What Causes Severe Foot Pain In The Morning?

Posted on Thu, 8 Jun 2017

Question: I am a 41yr old male, that is having foot trouble. I have pain that has been shifting around my right foot for about the past week. It started on the top of my foot and has since gone to the 5th metatarsal, to on the pads of my feet(near my 3,4,5) toes. It is sore to the touch, and very sore in the mornings. Just trying to figure out what the heck it is and treatment needed to be back in tip top shape. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis can be the reason.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

As the symptoms are much more intense in the mornings, rheumatoid arthritis can be the reason. Gout should be considered as well. Diabetes must be ruled out. Finally soft tissues infection can be the reason as well.

I suggest you to have an x-ray done at first. Depending of the result, orthopedist or rheumatologist should be consulted.
In a meanwhile you may try Diclophenac along with lukewarm compresses, rest and foot elevation.

Hope this helps.
Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (56 minutes later)

So I did have a gout flare up in October 2016... I have since changed my diet. It doesn't feel like gout. But I suppose it could be. Now here is something else that I have noticed. The longer I am moving after initially getting out of bed in the morning, is that it feels better. I'm in a profession that I am very active every day. So I'm not overweight I'm in pretty good physical condition.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please consult rheumatologist.

Detailed Answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis acts just like that. When you do not move joints for a long time (when sleeping), the area becomes more painful. And the joints are less flexible after sleeping. Once you mobilize them, and keep using them, the pain can go away.
Rheumatologist is the right address.

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