After sleeping, the muscles of your foot and calf naturally tighten up, which can cause discomfort in the morning. Your foot pain in the morning may also be caused by plantar fasciitis, tendinitis or a stress fracture. Athletes such as runners and dancers -- and overweight individuals -- may be at higher risk of sustaining a foot injury. Treatment includes stretching, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs. Consult your physician about persistent foot pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Your plantar fascia is tissue on the bottom of your foot, which helps support your foot's arches. When your plantar fascia becomes tight and inflamed, it is called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury commonly experienced in runners and overweight individuals. Your age, flat feet and wearing shoes with inadequate arch support can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include pain on the bottom of your foot and heel that is worse in the morning. A 2011 article in the “Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare” refers to morning foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis as “first-step pain."
Treatment
To help alleviate pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis and plantar fasciitis, stretch or massage your calf and foot before getting out of bed and walking. For example, sit at the edge of your bed and place your affected foot over a tennis ball. Slowly move your foot over the ball, messaging the bottom of your foot. Icing your foot at night and heating your foot in the morning can further alleviate pain. Treatment for a stress fracture, on the other hand, includes wearing a walking boot or cast and using crutches while walking to promote healing. Additional treatment options your physician may recommend include anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, a corticosteroid injection and a night splint, which is a boot worn at night. For pain that persists or worsens, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary.
