Why Does My Heel Hurt When I First Get Out of Bed?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Morning heel pain that is worst with the first few steps often suggests plantar fasciitis, although this symptom alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. About 1 in 10 people may experience plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is thought to involve strain and small degenerative changes in this tissue rather than inflammation alone. After a period of rest, the first steps can place renewed tension on the fascia and cause sharp pain. The pain usually decreases after a few minutes of walking as the tissue warms up and becomes more flexible. Other potential causes include heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, or stress fractures, though plantar fasciitis remains the most common culprit for this specific morning symptom pattern.
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