Do you feel pain in your feet when you wake up?

Do you feel pain in your feet when you wake up?

Know the illnesses that can be linked to this morning discomfort.

 

After waking up, is it common to feel pain in the feet when taking the first steps of the day? If the answer is YES, we recommend that you seek the help of an expert, to analyze what is causing this discomfort.

As podiatrists, we have already worked with many patients who had this symptom when they woke up, and who, after proper guidance and treatment, showed significant improvement in their clinical condition.

If you are going through a similar situation, let's list some diseases that can cause this health problem:

-> Read also: Pain in the toenails of the elderly

 

Plantar fasciitis - one of the most common causes of foot pain

 

There is a strong incidence that the disorder is caused by Plantar Fascite, which usually affects people of any age, being more common in women.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fibrous tissue that extends across the base of the foot, due to excessive stress in this region. Inflammation is caused by the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia.

 

What is the role of the plantar fascia?

 

The foot is a member made up of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. All the elements are surrounded by a fibrous tissue that protects and guarantees its firmness, which is called the plantar fascia. See the picture below:

 

image

 

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

 

As a first warning sign, the person feels a sharp pinching, stiffness, and a burning sensation in the sole of the foot first thing in the morning. However, after a few minutes, the movement of the body causes an increase in blood circulation in the inflamed region, and so the pain gradually decreases.

Initially, the discomfort lasts for a short time, so many end up not caring and stop looking for a health professional, which can aggravate the disease.

When the disease worsens, pain may appear when walking, running, jumping or even standing for some time.

 

The main causes of plantar fasciitis

 

One of the main causes of plantar fasciitis is the appearance of heel spurs, which can occur due to a sudden injury or wear caused by bad habits over several years.

 

Heel spur

 

A calcaneal spur - or just a spur - is a bulge of the calcaneal bone that appears due to excessive stress on the plantar fascia on the heel.

The problem is more common in people who:

 

  • They are above the weight;
  • The arch of the foot is too high or the foot is too flat;
  • Has the habit of running on very hard surfaces, such as on asphalt, without the proper running shoes;
  • They practice activities that include constantly jumping on a hard surface, such as artistic or rhythmic gymnastics;
  • They wear shoes that are hard and need to walk for many hours, during work, for example.

 

These risk factors increase the pressure on the heel and, therefore, can lead to micro injuries that facilitate the formation of the spur.

 

Symptoms of heel spurs

 

The calcaneal spur is usually asymptomatic, but some patients report experiencing acute pain in the heel region caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia.

 

What to do in case of pain caused by Plantar Fascite or Spur?

 

First look for a doctor for the correct diagnosis, as foot pain can have many causes and we are talking about two of them.

Therefore, only if you know that your problem is due to Plantar Fascite and/or Spur, these are some options that can help you relieve the pain:

 

  • Rest your foot;
  • Sliding a tennis ball over the foot, especially on the heel, which can be done standing or sitting, and greatly relieves the pain;
  • Massage the entire sole of the foot with a moisturizing cream before bed;
  • Stretching exercises such as: pulling your toes up and keeping your knee straight, stretching your feet and leg;
  • Postural re-education to correct your posture and work on the cause of the problem
  • If you are overweight, exercise and diet are key;
  • Foot exercises such as: placing a towel on the floor and pulling it with your fingers or picking up marbles and placing them in a bucket, always keeping the heel flat on the floor;
  • The doctor may also recommend other options, such as using insoles and medication if these are not enough.

 

It is also very important to wear comfortable shoes, do not wear flip-flops or flat sandals, and exercise for the feet and legs should be done daily.

 

Discover other illnesses that cause morning pain

 

Among the possible diseases are arthritis and arthrosis - which are more common in the elderly, however, nowadays, they affect a considerable number of adults due to the attributions of modern life, especially sedentary lifestyles and obesity.

 

Arthritis

 

Arthritis is an inflammation that can cause complications in the joints and tissues of the heel, ankle and foot.

Symptoms

Generally, the pain is linked to rheumatoid arthritis, which also causes swelling, redness and a feeling of heat, especially in the morning or after a long period of rest.

 

Arthrosis

 

Did you know that osteoarthritis is not a disease? It is gradual joint wear caused by the aging process or activities that strain the joints.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of arthrosis are:

 

  • Pain in the affected joint;
  • Difficulty in performing movements;
  • Swelling and stiffness in the joint;
  • deformations in the region of affected joints.

 

Preventive measures to prevent foot pain

 

Did you know that shoes are among the main causes of foot pain? That's why prevention is a very simple choice in this case!

Always prefer comfortable shoes that respect the anatomy and measurements of the feet, in addition to providing adequate support for them. So, avoid high-heeled shoes, pointed toes, hard-soled models without a good cushioning system – this item is mainly for those who are adept at impact physical activity.

When in doubt, first consult a podiatrist to help you choose the right shoes and accessories, which can help you prevent future complications to your health.

Some practices also help in combating foot complications, check out some suggestions:

 

  • Insoles help cushion the impact when walking – ask a podiatrist or physiotherapist about models that suit you.
  • Stretch before and after any sport practice.
  • Keep an eye on your weight, as obesity puts a strain on the joints and base of the body.

 

Follow up with a podiatrist
 

We all know that pain is due to inflammatory and/or infectious processes, indicating that something is not working properly inside our body.

As foot pain can have a variety of causes, it is important that a doctor make a proper diagnosis.

The podiatrist has a fundamental role in monitoring, preventing and controlling foot diseases. Our main objective is to offer quality of life and well-being to people and, especially, to those who already have problems, as they need special care, and the guidance of a professional is important.

Make your appointment and start taking better care of your feet today.

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