Morning Heel Pain

Morning Heel Pain Overview

Morning heel pain is a highly common symptom of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. The discomfort of morning heel pain is felt usually after getting out of bed in the morning, but often subsides later in the morning. Those who suffer from morning heel pain may also feel it following any period of rest and not just in the morning. As you put weight on the aching heels, the ligaments and tissue throughout the foot warms up and pain often subsides.

While numerous ailments could contribute to the symptom of morning heel pain, plantar fasciitis is often the most common culprit. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation that develops from tears along the plantar fascia ligament. Running along the bottom of the foot, this important ligament is a fibrous band of tissue that can easily develop tears when it faces too much stress and/or repetitive pressure. As a condition that affects millions of Americans year year, plantar fasciits can easily fuel aching heel pain in the morning.

In addition to plantar fasciitis, morning heel pain can also stem from heel spurs. Repetitive stress on the plantar fascia ligament causes the fascia to pull away from the heel bone, also called the calceneous. This stress sometimes leads to a bony growth that forms on the heel. Mimicking the shape of a spur, the bone can easily cause pain particularly in the morning. As sensitive tissue in the heel adjusts around the heel spur, pain eventually subsides. However, heel spur sufferers typically feel pain return again at other times during the day.

Treatment of Morning Heel Pain

When at rest, plantar fasciitis and heel spur pain subsides as the plantar fascia relaxes. Morning heel pain is activated because of weight that is placed on the damaged heel suddenly. While this type of heel pain can be a terrible start to anyone’s day, it can be minimized through simple treatment methods.

Seeking treatment of morning heel pain is a matter of addressing the underlying condition causing it. Again in most cases, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are often the culprits, and both can be treated through conservative, non-invasive means. Many people suffering from both conditions have found that orthotic devices and shoe inserts designed to address heel pain causes can easily help provide pain relief when you’re on your feet. Best of all, a quality ortotic not only curbs pain and discomfort, but can also potentially reverse the underlying condition itself. Night splints may also be beneficial and are worn during the night. As you sleep, a night splint works to strech the plantar fascia and reduce symptoms.