Poor Posture And Wrong Sleeping Position Can Cause
Other reasons for pain in the morning are poor posture and improper sleeping position.
People with ankle pain in the morning often suffer from other problems such as rheumatic diseases, joint pain, fibromyalgia and diabetes.
The person with ankle pain in the morning should consult with their doctor.
If people with ankle pain in the morning have a strong tendency to develop ankle swelling or aching, then the doctor should check if this tendency is due to the presence of certain medications. If the person has the habit of taking more protein and is sleeping for extended periods, then there is a possibility for the ankle to be inflamed. To make sure if ankle swelling or aching is the cause, the doctor should try some medications to see if this causes the swelling or aching.
A doctor should be consulted if the ankle pain in the morning is aggravated by cold or other treatments. It may be a good idea to see a doctor if the ankle pain in the morning is severe or prolonged, if the person is suffering from joint pain or fibromyalgia, or if the ankle pain in the morning is caused by a medical condition.
Additional Causes For Severe Ankle Pain
Injuries to the ankle due to various fractures, sprains, or Achilles tendon ruptures can cause severe ankle pain. Ankle injuries are is among the most common reasons people visit the emergency room.
- Avulsion fracture: A ligament or tendon tears away from its attachment on the bone, taking a fragment of bone with it.
- Fibula fracture: The fibula is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. A break just above the ankle can cause severe ankle pain.
- Stress fracture: This is a crack or severe bruising in the small bones of the ankle, due to overuse and/or weakening from a loss of minerals.
What Does Osteoarthritis Feel Like In The Ankle
Osteoarthritis can make your ankle feel stiff and sore. It can also cause you to have a grating or popping sensation in the joint. This pain can be felt more acutely upon waking up. Bone spurs can also form around the affected joint. These hard lumps can cause swelling. Its important to see your doctor to determine the cause of your pain.
NSAIDs and acetaminophen can be effective in easing your pain. Topical treatments can also help. You can also apply lidocaine or a salicylate to your ankle. You may also consider glucosamine or chondroitin supplements. These are not usually recommended by the NHS, but they may help with the pain.
X-rays can help diagnose your osteoarthritis. They can reveal a narrowing joint space between the bones in your ankle, bone spurs, and other changes. Your doctor may also run blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis. Surgery is also an option. It can reduce your pain and restore your mobility.
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Why Do My Ankles Hurt In The Morning When I Get Out Of Bed
Stiff ankles are among the most common joints that experience recurring pain in the morning. The root cause of stiffness is usually arthritis, tendonitis, an ankle sprain, or an injury. Overuse is another common factor that can lead to issues, especially after long periods of exercise or strenuous activity.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Ankle Osteoarthritis

Pain is the most common symptom of ankle arthritis, but there are many others. Recognizing these symptoms can help lead to early treatment.
Ankle painPeople may experience pain in the lower shin , back of the foot, or middle of the foot. The pain may be aching and dull or sharp and intense. The pain may come and go or there may be a chronic low level of pain with intermittent flare-ups of more intense pain. In the early stages, many patients report experiencing pain only after certain activities that place strain on the ankle joint, such as jogging or extended walking. Typically, this ankle pain can be lessened with rest, elevating the foot, and an ice compress.
Ankle stiffnessJoint swelling and bone friction make the ankle stiff and less flexible. The ankles range of motion can become more limited, making it difficult to point and flex the foot or move the foot side-to-side.
Ankle swellingWhen ankle cartilage wears away, the fibula, tibia and talus bones can rub together, resulting in irritation. The ankle may produce excess joint fluid in an attempt to reduce the friction. This excess fluid results in swelling.
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Other Severe Ankle Pain Causes
Other conditions can eventually lead to severe ankle pain.
- Ankle impingement: This involves a bony growth at the front of the ankle bone where it meets the shinbone. It restricts the ankle’s range of motion and causes pain.
- Metabolic disorders: This may involve a buildup of mineral crystals within the joints, often in the big toe or the ankle. This causes intense pain and some swelling. The buildup may be caused by either uric acid crystals in people with gout or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in those with pseudogout.
Causes Of Morning Ankle Pain
The complaint of ankle pain upon waking up in the morning is usually a temporary condition. It may develop due to reasons such as intense physical activity in the previous day, taking more protein than the body needs, or not positioning the wrists correctly while sleeping.
Ankle pain in the morning goes away on its own after a while. The person may experience discomfort or aching in the muscles throughout the morning. The reason for the pain is usually related to the nerve and muscle in the ankle. If the cause is severe enough the person may experience more pain and discomfort in the ankle and may also experience aching.
When people with ankle pain in the morning complain of pain or discomfort in the ankle muscle, then there must be specific reasons for the pain. There is some information available on the internet regarding the reasons for pain in the morning. In addition, some people experience the pain more in the morning.
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Who Can Help My Foot Or Ankle Pain
There are trained healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating problems affecting the foot and lower leg.
A podiatrist
Podiatrists are trained foot specialists, they used to be called chiropodists. They can offer you:
- advice on padding, dressings, specialist insoles, splints and supports
- advice about footwear and exercise
- small non-surgical procedures
- advice on medication
Different areas have different rules for who can be referred to an NHS podiatrist. Some only refer people if they have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or peripheral arterial disease. Other authorities may have broader terms.
If you visit a podiatrist privately you will need to pay for your appointments and any treatment. However, they can refer you for some services, such as scans or x-rays, on the NHS.
You can find a private podiatrist by visiting:
A physiotherapist
Physiotherapists are trained to use movement, exercise, manual therapy, and advice to help get your foot and ankle moving again. They will show you exercises to practice at home to support your recovery.
In some areas you can self-refer to an NHS physiotherapist. Otherwise, your doctor will request an appointment for you.
You can see a physiotherapist privately, though you would have to pay for your treatment. To find a registered private physiotherapist visit the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
An orthotist
What Are Good Exercises With Plantar Fasciitis
While plantar fasciitis may make it harder to do your regular activities, it is important to not change the natural way you walk, as this can lead to other joint, foot or back problems.
Most people with plantar fasciitis recover without much treatment in a few months.
Non-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, or biking are well tolerated in those with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Lyon said.
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Other Causes Of Foot Pain
Pain in the foot can be a consequence of damage, pressure or rubbing over a long period of time.
Wearing badly fitting shoes, pregnancy, injury, or putting too much strain through specific parts of your foot can all cause changes in the shape of your feet. Often, these changes are painful and can affect your ability to do things.
Sometimes, its our choice of shoes that has the biggest impact on the structure of our feet and the problems we develop, such as:
Corns
Corns are raised areas of hard, knobbly skin which develop where calluses have been left untreated. They often cause a burning sensation. A corn is a permanent change to your foot which will need care and management to stop it becoming too painful. You can manage corns by gently filing or pumicing them each week. You should never cut the skin with a blade.
Corns and calluses will usually grow back within four to six weeks unless you reduce the pressure on the area. Wearing softer, roomier footwear and placing a cushioned pad over the corn or callus can help.
Neuroma
A neuroma causes sudden shooting, stabbing, or burning pain. Most commonly it affects the third and fourth toes and the ball of your foot. It can feel like there is a small stone under your foot and your toes may become numb or tingly. It is caused by a damaged or irritated nerve and often becomes more painful over time. It is also known as Mortons neuroma and can be made worse by:
Bunions
Clawed, mallet, retracted and hammer toes
Sores
Peak Performance Can Help Treat Your Nighttime Ankle Pain
You dont have to continue dealing with ankle pain every night. Our physical therapy specialists at Peak Performance are primed to assist you with your ankle pain. Our clinics offer free screenings that can reveal the cause of your pain. With this cause in mind, we can then build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce your ankle pain.
Are you ready to start getting our help for your ankle pain? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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Ive Been Having Heel Pain For Many Years I Even Have A Heel Spur
These bony spurs occur in 10-20% of the population and they look like an obvious culprit for the cause of your heel pain. The bony spur is the calcification of the plantar fascia an indication that it is an area of high load! Your body is laying down calcium deposits to cope with the stress that you are putting through it.
In fact, it is usually the plantar fascia or other soft tissues that may be causing the pain rather than the bone itself. Most importantly, there are people out with bony spurs but does not have heel pain! Therefore, it is not indicative for the need to have it surgically removed. Having the bone spur removed surgically does not guarantee resolution of your pain.
If the loading pattern stays, the spur will grow back again.
Other Common Causes Of Foot Pain

If you have heel pain when you wake up, its definitely a sign that you should call one of our providers to be seen as soon as possible. While plantar fasciitis sometimes goes away on its own, you could have a different cause for your morning foot pain that needs attention. Some of these other causes include the following:
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Do You Wake Up With Stiff Ankles In The Morning
Ankle stiffness is a common ailment of old age. Over time, the ankle wears down and becomes weak.
Older folks experiencing ankle pain should speak with an orthopedic doctor or aphysical therapist to discuss treatment options.
Treatment options frequently include anti-inflammatories, regular walking, or soft tissue massages.
Chronic joint pain may indicate an underlying health problem like arthritis. Contact our experts atPaspa Physical Therapy to discuss possible treatment options.
Find Relief For Aching Feet In The Morning At Sport Orthopedics In Dallas
If the bottom of feet hurt in the morning, this probably means the injury is in its early stages. If this pain persists, your injury is probably getting worse. Seeing a sports medicine specialist early on is the best way to ensure this pain doesnt affect your day-to-day activities long-term.
At SPORT, we will identify the source of your pain and then utilize state-of-the-art therapeutic techniques that focus on restoring your range of motion.
Depending on the specific condition and its severity, these treatment options may include physical therapy, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, slings, supports, cortisone shots, or surgery. Schedule an appointment with our Texas sports medicine experts.
If you have an acute or chronic foot or ankle injury that needs medical attention, or if youre just wondering why do my feet hurt when I wake up? call SPORT at to arrange a consultation or you can request one online. Hurt today? We can arrange a same-day urgent care visit to ensure you get fast, effective relief.
Surgeries We Perform:
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Why Is It Hard To Walk After Sleeping
It can be quite painful to walk in the morning if the ligament doesnt loosen up. If you dont sleep well, you may find it difficult to sleep through the night. If this is the case, try to get a good nights sleep before going to bed. You can do this by getting up at the same time every day, or by taking a short nap at least an hour before bedtime.
Osteochondral Lesions Of The Talus
A sudden injury like a sprain can damage cartilage on your talus or cause fractures, blisters or sores in the bone underneath. You might notice a catch in your ankle, or it could lock up or still hurt months after a treated injury, which could be an OLT. Treatment depends on the type, but you may wear a cast to keep your ankle still and use crutches to keep your weight off it. Your physical therapist will add exercises slowly.
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Why Do My Ankles Hurt When I Wake
Stiff ankles are among the most common joints that experience recurring pain in the morning. The root cause of stiffness is usually arthritis, tendonitis, an ankle sprain, or an injury. Overuse is another common factor that can lead to issues, especially after long periods of exercise or strenuous activity.
Why Do My Feet Hurt When I Wake Up In The Morning?
Changes In The Shape Of Your Arch
The arch is the inside mid-section of your foot. It determines how your bodyweight is spread and carried by the bones and joints of your feet.
For your foot to function at its best the arch should form a smooth arc from the ball of the foot to the heel.
The height of your arch may never cause you any kind of problems. Some people are born with arches that are higher or lower than average and their bodies adapt to them.
Other people may find their arch shape alters because of complications such as arthritis, weight, pregnancy, or injury. These changes can make you more likely to develop further problems in other parts of your foot, ankle, knee, hip and back.
If you are in pain and think your arch shape has changed speak to a healthcare professional about treatments. Insoles or supports made specially for your foot shape by an orthotist could improve pain caused by high or low arches.
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What Does It Mean When Your Ankles Are Hurting
Ankle pain can happen for many reasons. The most common causes include injury, arthritis and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around the ankle. Your ankle may also swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it.
Stiff, Painful Ankle 5 Step Routine To Stop Pain, Loosen, & Avoid Surgery
When Should I See A Healthcare Professional About Foot Or Ankle Pain

Some foot pain can become more than a short-term problem. If you cannot treat the pain yourself or you have a condition that could affect the joints or soft tissue, it may need further investigation.
You should speak to your doctor or a footcare specialist if:
- your pain does not improve in the first few days
- your pain is getting worse
- it is still causing problems after two weeks of self-care
- you have sores that are not healing
- your skin has changed colour especially if its turned dark blue or black
- your foot has changed shape or is really swollen
- you have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- it is red, warm, or swollen as you may have an infection
- the problem keeps coming back or lasts longer than three months
- you have an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
- you have diabetes
- you are taking steroids, biologics or other drugs that affect your immune system.
Your doctor may want to refer you to a specialist in foot care, such as a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or an orthotist, for a diagnosis and treatment.
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Caring For Ankle Pain At Home
For immediate at-home treatment of ankle pain, the RICE method is recommended. This includes:
- Rest. Avoid putting weight on your ankle. Try to move as little as possible for the first few days. Use crutches or a cane if you have to walk or move.
- Ice. Begin by putting a bag of ice on your ankle for at least 20 minutes at a time, with 90 minutes between icing sessions. Do this three to five times a day for 3 days after the injury. This helps reduce swelling and numb pain.
- Compression. Wrap your injured ankle with an elastic bandage, like an ACE bandage. Dont wrap it so tightly that your ankle becomes numb or that your toes turn blue.
- Elevation. Whenever possible, keep your ankle raised above heart level on a stack of pillows or other type of support structure.
You can take over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain and swelling. Once your pain subsides, gently exercise your ankle by rotating it in circles. Rotate in both directions, and stop if it begins to hurt.
You can also use your hands to gently flex the ankle up and down. These exercises will return your range of motion, help reduce swelling, and speed up the recovery process.
If your ankle pain is a result of arthritis, you wont be able to completely heal the injury. However, there are ways you can manage it. It may help to: