Heel Pain in the Morning
The Hallmark Symptom
If you experience a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel during your first few steps out of bed, you are experiencing the most classic symptom of plantar fasciitis. This happens because the plantar fascia tightens up overnight while you sleep in a relaxed foot position (plantar flexion).
Why It Hurts
When you stand up and put weight on the foot, the fascia is suddenly stretched, pulling painfully at its attachment point on the heel bone. Night splints are often used to keep the foot stretched overnight and prevent this morning pain, though evidence on their long-term effectiveness varies.
References
- Riddle et al., J Bone Joint Surg Am 2004 (2004). First-step pain in the morning is the most common diagnostic hallmark of plantar fasciitis. PubMed / DOI ↗
⚕️ Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If your heel pain persists beyond 6 weeks, please consult a licensed podiatrist or physiotherapist.
From Our Tests
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