Why Do My Feet Hurt When I Wake Up?
Morning Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions
Does sharp, stabbing heel pain make it hard to get out of bed? If you have discomfort in your feet after waking up, it could be a sign of a painful foot condition like plantar fasciitis. Find out what’s causing your foot pain every morning and how to get relief with PowerStep® orthotics and daily stretches.
In this article:
- What causes morning foot pain?
- How to Find Relief with PowerStep
- 3 Easy Morning Stretches for Foot Pain
What causes foot pain in the morning?
Foot pain in the morning often comes from the sudden shift from resting to standing. When you sleep, the tissues in your feet naturally relax and contract. Jumping out of bed puts quick pressure on those tissues, especially if they're already weak or inflamed.
People who are highly active or stand for a long time at work tend to experience this more often. Being overweight can also put more stress on your feet, making morning pain more likely. Morning foot pain is a common symptom of the following conditions:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in the morning, affecting 10% of the population with 83% of patients being working adults between ages 25 and 65. It happens when the ligament supporting your arch tears or becomes inflamed, leading to sharp or stabbing pain that typically eases throughout the day.
The reason plantar fasciitis hurts in the morning is because of sudden tension on that ligament, much like pulling on a stiff rubber band. Orthotic insoles and daily foot stretches help keep the ligament supported, strong, and flexible to relieve and prevent pain.
Looking to save on relief from morning foot pain & plantar fasciitis? Bundle & Save with PowerStep’s plantar fasciitis relief kits!
Achilles tendinitis
Pain in the back of your heel in the morning could be Achilles tendinitis. Common in athletes and people with flat feet, the condition starts as a mild ache above the heel, but can also cause tenderness, stiffness and swelling.
Achilles tendonitis happens when the tendon that connects your heel bone to your calf becomes strained. Stepping out of bed in the morning pulls on this tendon and causes pain. Treatment often includes resting, wearing supportive shoes, and doing Achilles tendinitis stretches.
Flat Feet
About every 2 in 10 people have flat feet and may have morning foot pain because of it. Flat feet can be genetic or caused by fallen arches, when your foot’s arch falls overtime because of age, injury or weight.
Though not everyone with flat feet has symptoms, the abnormal arch structure can cause instability, misalignment and pain. It also increases your risk for other foot conditions. Wearing insoles for flat feet gives you the support you need to prevent and relieve pain.
How to Stop Morning Foot Pain with PowerStep
PowerStep orthotics offer podiatrist-recommended relief from morning foot pain. Our clinically proven orthotic insoles, footwear, stretching devices, and more provide the support needed to relieve and prevent pain both night and day.
From the #1 podiatrist-recommended insole brand for plantar fasciitis and other common causes of foot pain, here are our best ways to relieve foot pain in the morning:
Pinnacle® Orthotic Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
Designed by a podiatrist, PowerStep Pinnacle orthotic insoles relieve and prevent pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other foot conditions. Our signature arch support and cushioning improve comfort and help limit stress on your feet and lower body.
Whether you need an insole for flat feet like Pinnacle Low or an insole for high arches like Pinnacle High, our everyday insoles are clinically proven to help stabilize and align your feet for trusted pain relief.
UltraStretch® Night Sock
A comfortable alternative to a plantar fasciitis night splint, the UltraStretch Night Sock gently stretches the tissues of the feet and lower leg to prevent morning foot pain. Lightweight and adjustable, it helps speed up recovery and provides effective relief from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, and muscle cramps.
ArchWear™ Slippers for Men & Women
Walking barefoot, especially in the morning, can further irritate foot or heel pain. If you're looking for the best slippers for plantar fasciitis, PowerStep ArchWear orthotic slippers for men and women give you the support, stability and comfort you need first thing in the morning.
Complete with a removable insole and machine-washable, these comfortable, supportive house slippers can make a difference in the start of your day. If you prefer wearing sandals around the house instead, check out our orthotic sandals with arch support.
3 Easy Morning Stretches for Foot Pain
For long-term relief, it’s important to stretch your feet regularly. This helps improve your foot flexibility and strength. Plus, with these three easy morning stretches for foot pain, you barely have to get out of bed:
- Towel Stretch. Sit up in bed with your legs outstretched. Wrap a towel, blanket or elastic band around the balls of your feet and pull towards you. Hold this stretch for 20 seconds and repeat it 5 to 10 times.
- Foot Extension. Sitting on your bedside, place your ankle over the opposite knee. Grip your toes and gently pull them back until you feel a full stretch in your sole. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each foot.
- Foot Rocker. Using the UltraFlexx® Foot Rocker by PowerStep, you can stretch your feet and lower legs before or after athletic activity. This hands-free device makes it easier to stretch your feet if you have a hard time with the other two stretches.
Relieve Morning Foot Pain with PowerStep
Foot or heel pain in the morning often stems from a few common foot conditions, but daily activities and weight also play a role. PowerStep offers a variety of solutions, from supportive insoles to comfortable footwear, to help you find relief and start your day pain-free.
PowerStep does not diagnose or promise to treat any medical conditions. PowerStep orthotics, stretching devices, and supportive footwear help relieve and prevent symptoms of common causes of morning foot pain.
