Foot pain is a daily challenge for millions of people. For some, discomfort becomes more noticeable once the day winds down, showing up as throbbing aches, sharp stinging sensations, or cramps that interrupt rest. When pain strikes at night, it can interfere with sleep and make it difficult to unwind.
If nighttime foot pain is keeping you awake, understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward finding relief. Many conditions improve with simple home remedies, but some require medical care to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
Why Is Foot Pain Worse at Night?
Nighttime makes pain easier to notice. As activity levels drop, inflammation in the feet becomes more apparent, and the lack of distractions can magnify soreness. Lying down can also shift circulation and increase nerve sensitivity, which is why burning, tingling, or throbbing discomfort may feel stronger before bed.
What Causes Foot Pain at Night?
Several underlying factors can contribute to foot pain that becomes noticeable at night.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia, a band of tissue running from the toes to the heel, can become irritated when overstretched, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Flat feet, high arches, tight calf muscles, and repetitive strain from walking or running are common causes. While pain is often worse in the morning, people with plantar fasciitis may experience aching feet at night after being on their feet all day.
A podiatrist can provide night splints, which hold the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened or stretched position. They can also perform extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a procedure that uses sound waves to stimulate healing.
Morton’s Neuroma
Also referred to as a pinched nerve or nerve tumor, a neuroma is an often painful but typically benign growth of nerve tissue. The most common neuroma in the foot is Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. Anything that compresses or irritates the nerve can cause this condition, including wearing ill-fitting shoes, having flat feet or high arches, or sustaining trauma.
Typically, treatment for Morton’s neuroma begins with a non-surgical approach by wearing shoes that feature a wide toe box, low heel, and soft, cushioned soles. Podiatrists can also make custom orthotics. These tailored shoe inserts help with a variety of foot problems, providing relief and comfort.
Pregnancy-Related Swelling
Swelling in the feet is common during the second trimester of pregnancy. As the body increases its fluid levels and nearly doubles its blood volume, the feet may feel uncomfortable. These changes help soften the body in preparation for childbirth, and the swelling decreases quickly after the baby is born.
Luckily, there are several tips you can follow to reduce swollen feet during pregnancy, from putting on compression socks to sleeping on your left side.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, is nerve damage that occurs when there’s a problem with the peripheral nervous system. This network of nerves plays a key role in both sending information from different areas of your body back to your brain and carrying out commands from your brain to various parts of your body. When nerves are affected, this damage can lead to imbalance and clumsiness, numbness, tingling, and pain. Diabetes is the most common cause.
There are several treatment methods for neuropathy, including MLS laser therapy. In this procedure, photons of laser energy painlessly penetrate deep into tissue and accelerate cellular healing. The cells of tendons, ligaments, and muscles repair themselves faster as a result.
Lifestyle Factors
Foot pain can stem from routine daily behaviors, such as posture, activity levels, or footwear. Lifestyle factors that may contribute include sitting, standing, walking, or running for extended periods of time, improper shoe support, certain sleep positions, and weight.
Home Remedies for Foot Pain
Nighttime foot pain can often be eased with simple steps at home, especially when symptoms are mild or occasional. If you’re looking for how to relieve foot pain at night, the following approaches help reduce strain, improve circulation, and relax the muscles and tissues in the feet.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and avoid muscle cramps. It also helps move fluids throughout the body, which reduces the risk of swelling.
- Apply ice – For sharp, stinging pain, place an ice pack on your feet for 10 minutes, wrapped in a cloth so it isn’t directly on your skin. You can repeat this every hour throughout the evening.
- Massage your feet – A gentle massage may help improve circulation and ease tension in the muscles and tissue.
- Add exercises – Strengthening the muscles through foot exercises improves stability and flexibility, which in turn relieves pressure and muscle aches. Toe raises, towel scrunches, and marble pickups are a few examples.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you experience foot pain regularly or notice that your symptoms are getting worse, make an appointment with a podiatrist. Symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, and difficulty walking can be signs of a more complicated issue.
Find Relief at The Foot & Ankle Center
When you make an appointment with The Foot & Ankle Center, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Our expert podiatrists provide thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans, easing nighttime foot pain so you can sleep more peacefully. If your symptoms are keeping you awake or affecting your daily routine, contact us today to schedule a visit.