Foot Pain in the Morning? It Could Be Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis pain is particularly intense first thing in the morning. This condition describes inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick ligament that connects your heel to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot and shortens while you sleep because of the relaxed position of your feet. This causes it to be extra sensitive in the morning, but it isn’t likely the only time you feel pain.

Once plantar fasciitis sets in, it can be hard to find relief. The podiatry team at Go Feet with offices in Mays Landing, Linwood, and New Jersey have proven treatments that can lessen pain and reduce inflammation.

ABOUT PLANTAR FASCIITIS

The plantar fascia is vulnerable to irritation, shortening, and inflammation if you participate in activities that involve prolonged standing, walking, or running. Long-distance runners and dancers are especially at risk as are factory workers and teachers.

For those with flat feet, a high arch or an abnormal gait can make you move in a way that stresses the plantar fascia. Carrying a few too many pounds further stresses the tissue.

You’ll notice the stabbing heel pain early in the morning but also after long periods of standing or sitting. You may not feel it too much during exercise, but the pain will likely be severe after a workout session.

FINDING RELIEF FROM PLANTAR FASCIITIS

We can help you determine if your plantar fasciitis pain is because of an irregular foot strike or arch structure. In these cases, orthotics are customized to fit your foot and support your arches, balls, and heels.

An orthotic can help you evenly distribute pressure on the foot, reducing the irritation on the plantar fascia.

Our physical therapy team can also help you learn how to stretch muscles, like the gastrocnemius and soleus of the calf to reduce stress on your foot. This can help reduce foot pain in the morning and alleviate the inflammation causing your plantar pain.

We can also give you some recommendations on how to exercise when your plantar fasciitis is flaring up. Rolling a tennis ball or frozen water ball underneath your foot can help loosen up the ligament. The physical therapy team can offer modifications when you feel pain in your heel so that you don’t actually make your condition worse.

Night splints can also help place your foot in a position so as not to aggravate irritation of the plantar fascia. Over-the-counter antiinflammatories and cortisone injections are strategies the Go Feet team may recommend to alleviate immediate pain.

When combined, these interventions can help you heal over time and get back to all the activities you love.

Without treatment, you risk developing heel spurs or chronic heel pain. Over time, this heel pain can even change the way you move, creating referred pain in other parts of your feet, your back, or your hips.

If you’re experiencing pain in the morning with your first few steps, it’s time to make an appointment at Go Feet. Don’t wait until your pain is severe. Early intervention can prevent complete dysfunction. Call one of our offices today, or use the online tool to schedule.