Most people expect their feet to feel sore after standing on them for a prolonged period during the day. However, you do not expect to wake up with sore or hurting feet. Since you have been off of your feet, you expect to wake up having feet that feel fresh and ready to go for the day. If you wake up and your feet are sore, you may find yourself wondering why this is happening. Here are a few of the most common reasons why you may wake up with feet that hurt.
Plantar Fasciitis
The number one reason why your feet may hurt when you wake up in the morning is due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. This condition is typically felt underneath the heel, but may be felt anywhere on the bottom of the foot. This condition is caused when the plantar fascia ligament gets inflamed. This can cause a shooting pain sensation on the bottom of the foot. While the pain may be felt any time of the day, most people with plantar fasciitis often complain of feeling pain when they take their first steps in the morning.
Arthritis
Another reason why your feet may hurt when you wake up is due to arthritis. Arthritis is a term that refers to joint inflammation. Typically, this type of inflammation is more common in the elderly, those who have had foot problems in the past, or those who have had a major foot injury, such as a broken foot. Inflammation tends to be worse in cold weather, so you may feel like your arthritic foot hurts more in the mornings in the winter as compared to the summer. Many people with arthritis do not have pain all the time, only some of the time.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are one of the less common reasons why your foot or feet may hurt when you wake up. Bone spurs are caused when a bone is growing abnormally. Most people with bone spurs in their foot experience the pain in the heel area, and that is also where the pain is felt. Pain from bone spurs is typically felt after resting the foot for a prolonged period and then placing weight on the foot again, such as in the morning after a long sleep.
Foot Injuries
The final common reason why your feet may hurt when you wake up is due to foot injuries. If you have a sprain, strain or even broken foot, your foot may feel stiff and sore in the morning. While resting your foot is beneficial, it will not eliminate all of the pain you feel. Professional treatment may be needed to help you heal correctly from various foot injuries.
Waking up with feet that hurt is never fun, and it can put a damper on your entire day. Unfortunately, there are many reasons you may wake up with sore feet, including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bone spurs and foot injuries. If you experience foot pain upon awaking in the morning, you should visit a medical professional.
Here at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, we can help determine what is causing your pain and get to work treating it, so you can wake up pain-free in the morning. Call to schedule an appointment today.
