Plantar fascia strain is a common foot injury that can be caused by various activities such as running, jumping, or standing for extended periods. One of the most common questions people ask about this condition is whether it hurts more at night. The answer to this question is not simple, as there are many factors that can contribute to nighttime pain. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of plantar fascia strain, how it affects your body, and why you might experience more pain at night. We will also delve into some treatment options that may help alleviate the discomfort.
Firstly, let’s discuss what plantar fascia strain is and what causes it. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. When this tissue becomes overstretched or overused, small tears can form in the fibers which can cause inflammation and pain in the arch of your foot. This injury can occur due to excessive physical activity like running or jumping, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or having tight calf muscles.
Now let’s talk about why you might experience more pain at night when suffering from plantar fascia strain. During the day, our feet are constantly exposed to pressure and movement which helps keep blood flowing through the area and reduces inflammation. However, when we sleep our feet remain stationary for an extended period causing blood flow to decrease which can increase swelling and stiffness leading to greater pain upon waking up.
Another contributing factor could be related to your sleeping position. If you sleep on your stomach with your feet pointing downwards or curled under you, it puts added stress on the plantar fascia causing it to stretch even further leading to increased pain during the night.
It is important to note that each person can feel pain differently. Someone may experience plantar fascia strain pain constantly, while another person may only experience plantar fascia strain pain when resting.
So what can you do if you’re experiencing nighttime discomfort from plantar fasciitis? Here are some tips to help alleviate the pain:
- Stretch your calf muscles before bedtime to reduce tension on the plantar fascia.
- Wear a night splint that keeps your foot in a neutral position while you sleep, which can help stretch the fascia and reduce inflammation.
- Use ice or a cold compress for 15-20 minutes before going to bed to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Make sure you’re wearing supportive footwear during the day and avoid high heels or shoes with insufficient arch support that can exacerbate the condition.
If your pain persists, seek professional advice from a physiotherapist or chiropractor who can provide additional treatment options such as massage, targeted stretching exercises, or custom orthotics.
In conclusion, plantar fascia strain can cause significant discomfort especially at night due to decreased blood flow and poor sleeping positions. However, there are various treatment options available to relieve symptoms such as stretching, night splints, icing, proper footwear, and professional care from physiotherapists or chiropractors. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek help if you’re experiencing persistent pain as early intervention is key to preventing further injury and getting back on track towards optimal foot health.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Laura Rashty, BSc, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
