Why Does My Heel Hurt When I First Get Out of Bed?

Morning heel pain when getting out of bed typically indicates plantar fasciitis, affecting about 10% of adults. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed and tight overnight. During sleep, your foot naturally points downward, allowing the fascia to contract and stiffen. When you suddenly stand and put weight on your foot, this tight tissue stretches rapidly, causing 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.

Related Questions

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