Foot Pain At Night: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Foot pain at night can indicate peripheral neuropathy. It is a condition caused by nerve damage, which results in pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. Foot pain has been a common and problematic condition for most people every day.

Neuropathy gets worse at night due to less blood circulation and movement. This can interrupt sleep and cause major discomfort. Neuropathy is often caused by diabetes, poor nutrition, alcoholism, radiation, injury, infections, and metabolic problems. Those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome are highly likely to get neuropathy. Neuropathy is not completely curable, but one can take measures to prevent it from getting worse.

To treat neuropathy, it is necessary to treat its underlying cause. If the foot pain you are experiencing is caused by diabetes, the healthcare provider will treat diabetes first and then treat the pain and symptoms of neuropathy. 

What Are The Different Types Of Foot Pain?

Foot pain at night can cause a dull ache in several areas of the leg or isolated to one area of the nerve. Various factors cause foot pain but can also indicate a serious condition, such as poor blood circulation. The pain can be mild to extreme and one may even feel stabbing pain sideways through the foot. Different types of foot pain include;

• Pain in heel:

Sometimes, pain can occur at night in the bottom of the heels. Pain in the heels will make it hard to stand or walk. One may experience stinging, shooting pain when getting out of bed. This condition can be a result of poor shoe support or overworked muscles in the feet. This causes the feet to be throbbing and tender. 

• Big toe pain:

Big toe pain can be caused by running, standing, or performing activities that put weight on your feet. This condition can result in painful swelling and inflammation in and around the toe.  

• Bunion pain:

Bunions are the bony bumps often visible on the side of the feet. It commonly develops at the joint of the big toe. This condition can cause throbbing pain and soreness at night and be very uncomfortable while walking or wearing shoes. 

• Peripheral neuropathy:

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves in the feet. It results in burning and tingling sensations. People also experience shooting, stabbing pain, and numbness. 

• Pain when lying down:

It is common to get leg cramps at night. They are muscle cramps that occur while lying down or in sleep. They cause shooting, painful aches in the feet and the pain can also travel up the foot into the ankle and lower leg. 

• Pain in other toes:

Middle toes are highly likely to experience tingling and burning sensations as the nerves that lead to them are impacted by stress and pressure. It can also cause numbness. 

Causes Of Foot Pain At Night

Various factors can cause foot pain at night. Some of those causes include;

• Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors like how you walk, how you sit, and the shoes you wear can contribute to foot pain at night. Standing, walking, running, or sitting for prolonged periods can cause foot pain. Also, not wearing comfortable or appropriate shoes and sleeping in certain positions can cause pain in the leg and foot. Weight is also a major factor that contributes to foot pain, as being overweight puts pressure on the feet. 

• Pregnancy

During pregnancy, most women experience leg and foot cramps or tenderness as the body processes calcium differently. The change in calcium levels causes pain and discomfort in the legs. 

• Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is known as the tissue that runs from the front of the foot through the arc and into the heel. When this tissue is stretched or stressed, it can result in inflammation and pain. This condition is commonly caused by obesity, flat feet, tight calf muscles, high arches, and standing for longer periods without proper support.  

• Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that causes shooting pain and burning sensations. This condition is often caused by pinching and inflammation around the nerves in your toes. The pain can persist throughout the day and people with this condition mostly have flat feet or high arches. 

• Diabetes

High blood sugar levels or diabetes cause damage to the central nervous system, which includes damage to the nerves in the feet. This can result in severe foot pain and tingling. 

• Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the feet and other areas that are prone to pressure and overuse. It causes stiffness and widespread pain.     

• Arthritis

Arthritis can cause an achy feeling in your feet as the body releases fewer anti-inflammatory chemicals at night. This can increase inflammation-related pain and stiffness.                                                     

• Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition caused by a compressed sciatic nerve, and this nerve runs from the base of the spine down the back of the legs into the feet. One may experience severe pain when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated.

• Pinched nerves:

Compression of nerves in the ankles can cause pain in the foot. The pain can increase at night as the pressure on the nerves tends to get worse at night. 

• Foot anatomy:

Foot structure can also be a cause of foot pain at night. People with high arches and those with flat feet are more likely to experience severe foot pain. 

Managing Foot Pain At Night

Foot pain will need medical treatment. However, one can manage it at home using various home remedies.

• Ice:

Placing an ice pack on the foot can help ease sharp, stinging pain. You can use an ice pack for 10 minutes and repeat this remedy every hour throughout the day. However, wrap the ice pack in a cloth so the ice is not directly on the skin. 

• Massage:

Massaging the feet can help improve blood circulation and help ease tension in the muscles and tissue, which eases pain and discomfort. 

• Exercise:

Gentle and moderate exercises like walking, running, and jogging can help improve circulation and stretch muscles in the feet. Engage in gentle exercises as sitting all day can cause foot pain, too. 

• Hydration:

Drinking enough water and staying hydrated can help prevent muscle cramps. It also helps move fluids throughout the body to reduce the risk of swelling. 

• Stretches:

Simple and easy stretches like toe and heel lifts help stretch muscles and tendons in and around the feet. 

Treatments For Foot Pain At Night

There are various types of treatments for foot pain at night. Some of the treatments include;

• If the foot pain is due to pregnancy, blood tests are required to see if the calcium levels are normal or low. The doctor will recommend supplements to improve calcium and other minerals. 
• Pinched nerves are often temporary and can be treated with home remedies. Home remedies treat the pain and discomfort but sometimes physical therapy is required. 
• The doctors will prescribe anti-diabetic medicines if the foot pain is caused by diabetes. Controlling blood sugar levels will help ease foot pain. 
• If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis using shoe inserts or orthopedic pads will support the feet’s tissue. A specialist can help measure your feet and how you walk to produce an insert that is right for you.
• The doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or steroid injections to reduce inflammation if you have Morton’s neuroma. Also, avoid wearing shoes that crunch your toes together.
• There are no cures for fibromyalgia but some medications can help ease swelling and foot pain. 

Most foot pain at night can be treated with home remedies and proper rest. However, if the pain persists, consult a healthcare professional to understand the underlying problem and get the right treatment.

Tips To Prevent Foot Pain At Night

Foot pain at night can be prevented using various precautions. Wearing proper and comfortable footwear can help prevent foot pain. Wearing shoes that are too small or narrow and high heels can strain and stress the foot, which causes foot pain.

Keep up the habit of practicing gentle exercises and stretches as it helps ease pain and stiffness. Massaging the feet can help increase circulation and treat pain. If your feet are sore from a long day of standing or exercising, stretching can help ease the discomfort. Also, rest properly and drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and healthy. 

Conclusion

Various reasons can cause foot pain. Foot pain at night can indicate peripheral neuropathy. It is a condition caused by nerve damage, which results in pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet. Neuropathy gets worse at night due to less blood circulation and movement. It is often caused by diabetes, poor nutrition, alcoholism, radiation, injury, infections, and metabolic problems.

Different types of foot pain include pain in the heel, big toe pain, bunion pain, peripheral neuropathy, or pain when lying down. Neuropathy is not completely curable, but one can take measures to prevent it from getting worse.

You can manage foot pain using ice packs, massage, gentle exercises, and proper hydration. Most foot pain at night can be treated with home remedies and proper rest. However, if the pain persists, consult a healthcare professional to understand the underlying problem and get the right treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions