Why do I have pain in my heels when I wake up in the morning?

Morning heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis. This is a condition that affects the tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot– the plantar fascia. Repetitive pounding of the feet from running and jumping on hard surfaces causes irritation and stress on the soles of the feet. When this tissue is overstretched, very tiny tears form. The result is inflammation and pain in the bottom of the heel, and sometimes in the arch of the foot.

Pain from plantar fasciitis has been reported as most severe in the morning, or after long periods of rest. Pain will subside as the day progresses since walking tends to gently warm up and stretch the plantar fascia calming the inflammation. Stretching is the best way to reduce the initially harsh pain that is typical in the morning.