If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep. It is important that you take steps to manage the pain and discomfort so that you can rest and recover. In this article, we will discuss some tips for getting better sleep with plantar fasciitis. We will cover topics such as recommended sleeping positions, nighttime stretching routines, using special pillows or foot supports, and lifestyle changes to help reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Why does plantar fasciitis get worse at night?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the thick band of connective tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia. This condition can cause stabbing pain in the heel and arch area, which can worsen throughout the day or after standing for long periods. Unfortunately, many people with plantar fasciitis experience increased discomfort during late evening and night hours.
One possible reason for this phenomenon is due to tissue tension caused by extended periods of rest or inactivity. During sleep, your muscles relax and tendons shorten. This places extra strain on your already weakened plantar fascia, which leads to greater discomfort when you wake up in the morning. Additionally, nighttime swelling may also contribute to more intense pain when lying down or putting weight on your feet during sleep.
Does elevating legs help plantar fasciitis?
Elevating legs is a common recommendation for people dealing with plantar fasciitis. When sleeping, putting the feet up above the hips helps to reduce pressure on the affected area and take tension off of the foot’s connective tissue. It can also help relax muscles in the lower leg and promote blood circulation. This can provide temporary relief from discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis.
If you are considering elevating your legs while sleeping, it is important to be aware of potential safety risks such as increased pressure on your back or neck if not done properly. Consider placing a pillow or two under your knees to maintain a comfortable position throughout the night. Additionally, make sure that your mattress is supportive enough so that your ankles do not hang over the bed excessively and cause strain or pain in other areas of your body.
What is the best night support for plantar fasciitis?
When it comes to getting restful sleep with plantar fasciitis, the right night support is essential. Having the right night support can help ease discomfort, reduce inflammation and prevent your condition from worsening while you sleep.
The best night support for plantar fasciitis is an orthopedic mattress that provides cushioning and arch support. An orthopedic mattress helps promote proper alignment of the spine, hips and neck in order to reduce pressure on your feet. Look for mattresses made with memory foam or latex as these provide superior contouring that will cradle your feet and align them in a neutral position for optimal comfort throughout the night. Additionally, look for mattresses that have a firm surface but also provide some softness so you don’t feel like you’re sleeping on a rock.
Can a plantar fasciitis night splint help?
An important part of managing plantar fasciitis when sleeping is to ensure that the feet are adequately supported throughout the night. One way to do this is with a plantar fasciitis night splint. A night splint is designed to hold the foot in a flexed position, which helps to keep tension off of the plantar fascia and allow it to rest. This can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improve mobility in the morning.
When using a night splint, it’s important that it fits properly and keeps your feet comfortable throughout the night. The best type of night splint for plantar fasciitis is one that provides adjustable straps so you can customize it for your unique foot shape.
Why do I have burning throbbing heel pain at night?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of burning, throbbing heel pain at night. This condition occurs when the thick, fibrous band of tissue located at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and irritated. Common symptoms include sharp pain in the heels upon rising from bed or after long periods of standing or walking.
The primary cause of this type of heel pain at night is overuse injury. When ligaments in the feet are overworked or strained due to excessive exercise, running, jumping and other activities that put stress on them, they can become strained and inflamed. This can lead to plantar fasciitis which causes burning and throbbing heel pain at night. Additional contributing factors to this condition include obesity, flat feet and poor shoes with inadequate arch support.
Tips to Sleep with Plantar Fasciitis
Sleeping with plantar fasciitis can be difficult, but there are a few steps you can take to help make it easier. Here are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep with this condition:
First, stretch your feet and calves before going to bed. This will help reduce the strain on the plantar fascia ligament and ease pain in your feet when you lie down. Try doing a few calf stretches throughout the day as well, such as pointing your toes away from your body while seated or standing up straight.
Second, use an ice pack at night. Ice helps reduce inflammation and swelling around the affected area of the foot, which may make it easier to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Wrap an ice pack in a towel before use so that it does not come in direct contact with your skin.
Alternative Solutions
Alternative solutions for people suffering from plantar fasciitis are available. For those who prefer to avoid medications, there are some natural remedies that can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation. Begin by icing the affected area for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day. Doing this will help to reduce swelling and discomfort. Additionally, stretching exercises have been known to improve flexibility in the tissue that surrounds the heel bone and can provide relief from symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Stretching out your foot by gently pulling on your toes or using a tennis ball to roll against the arch of your foot can also help ease pain and improve mobility. Finally, wearing supportive shoes or orthotic inserts may also assist in providing cushioning and support to reduce strain on the feet while walking or standing.
Conclusion
Having plantar fasciitis can be an incredibly painful experience. It is a condition that causes extreme heel pain due to inflammation in the fibrous tissue that connects the heel bone and toes, known as the plantar fascia. It affects millions of people, and can make it difficult to stand or walk for long periods of time. Despite this, getting quality sleep is essential for managing symptoms and improving overall health.
