Why Your Feet Hurt When You Wake Up in the Morning

Waking up with foot pain can make getting out of bed feel like the hardest part of your day. If your feet are sore, stiff, or tender first thing in the morning, you may be experiencing more than just “sleeping funny.” Common causes include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and arthritis — all conditions that the team at Legacy Foot & Ankle treats regularly.

Plantar fasciitis: the most common morning foot pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading reasons people wake up with heel or arch pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports your foot’s arch. During the night, it tightens. When you first step out of bed, the sudden stretching can cause sharp heel pain that usually eases as you walk.

Risk factors include spending long hours on your feet, wearing unsupportive shoes, or having flat feet or high arches. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic condition.

Achilles tendinitis: pain in the back of your heel

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. If it becomes inflamed or strained, you may wake up with stiffness or aching along the back of your heel and ankle. Morning pain is common because tendons naturally tighten overnight.

Overuse, poor footwear, or suddenly increasing your activity level can all contribute to Achilles tendinitis. Left untreated, it may lead to more serious injury.

Arthritis: joint stiffness that worsens with rest

Arthritis in the feet and ankles causes inflammation in the joints. This inflammation often leads to stiffness after periods of rest, which is why mornings can be especially tough. Symptoms may include aching, swelling, and reduced mobility in your feet.

Arthritis is more common as you age, but it can affect people of all ages. While it can’t be cured, the right treatments can help you manage pain and maintain mobility.

Treatments that bring relief

At Legacy Foot & Ankle, our podiatry team provides personalized treatments to target the root cause of your foot pain. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend:

• Prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises
• Toe padding to reduce pressure
• Splints or walking boots for support
• Betterform over-the-counter orthotics or custom orthotics
• Oral medications or CBD (cannabidiol)
• Anti-inflammatory or cortisone injections for lasting relief

Our goal is to help you get out of bed without pain and stay active throughout your day.

Don’t let morning foot pain slow you down. Contact our offices in Bay City, Caro, Lapeer, and Rochester Hills, Michigan, or request an appointment online to start your path toward relief.