What Causes Pain On The First Step After The Bed?

Posted on Thu, 28 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have been told by my physician that I do not have diabetes. I do experience right heel pain mostly in the morning when I first get up. There is no swelling or redness. What is wrong with me? Should I see a Podiatrist or an Orthopedic doctor?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
An orthopedics specialist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

this could be plantar fasciitis. Its main characteristic is the pain on the first step after the bed. Your doctor should exclude other (less common) causes of pain.

If it is plantar fasciitis indeed stretching exercises might help. Using a soft pad under the heel might help too.

Contact me again, if you'd like more information or clarifications.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (25 minutes later)

Will this condition get better over time?

Do you advise that I make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist now or if it gets worse?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It heals very slowly. You'd better contact an orthopedics specialist

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

plantar fasciits heals very slowly IF the patient is careful enough to avoid causing pain with every day activities. It may take months!

You'd better visit an orthopedics specialist for assessment, confirmation (or exclusion) of the diagnosis and treatment.

Until then you can follow my advice and try the soft (silicon) pad and the stretching exercises (for the calf). Do not walk barefoot and avoid painful activities.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)

Thank you so much! That was very helpful. God bless!

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
I hope it gets better soon!

Best wishes!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar