If a sharp, shooting or stabbing pain greets your feet as soon as they hit the floor each dawn, you are far from alone. Plantar fasciitis, the main cause for this type of pain, is believed to strike 1 out of 10 people. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain we see come through our door!
Top 5 Causes Morning Heel pain
1. Plantar fasciitis
A common injury for runners and other athletes. Athletics put a lot of stress on their feet and heels. Wearing proper footwear and changing out your running shoes every 400 to 500 miles may also prevent overuse pain.
The band of tissues that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, can become inflamed. This can result in Achilles tendinitis, or stiffness and pain in the heel area. Symptoms may be worse in the morning because circulation to this part of the body can be limited at rest. Unlike plantar fasciitis, you’ll likely feel pain or discomfort throughout the day if you have Achilles tendinitis.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for plantar fasciitis. This can result in heel pain in the morning.If your symptoms don’t improve with home treatments, your doctor may recommend wearing a night splint to keep your foot flexed at night.
4. Stress fracture
You can get a stress fracture in your heel from overuse, improper technique, or intense athletic activity. You may notice pain that develops over days or weeks, and swelling. It may hurt to walk. If you have a stress fracture, you’ll likely experience pain throughout the day. See your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have a stress fracture.
5. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can cause heel pain in the morning. The disruption of chemicals and hormones in the body can lead to inflammation and swelling in the feet, ankles, and heels. It can also cause tarsal tunnel syndrome, where the tibial foot nerve is pinched or damaged. If you have unexplained heel pain in the morning and symptoms of hypothyroidism, your doctor may recommend a blood test to check your thyroid.
TRUST the experts!
Why do you need to consult a Podiatrist for your heel pain?
Podiatrists are able to determine the cause of your foot pain and foot type, make allowances for any medical conditions you have, and provide recommendations on the best shoes for you to wear.
That’s where we, Pioneer Podiatry can come in!
Our Podiatrists are well placed to identify the cause and put an end to your heel pain.
Don’t let heel pain slow you down – give Pioneer Podiatry a call today!
