Resting Foot Pain at Night: 7 Common Causes

Experiencing foot pain at night while you’re trying to rest can disrupt your sleep, and the lack of sleep can have a major impact on the way you feel and function during the day. If it happens regularly, it can affect your overall quality of life. 

A foot and ankle specialist is the best resource for getting answers about your nighttime foot pain. At Concord Podiatry, board-certified podiatrist David Biss, DPM, diagnoses and implements effective treatments for issues affecting the feet and ankles. 

For patients with foot pain, getting answers is paramount to finding the right solution. Here are some of the most common reasons people experience foot pain at night.

1. Plantar fasciitis

If you find yourself waking up with a stabbing pain in your heel, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis. This common condition is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. 

Pain from plantar fasciitis is often most intense after periods of rest, such as during sleep. Stretching exercises, proper footwear, and physical therapy can help manage and alleviate symptoms. Dr. Biss can also prescribe custom orthotics.

2. Peripheral neuropathy

Patients with nerve damage often experience tingling, burning, or numbness that can occur at night and either keep you up or wake you during sleep. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there’s damage to the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord, such as those in your feet. 

Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy, and if you have this condition, it’s crucial to take special care of your feet. Dr. Biss specializes in diabetic foot care and can help you avoid complications.

3. Arthritis

Joint pain that gets worse at night can be a sign of arthritis affecting your feet. Whether it’s osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and stiffness in the joints can make it difficult to find a comfortable position while resting.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage arthritis symptoms and reduce nighttime pain.

4. Tendinitis

Tendinitis can cause foot pain to flare up after a long day of activity, and it can worsen when you’re trying to rest. This inflammation of the tendons can occur in several areas of the foot, including the Achilles tendon and the tendons on the top of the foot. 

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are initial treatment strategies, along with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.

5. Tarsal tunnel syndrome

If you’re experiencing burning, tingling, or sharp pain along the inside of your ankle, especially at night, tarsal tunnel syndrome could be the issue. This condition strikes when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed or otherwise irritated. 

Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, orthotic devices, and, in severe cases, surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.

6. Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

An uncontrollable urge to move your legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in your feet and legs, can be a sign of restless legs syndrome (RLS). If you have RLS, you may experience symptoms at night that interfere with sleep. 

Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, along with medications prescribed by a health care provider, can help manage RLS symptoms.

7. Stress fractures

Sometimes you can have an injury without realizing it. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that are often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, especially in athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact activities.

If your feet ache more when you’re off them, particularly at night, you might have a stress fracture. In most cases, resting and avoiding weight-bearing activities until the fracture heals is enough to resolve symptoms.

The Concord Podiatry team is dedicated to treating all types of foot pain to help you get back to your daily activities comfortably. If you’re experiencing nighttime foot pain, don’t hesitate to give us a call to schedule a consultation in Concord or Plymouth, New Hampshire.