Nighttime Foot Pain? This Is What It Could Be

So, you’ve woken up multiple times in a row and with your feet are hurting at night, but how soon is too soon to call your podiatrist?

The answer is simple: it’s never too soon. Although aching feet at night, during the day or any time may be a symptom of fatigue, constant nighttime foot pain can have many underlying factors.

• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis affects the bottom of the foot, especially near the heel and your arch. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia tissue becomes inflamed, thus allowing pain to radiate to other areas of the foot. The plantar fascia tissue bears the stress from standing and other physical activity including running, walking, cycling and more. Plantar fasciitis can be mild or severe, and treatment can range from rest and ice to surgery, depending on severity. Regardless, the experts at Triad Foot and Ankle Center recommend scheduling an appointment or consultation if it begins to affect your day-to-day life.
• Pregnancy: Like most parts of your body, pregnancy takes a large toll on your feet. If your feet are hurting at night, pregnancy just might be the culprit.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can limit blood circulation, therefore causing tingling, dull or aching pain in your feet. By lying down for extended periods of time, blood circulation slows. Those who have diabetes can feel extended low blood circulation that causes the feet to go numb or cramp.
• Morton’s Neuroma: This condition affects the nerves around your toes, causing them to stiffen and nerves to become compressed. The good news is that Morton’s Neuroma can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit you well. If you suspect, or are diagnosed with Morton’s Neuroma, comfort aids like shoe inserts, soft-soled shoes and massage therapy can help relieve pain.
• Sciatica: No, it doesn’t always just target the lower back. Pinched and compressed discs in your back can affect the sciatic nerve, which runs all the way down your leg and into your feet. If you’re waking up with aching feet at night, sciatica may be your cause. The podiatrists at Triad Foot and Ankle Center recommend physical therapy, massage, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid treatments or surgery.

No one deserves to have their sleep schedule disrupted by painful feet at night. To get the opinion and treatment from one of the expert podiatrists at Triad Foot and Ankle Center, make an appointment here.

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