Waking up with a stabbing pain in your heel can be frustrating and concerning. The pain is usually worst during the first few steps out of bed. Muscles, tendons, and connective tissues tighten overnight while at rest, so when you stand in the morning, those tissues are suddenly stretched, triggering sharp pain in the heel.
The discomfort may fade as the day goes on, but recurring pain signals there’s an underlying condition that needs attention. Understanding the cause is key to finding lasting relief.
What Causes Heel Pain in the Morning?
Several conditions can cause heel pain that becomes noticeable when you wake up.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, connecting the bones in the feet and forming the arch. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes overstretched, resulting in microscopic tears that cause pain and inflammation.
Several factors, including flat feet, high arches, and tight calf muscles, can contribute to this condition. Repetitive strain from walking or running also places excess stress on the plantar fascia.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, in which sound waves are directed at the heel pain to stimulate healing, is specifically for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments.
Achilles Tendinitis
Whereas plantar fasciitis is under the foot, Achilles tendinitis is pain felt in the Achilles tendon, either where it attaches to the back of the heel bone or higher up in the tendon, at the back of your lower leg.
This condition often develops after a change in activity. If you began exercising more frequently, exercising without warming up first, increasing the intensity of your workouts, or working out on an uneven surface, that may be the reason.
If home remedies don’t work, surgery may be considered. A podiatrist will decide which procedure is best for you.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to break down. It happens naturally as you age and typically affects adults over 50. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining. It usually develops in adults ages 30 to 60.
When other conservative treatments haven’t worked, consider MLS laser therapy, a non-invasive procedure that effectively treats pain and inflammation. Photons of laser energy painlessly penetrate deep into tissue and accelerate cellular healing. As a result, the cells of your tendons, ligaments, and muscles repair themselves faster.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small crack in one of your bones caused by excessive stress. It may also be called a hairline fracture, referring to the hairline crack that forms. Any repetitive motion or activity that places pressure on your bones can cause a stress fracture, such as playing a sport or doing physical work. Stress fractures can also develop from regular use of a bone weakened by a condition like osteoporosis.
Treatment for a stress fracture includes rest and sometimes casting. The longer you go without addressing them, the more likely you’ll require surgery to help them heal properly.
Treatment Options for Heel Pain
Mild heel pain may improve with simple at-home care, especially when symptoms are addressed early.
- Stretching the calves and feet before getting out of bed can help reduce the sudden strain placed on tightened tissues.
- Wearing supportive shoes, even indoors, can also minimize stress on the heel and provide better shock absorption.
- Applying ice to the affected area after activity may help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Limiting high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, can prevent further irritation while the heel heals.
Although these measures may help manage symptoms, persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by a specialist. Symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, and difficulty walking can be signs of a more complicated issue.
In addition to extracorporeal shockwave therapy and MLS laser therapy, podiatrists can prescribe night splints, custom orthotics, walking boots, and refer you to physical therapy.
Speak With an Expert Podiatrist
Persistent heel pain makes even simple movements uncomfortable, but the right care will bring relief. For expert advice and solutions, consult a podiatrist at The Foot & Ankle Center. Since 1989, we have been proud to deliver the highest quality of care to patients in a comfortable and convenient setting.
Learn more about the best path for your podiatric health by requesting an appointment online or calling us at (314) 487-9300!