• 955 N McQueen Rd, Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85225
  • 10320 W McDowell Rd, Suite L1238, Avondale, AZ 85392
Se Habla Español
CALL: (480) 744-6234
DENTAL CLINIC
×
  • Services
    • Arthritis
    • Athlete’s Foot
    • Bunions
    • Diabetes & Feet
    • Forefoot Surgery
    • Hammertoes
    • Heel Pain
    • Nail Fungus
    • Neuroma
    • Orthotics
    • Rearfoot Surgery
    • Warts
      • Swift® Treatment System
  • About
    • About The Foot Doc™
    • About The Doctor
  • Articles
  • Contact
  • Request Appointment

What’s the Best Way to Treat Heel Pain in the Morning?

What’s the Best Way to Treat Heel Pain in the Morning?
August 7, 2020The Foot Doc StaffUseful Information

An estimated one million people visit the physician each year seeking relief from heel pain.

If you have experienced this kind of discomfort, you know how debilitating it can be. For some, the pain begins as soon as they wake up and intensifies throughout the day as they put pressure on the heel.

If you suffer from heel pain in the morning, there are simple steps you can take to help alleviate your condition. In this article, we’ll look at causes of heel pain and will share a few of the top exercises, stretches, and tips that may help you find much-needed relief. 

Understanding Your Heel Pain

There are several reasons for heel pain, whether it’s most intense when you’re lying in bed or when on your feet. Most commonly, severe heel pain may be caused due to one of the following:

  • Plantar fasciitis—a condition where the band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed.
  • Achilles tendinitis—inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which wraps around the back of the ankle and connects to the heel bone.
  • Bursitis—occurs when a small sack of inflamed tissue irritates the heel.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis—known as RA for short, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints.

Any of these conditions can cause your heel to feel stiff or achy, even cause severe pain. The pain could also be associated with excessive pronation, a condition characterized by rolling the foot inward while walking. 

Heel pain may also stem from an injury, rather than a medical condition. The most commonly associated ones include stress fractures and bone bruises.

It is highly recommended to consult a foot specialist to diagnose the cause of the pain and get the best treatment for the condition. In addition to the treatment and plan provided by the foot specialist, there are the following ways to help strengthen the heel area and reduce pain.

Exercises and Tips to Alleviate Heel Pain in the Morning 

If your heel pain is mild to moderate, these at-home exercises and tips may help. Always practice caution and start as gentle as possible to avoid further discomfort.

Foot Massage

A gentle massage can help relieve the tension on the bottom of your foot. Try rolling a tennis ball back and forth from your toes to your heel or use a foam roller on the same region. 

You can also hold your foot in your hands and use your thumbs to apply soothing pressure to your heel area.

Cold Therapy

Before going to bed, fill a small bottle with water and freeze it overnight. When you wake up, you can wrap it in a towel and run it along your heel to help reduce some inflammation and relieve pain.

Gentle Stretches

Light stretches can help relieve the strain you’re feeling in your heels. Sitting on the side of your bed, cross your aching foot over your opposite knee. 

Then, gently pull back on the toes of your affected foot, using your hand on the same side. Aim the stretch toward your shin, and hold it for around 10 seconds. Relax and repeat, or switch legs if the pain is present in both feet.

Treat Your Heel Pain

The exercises, techniques, and tips provided in this article may help reduce heel pain in the morning.

However, patients suffering from such conditions should consult a foot specialist at the first sign of such pain or discomfort as the condition may worsen if left untreated. To find long-term relief from your pain, consult The Foot Doc™.

The Foot Doc

Latest Articles

  • Top 6 Warning Signs of Toenail Fungus Jun 1

    Toenail fungus or “onychomycosis” is a common problem. If you...

  • What You Should Know when Considering Bunion Surgery May 31

    Having to deal with Bunions can make areas around the...

  • The Importance of Diabetic Foot Care May 18

    If you have diabetes, it’s critical to take good care...

  • How to Identify and Address Your Toenail Problems May 17

    The average American adult walks around 6800 steps per day. Despite this,...

  • Athlete’s Foot: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Feb 20

    Researchers have estimated that 25% of people will have Athlete’s...

Categories

  • Medical Articles
  • Useful Information

From Our Patients

Icon

4.9 109 reviews

  • Avatar Anthony Trujillo ★★★★★ 7 months ago
    Dr O’Brien is the man!! With his awesome advice I’m able to keep my feet healthy. His office is amazing … Full review and modern and beautiful with awesome office staff and receptionist. And it’s literally walking distance to my neighborhood!
  • Avatar Seth ★★★★★ 10 months ago
    Honestly best Doctor I’ve found in Arizona, been to 3 previous foot doctors and have never had such good … Full review feedback or felt more cared for. Thank you so much Dr. O’Brien, I can’t say it enough and look forward to proceeding with my care with you!
  • Avatar Earthquake99 ★★★★★ 10 months ago
    Honestly best Doctor I’ve found in Arizona, been to 3 previous foot doctors and have never had such good … Full review feedback or felt more cared for. Thank you so much Dr. O’Brien, I can’t say it enough and look forward to proceeding with my care with you!

View Reviews Write Review

Quality podiatric care with a patient-focused approach.
We are Arizona's premier foot & ankle specialists.

(480) 744-6234

office@thefootdocaz.com

955 N McQueen Rd, Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85225

10320 W McDowell Rd, Suite L1238, Avondale, AZ 85392


Our fax #: (480) 907-0500

Quick Links

Services

About Us

About The Doctor

Contact Us

Articles

Patient Portal

REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Our Google Rating

Icon

4.9

View Reviews Write Review

Our Hours

Monday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed

Chandler Map

Avondale Map

© 2021 The Foot Doc™
Privacy Policy | Inquiries