heel pain pop up.

What Are the Other Symptoms to Look Out For?

Heel pain creates a significant barrier. When you are trying to keep up with a busy schedule, having to deal with the morning aches can send all your timing and careful planning for the day down the drain. Other than the heel pain, you should pay attention to:

• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Redness or bruising (skin discoloration)
• Bony growth affecting the heel
• Aches that develop when you stand, after sitting or resting

What Can Be Done at Home to Prevent Issues?

Regular stretches, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing adequate shoes can help. Applying ice or essential oils paired with a good massage are considered good home remedies for heel pain. But, for a more practical treatment for heel pain, contact our team of experts to get the best treatment plan for you.

When to See the Us for Morning Heel Pain

If you are dealing with any kind of heel pain or foot-related issues that get in the way, contact our team of experts and we will help get to the root of the problem and alleviate your foot and ankle pain and discomfort.