Why Do My Heels Hurt When I First Step out of Bed?

There’s nothing better than the joys of starting a brand new day until you take that first step out of bed and feel a sharp shooting pain through your heels. If this sounds like something you experience often, don’t worry. In fact, many people experience heel pain in the morning.

Andrew R. Harrison, DPM, understands how frustrating this kind of pain is and how it interferes with your ability to walk and function. Located in the Lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco and San Jose, California, Dr. Harrison has the expertise and tools to diagnose your symptoms and provide personalized treatment for relief from heel pain.

In the meantime, we’ll review the reasons behind heel pain and explore solutions to start your day on the right foot. 

Plantar Fasciitis

Ever heard of plantar fasciitis? It is a common culprit behind heel pain in the morning. The plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue linking your heel bone to your toes — supports the arch of your feet. When this tissue gets inflamed or irritated, it can lead to heel pain when you step out of bed. Here’s why it happens when you wake up: 

Nighttime contractions 

Your plantar fascia can contract and tighten when you’re asleep. As a result, when you first stand up in the morning, the sudden stretching of the tightened tissue can cause pain.

Limited blood flow 

Blood flow to your feet decreases during sleep, increasing inflammation and discomfort in the morning. 

Tendonitis 

Another common condition related to heel pain is tendonitis. This condition occurs when the tough bands that connect your muscles to your bones get inflamed. Straining your tendons can happen in a few ways. Let's dive into a few of them: 

Overuse 

Repeated foot and ankle movements from activities like running or dancing can strain your Achilles tendon.

Activity changes

Suddenly ramping up your exercise routine or jumping into high-impact activities can overwhelm your Achilles tendon and boost the risk of tendonitis. 

Improper footwear

Finding footwear that prioritizes your foot health is important, and ill-fitting shoes don’t provide the support or cushioning you need. Those worn-out shoes in your closet could potentially lead to tendonitis. 

Arthritis 

It turns out arthritis isn’t just about an achy joint. It can also wreak havoc on your heels. Here’s what you need to know: 

Rheumatoid arthritis  

This autoimmune condition can affect multiple joints, including your heels. It manifests as that uncomfortable stiffness and pain you feel when you step out of bed in the morning. 

Osteoarthritis

Wear-and-tear on your joints over time can lead to osteoarthritis, which brings pain around your heels in the morning or after periods of inactivity. 

Gout 

Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often targeting the big toe and heel. 

So, the next time you feel that shooting pain in your heel when you start your day, don’t ignore your symptoms. Always listen to your feet and take steps to address the underlying causes of your discomfort as they come. You've got options with Dr. Harrison's guidance, whether it’s tight muscles, an irritated heel, or a more serious issue. 

If your heel pain is getting in the way of your life and you're ready to find relief, contact Dr. Harrison and schedule an appointment to discuss your options today!