Why Do My Heels Hurt When I Get Out of Bed in the Morning?

Heel pain isn’t uncommon, and lots of things can cause it. But if your pain is worse in the morning, there’s a good chance you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis. Here’s what we can do to help.

Most people think of their heel area as the place where the leg attaches to the foot. But your heels are complex anatomical structures subjected to lots of stress and strain, and as a result, they’re prone to both traumatic and repetitive injuries.

In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, your heels and feet are subjected to 60 tons of stress with every mile you walk. It’s not surprising, then, that more than 2 million Americans suffer from heel pain every year.

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, our podiatrist, Dr. Andrew McCall, is skilled in diagnosing and treating heel pain, including the nagging, persistent pain of plantar fasciitis. Here, learn some of the common reasons for heel pain and what we can do to help.

Why heel pain happens

Lots of issues can cause heel pain, including arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, and deep bruises. Bursitis is another possible cause of heel pain, occurring when small sacs of fluid, called bursa, become inflamed and irritated.

Heel pain that’s worse in the morning is often due to plantar fasciitis, a condition that also leads to pain in the sole and midfoot region.

Plantar fasciitis basics

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tough tissue that extends from your heel along the bottom of your foot, providing support to the arch part of your foot. If this tissue becomes inflamed and irritated, it can cause pain anywhere along the band, but most often concentrated around its attachment point at the heel.

Sometimes, plantar fasciitis occurs along with heel spurs, which are bony overgrowths along the edge of the heel bone. These spurs rub the plantar fasciitis, causing additional pain.

Plantar fasciitis pain tends to be worse in the morning or any time after a period of inactivity, lessening as movement loosens the fibers and improves flexibility. Many people report that most pain is centered around the heel, with tenderness around the heel and along the bottom of the foot.

More common with age, plantar fasciitis is also associated with flat feet, high arches, and tight calf muscles. Wearing unsupportive shoes can also contribute to plantar fasciitis inflammation, and so can overuse or repetitive use injuries, like jogging.

Treating heel pain

Like other orthopedic conditions, heel pain responds best to prompt treatment. While mild heel pain may respond well to some rest, over-the-counter medication, and application of ice, plantar fasciitis can be stubborn, often requiring medical treatment to relieve the symptoms.

Depending on your needs, Dr. McCall may prescribe medicine to relieve both inflammation and pain, or he may recommend custom orthotics to take the stress and strain off your heels while providing adequate arch support for your unique foot shape. Nighttime braces provide additional support while gently relaxing tight Achilles tendons.

For more severe symptoms or when conservative options don’t provide relief, he often recommends extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), a noninvasive procedure that uses penetrating shockwaves to promote healing of inflamed and damaged tissues.

Find relief for your heel pain

Don’t let heel pain keep you from leading an active, comfortable life. For help with heel pain, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. McCall at Alpine Foot and Ankle in Idaho Falls, Idaho.