Plantar Fasciitis
Q. Why is the first step in the morning the most painful?
A.
Because the plantar fascia, shortened overnight, is stretched suddenly as it takes your weight. It eases as you move about and returns after standing for a while.
📝 Detailed Answer
The plantar fascia runs from the heel to the toes and supports the arch. While you sleep no weight is on it, so it stays shortened; when you put your foot down in the morning it stretches suddenly and pain arises.
These are the patterns commonly seen in plantar fasciitis.
- There is pain on the inner heel or the inner side of the foot
- It is worst on the first step in the morning, or on standing and walking after sitting for a long time
- Pain appears after standing for a long time
- A stiff feeling in the foot continues and becomes more marked over time
- Bending the toes up towards the shin hurts
We also check whether pressing the inner heel with a finger produces pain.
Expert Verified
Injun Eo
Director