If you experience foot pain at night, you are certainly not alone!
Foot pain is a common complaint, especially among mature adults, and it can be caused by a variety of factors.
In this article, we will cover the most common causes of aching, throbbing feet at night. Then we will take a look at the symptoms that signal a need to be seen by a doctor.
Finally, we will discuss how you can get rid of persistent nighttime foot pain.
What diseases can cause pain in the feet?
There are dozens of conditions that can cause pain in the feet. Here are the most common conditions that cause foot pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common sources of nighttime foot pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed.
Plantar fasciitis often results from wearing improperly fitting shoes or overusing your feet. It can be quite painful. The clearest signal that you have plantar fasciitis is a sharp pain in the heel and arches that gets worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. Common treatment options for this condition include stretching exercises, orthotics, ice packs, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Arthritis is another common cause of nocturnal foot pain. Arthritis results when the cartilage between joints breaks down over time due to wear and tear or injury. When this happens, bones rub against each other, causing inflammation and discomfort.
Arthritis typically affects people as they get oiler, but younger people may suffer from degenerative arthritis due to trauma or previous injuries such as fractures or dislocations.
Symptoms of arthritis include stiffness in the joints and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods of time—which can worsen at night due to lack of movement during sleep hours. Common treatment options include physical therapy and medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce inflammation and provide relief from the discomfort associated with arthritis-related foot pain at night.
Achilles Tendinitis
Another possible cause of nighttime foot pain is Achilles tendinitis inflammation caused by overuse or injury to the Achilles tendon in your heel. Achilles tendinitis leads to swelling and tenderness around the heel.
Other frequently reported symptoms to include sudden stabbing pains near your heel.
Or you may have difficulty bending your ankle without experiencing discomfort or pain when walking or running.
Common medical interventions include rest (no jumping or running), icing the heel regularly throughout the day and into the evening, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, wearing the dreaded orthotics such as a heel wedge for support while walking or running, and wearing shoes that offer proper cushioning around the heels and ankles while engaging in physical activities throughout the day.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes.
Many diabetics develop neuropathy during the first 10 years after their diagnosis, and about 50 percent of diabetics will show symptoms of diabetic neuropathy at some point during their lifetimes.
Diabetic neuropathy can cause problems other than just foot pain.
Common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Pain or discomfort in the feet or legs, especially when walking
Weakness in the muscles of the feet and legs
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea
Urinary tract problems
Sexual dysfunction
Difficulty with blood pressure control
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy may include medications to help manage pain, blood sugar control, and other symptoms. In some cases, physical therapy or other rehabilitation techniques may be helpful. It is important for people with diabetes to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and work closely with their healthcare provider to prevent or manage neuropathy.
These are just a few of the most common causes of nighttime foot pain. They each require different treatment approaches depending on their severity levels. But when do you need to see a doctor about nighttime foot pain?
When Should I Be Concerned Enough About Foot Pain to See My Doctor?
Foot pain at night can be debilitating, but it’s often something that people can ignore and push through. Unfortunately, many people don’t know when to draw the line and see a doctor for their foot pain. Knowing when to seek medical treatment is essential in preventing long-term damage or chronic pain. Let’s take a look at the signs that it might be time to make an appointment with your doctor.
Your pain just doesn’t ever go away.
If you have been experiencing foot pain for more than a few days, it might be time to get it checked out by your doctor. Pain that persists could indicate an underlying problem such as arthritis or gout which will require medical attention. Additionally, if your feet hurt every day, no matter what shoes you wear or how much rest they get, you should consider seeing your doctor. This could be a sign of an injury that needs treatment or physical therapy.
You only suffer foot pain the night after you exercise hard.
If your feet hurt only during physical activity, it could indicate an overuse injury such as shin splints or plantar fasciitis. Both of these injuries require specialized care from a trained medical professional in order to experience lasting relief from the pain. A physician may also recommend orthotics or other treatments such as rest, stretches, and exercises to help alleviate the discomfort and speed up healing time.
You deal with chronic swelling and inflammation.
Foot swelling and inflammation are warning signs that should not be ignored as they can indicate serious problems with circulation, tendons, joints, or bones in your feet.
If you’re experiencing redness, swelling, and heat around any part of your foot—especially if accompanied by sharp pain—you should see a doctor right away to avoid further damaging those areas of your feet.
The earlier you catch these issues the better chance you have of avoiding more permanent issues down the road such as deformities or loss of mobility.
How Do I Get Rid of Nighttime Foot Pain?
Everyone who has nighttime foot pain should follow their doctor’s advice. But there is one more thing you can do for quick, drug-free relief.
Make sure your sheets and blanket don’t weigh down on your feet.
Sure, we feel good almost all over when we snuggle up inside a weighted blanket.
But constant pressure on your feet can keep your nerves activated so they send you pain signals all night.
The way to keep your feet free so you can sleep well is the Cozy Toezy!