There are various conditions that can cause foot pain that tends to worsen in the evening to the point of interrupting sleep. Today, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s, Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center, are sharing information regarding conditions that can cause pain in your feet at night and throughout the day.
4 Possible Causes of Nighttime Foot Pain
- Bony bunions can become irritated by rubbing against your shoes during the day, resulting in soreness and throbbing at night.
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes burning, tenderness, tightness, and musculoskeletal pain which frequently occurs in the feet. These symptoms typically worsen in the evening because of reduced levels of cortisol.
- Peripheral neuropathy, which is caused by damage to nerves outside of the central nervous system, can create painful sensations such as burning, sharp pains, or tingling. These symptoms tend to increase due to the cooler nighttime temperatures.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve in your ankle becomes constricted causing numbness, tingling, a pins and needles sensation, or pain in your feet that may worsen at night.
Common Causes of Foot Pain
Foot pain is a wide-ranging disorder caused by one or more conditions.
The most common include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions or hammertoes
- Flat feet
- Ingrown toenails
- Bone spurs
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis (such as Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis, or Gout)
- Injury (from broken toe, foot, or ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, sprains, and stress fractures)
Diagnosis of Foot Pain
To determine the source of the foot pain, podiatrists typically utilize various approaches, ranging from X-rays and MRI scans, to simple visual inspections and sensation tests. For a proper diagnosis, family medical history, prior medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be considered.
Treatment of Foot Pain
Treatment methods will depend on the source of the foot pain. Whether it’s staying off the foot, having surgery, or just resting, podiatrists have several treatment options available to treat your foot pain.
If you are experiencing any type of discomfort or pain in your feet or ankles any time of day or night, contact the offices of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. Click here to locate the office nearest you and schedule an appointment today so we can determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to address your individual needs.