Do you wake up with searing heel pain in the morning? The issue could be plantar fasciitis, a surprisingly common affliction that affects many adults.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Many may wonder, “Why does my heel hurt when I wake up?” Heel pain does seem to flare up in the morning, but why? Plantar fasciitis is alleviated while we sleep because of the relaxed, prone position of the foot. So, what is plantar fasciitis? There is a thick ligament on the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia. When this ligament becomes irritated, it can cause pain in the plantar calcaneus, which is the muscle in the heel. This disorder affects nearly two million Americans, making it the most common cause of heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are many reasons someone might begin to suffer from plantar fasciitis. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is tightness in the Achilles tendon or the calf muscle. Athletes are at the most significant risk for plantar fasciitis, but it can also afflict those with flat feet or unusually high arches. Here are some other common causes of heel pain.
- Exercising on a flat surface without foot support
- Pregnancy
- A sudden increase in exercise
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Tight calves
- Obesity
- Tight tendons
- Tight calves
Why Does Plantar Fasciitis Hurt in the Morning?
Plantar fasciitis seems to flare up primarily in the morning. But why? The fascia relaxes after a long rest, such as a good night’s sleep. The tendon shortens as the foot relaxes and the pressure is relieved. The most common occurrence of pain from plantar fasciitis happens in the morning because sudden tension is applied to the plantar fascia upon standing, with those first steps out of bed. What this means for someone with plantar fasciitis is a sudden, sharp, excruciating pain upon getting out of bed.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
No matter how someone gets plantar fasciitis, the condition must receive immediate attention. Without proper treatment from a medical professional, plantar fasciitis can cause a change in gait and posture. This can lead to back and posture problems, and hip issues. There are several ways to treat plantar fasciitis. The key is to procure treatment at a facility that offers interventional pain management. Initially, a doctor will need to give you a diagnosis. This may include a physical examination, x-rays, and other diagnostic testing. Next, through interventional pain management, you will likely be offered a variety of treatment options, up to and including the following:
- Stretching Exercises
• Plantar Fascia Stretching
There are many exercises for stretching the plantar fascia. One includes sitting with legs crossed and pulling the toes back toward the shin.
• Calf Stretching
While facing a wall, stand with one foot behind the other. Placing hands on the wall, bend the front knee and lean forward, keeping the back leg straight with your heel on the ground. Hold for at least 30 seconds. Then, switch legs.
- Night Splints
Your care provider may recommend night splints. These can be purchased over the counter or specifically tailored to fit the patient’s ankles. Night splints immobilize the foot so that the toes continue to point forward throughout the night. Upon waking, there won’t be such a sudden stretch to the plantar fascia, and the pain experienced in the morning is decreased.
- Orthopedic Shoes
Some physicians may recommend a pair of orthopedic shoes. Depending on what type of issue causes the plantar fasciitis, a doctor may recommend one of any variety of orthopedic shoes. The beauty of this solution is that these shoes can be specifically chosen based on the patient’s type of issue. For example, if someone has unusually high arches that are causing the fascia to be inflamed, they might choose orthopedic shoes that support a high arch. However, someone with flat feet will want to choose an orthopedic shoe made for flat feet.
- Orthotic Inserts
With the use of orthotic inserts, there is no need to purchase orthopedic shoes. Orthotic inserts can be purchased and moved from shoe to shoe to help treat plantar fasciitis, regardless of the shoe. We provide patients custom, orthotic inserts to our patients which can be moved from shoe to shoe. The inserts ease pain, plus correct gait and biomechanical motor issues.
- Physical Therapy
If plantar fasciitis continues, your orthopedist will likely recommend physical therapy.
- Medical Procedures
There are several ways to treat plantar fasciitis medicinally. These treatments are typically reserved for stubborn cases that aren’t responding to other methods.
• Steroid Injections
An injection to the bottom of the foot can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma can be injected into the foot using the patient's own blood to repair the damaged tissue.
• Minimally Invasive TenJet
An innovative therapy, this treatment involves a probe that is inserted into the heel. The needle then releases ultrasound waves that assist in healing the plantar fascia.
• Over-the-counter NSAIDs
Anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief by reducing both pain and inflammation. Consult a physician before using any medication.
- Massage
Rolling the foot over a tennis ball can help to relax the arches and tendons before getting out of bed.
- Ice Therapy
Applying ice to the affected area every morning can help relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
- Avoid Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot can exacerbate plantar fasciitis pain, particularly on hardwood or tile floors. Keep a pair of orthopedic slippers or flip-flops next to the bed. Stepping into these comfy cushioned slides will help relieve the morning pain that comes with plantar fasciitis.
- Weight and Activity Modification
• Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your feet and relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
• Modify Activities
If the patient is active, a change in activities could help. Choose low-impact exercises such as cycling or swimming.
Conclusion
No matter the cause, plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful, and a patient suffering from this disorder will want to alleviate the pain as soon as possible. Whether the choice is at-home treatments, manual therapies, supportive footwear, or medical treatment, finding relief from plantar fasciitis is a necessity
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
Are you seeking care for plantar fasciitis? Look no further than Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Indiana. Offering many therapies, such as PRP injections, minimally invasive TenJet, physical therapy, and more, we are equipped to handle any type of foot pain. Your go-to urgent care for all orthopedic issues, we will help you with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Visit our website for more information. Or, for urgent assistance, visit our HURT app.
