Our Vancouver Foot Doctors Explain the Connection Between Morning Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Getting out of bed in the morning is more difficult if you’re struggling with pain. Experiencing pins and needles in those first few steps isn’t the best way to start your day. Even if the pain fades while you’re up and about, morning heel pain isn’t something you should ignore, as this is a frequent symptom of plantar fasciitis.
At Clover Podiatry, our experienced foot doctors work hard to diagnose your foot and ankle conditions, provide you with comprehensive education about the issues, and recommend innovative treatments so you can get back to pain-free mornings ASAP. Here’s what else you should know about morning heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
Getting to the Bottom of Your Heel Pain
There are many causes of heel pain. You might have suffered an injury, such as Achilles tendonitis or stepping on something hard. Or the calcaneal fat pads on your heels that used to provide a natural cushion have worn down because of age. Maybe your shoes or socks don’t fit well, or you have to stand on hard surfaces for a long period of time. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, gout, or bursitis, create an ache on the bottom of your feet.
But, the most common culprit of morning heel pain, especially when it’s sharp enough to make walking uncomfortable, is plantar fasciitis.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition named for the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue similar to a ligament that extends from the heel to the ball of the foot. When this tissue is inflamed, you’ll experience pain, tenderness, stiffness, and even a burning sensation.
The plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock as you walk, so the inflammation and tears from stress and tension lead to discomfort, particularly after the fascia shortens and is immobile for some time—like at night. As soon as the tissue starts to stretch with your first movements, you’ll feel stabbing or shooting pain. And because you were lying down, there’s potentially less blood flow to your feet, which also makes plantar fasciitis symptoms worse.
You might notice that the condition is also uncomfortable when you:
- Stand up after sitting for a while
- Climb stairs
- Engage in intense activity
- Play certain sports that involve a lot of walking, running, or jumping
Plantar Fasciitis Risk Factors
Why does plantar fasciitis happen? It’s hard to say, but some experts suggest that it’s because of:
- Age
- Increased activity
- Carrying excess weight
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Standing, walking, or running on uneven ground
- An uneven gait
- Flat feet
Other less common causes of plantar fasciitis include lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis and Treatment
At Clover Podiatry, we conduct a thorough examination of your feet, assess your medical history, and observe your gait to determine the reason for your heel pain in the morning. If we identify the cause as plantar fasciitis, our first recommendation will likely be conservative, non-invasive pain remedies such as:
- Regular icing to alleviate inflammation and tension in the tissue.
- Morning foot stretching exercises to do before you get out of bed.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Physical therapy to stretch the fascia and Achilles tendon, and to strengthen the lower leg muscles.
- Night splints to hold the fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position so they don’t shorten.
- Orthotics to create an even distribution of weight as you walk.
- Walking boots, canes, or crutches to avoid excessive moving or putting weight on your foot.
Now, plantar fasciitis recovery does require a lot of patience and time, as healing the tissue can take several months. But if you’re still struggling with morning heel pain and plantar fascia issues, we might have to advance your treatment to include:
- Steroid injections
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
- Ultrasonic tissue repair
- Surgery to detach the damaged part of the fascia from the heel bone
Do I Really Need to See a Podiatrist?
Left untreated, plantar fasciitis could lead to more severe conditions, such as plantar ruptures, tears, heel spurs, or fibromatosis. Clover Podiatry will provide the answers you need to take care of your foot health.
Although conservative treatments such as icing, stretching, and NSAIDs can be accomplished at home, it’s important to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists to discuss all the possibilities for your heel pain. We’ll outline any lifestyle changes you may need to make to avoid future complications and determine whether you need additional treatments.