The Causes of Nighttime Foot Pain & Its Symptoms
If you experience foot pain at night, you are not alone. Many people suffer from this condition, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
There are several possible causes of nighttime foot pain, and treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause.
If you have trouble sleeping at night due to pain in your foot, schedule a consultation with our physical therapists at Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan, NY.
Our highly skilled physical therapists provide state-of-the-art diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. So call or book an appointment online with us today!
If you experience foot pain at night, you are not alone. Many people suffer from this condition, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
There are several possible causes of nighttime foot pain, and treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause.
If you have trouble sleeping at night due to pain in your foot, schedule a consultation with our physical therapists at Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan, NY.
Our highly skilled physical therapists provide state-of-the-art diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. So call or book an appointment online with us today!
What Causes Foot Pain at Night?
There are many potential causes of foot pain at night. Some of the common causes of foot pain at night are mentioned below.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle influences can cause pain in the foot at night, such as wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes during the day, standing or walking for long periods, being overweight, having flat feet, and having a foot injury.
Peripheral Neuropathy
This condition involves damage to the nerves, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. Neuropathy is often worse at night because there is less movement and circulation in the feet during this time.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that results from compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back all the way down to the feet, and when it is compressed, it can cause pain in any or all of those areas. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc in the spine.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It is often aggravated by activities such as standing or walking for long periods.
In addition, it is often associated with heel pain and can be worse at night.
Metatarsalgia
This condition involves pain and inflammation in the metatarsal bones, which are the bones in the middle of the foot. It is often worse at night when pressure is placed on these bones.
Morton's Neuroma
This condition is a common cause of foot pain at night that is caused by a build-up of pressure on the nerve between the third and fourth toes in the foot. This can cause severe pain and discomfort at night.
Diabetes Mellitus
There are a few different reasons why diabetes mellitus may cause painful feet at night. One possibility is that high blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to pain. Diabetes can also cause poor circulation, leading to pain and discomfort in the feet.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. If you have arthritis, you may experience increased pain at night. This is because gravity pulls on your joints when you lie down, which can aggravate existing inflammation.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can be what happens when a nerve is compressed or damaged due to an injury. When the nerve is pinched, it can cause pain in the foot that can be quite severe.
Nerve pain can occur in the foot when you wear shoes that are too tight or walk on uneven surfaces. It can also happen if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that cause nerve damage.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations such as cramping and a burning or tingling sensation in the legs. Nighttime is usually when these symptoms are most severe.
Bunions
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint, which can cause pain and inflammation. The pain is often worse at night when the bunions are pressed against shoes.
Growing Pains
Children and adolescents can experience foot pain as a result of growing pains. Growing pains are a normal part of childhood and adolescence and usually occur in the evening or at night.
Growing pains can cause significant discomfort. The pain is often felt in the legs but can also affect the feet.
What are the Symptoms of Aching Feet?
Some of the symptoms of aching feet may include:
- Swelling in the foot
- Redness of the foot
- Feet that are painful to the touch
- Pain in the feet when performing physical activity
- Calluses on the high–pressure areas of the feet
When Should I See a Doctor for Nighttime Foot Pain?
Suppose you are experiencing foot pain at night that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms mentioned above. In that case, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
How to Diagnose the Problem
A healthcare professional will diagnose the source of the pain in your feet by thoroughly understanding your medical history and the symptoms associated with your foot pain.
Your doctor may also perform physical examinations of your foot, such as checking the range of motion of your feet, performing a gait analysis, muscular testing, and more.
Your doctor may use several tests such as blood tests, x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to come to a proper diagnosis.
How Can Nighttime Foot Pain be Treated?
Treating nighttime foot pain typically involves addressing the underlying condition causing the pain.
Depending on the cause of your foot pain at night, your doctor might prescribe the following treatment methods to ease foot pain:
- Medication prescribed by your doctor
- Wearing wider shoes during the day
- Wearing a nighttime splint
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Stretching exercises
Conclusion
Paspa Physical Therapy is one of the most highly recognized orthopedic and sports physical therapy practices in New York City. Our highly trained physical therapists are dedicated to helping patients of all ages and abilities.
We provide high-quality care, including patient education, manual therapy, and personalized treatment plans. Call us or book an appointment with us online today!