The stress most people place on their feet is enough to make any podiatrist wince, and those tired feet are rarely given a chance to recover. This behavior often leads to soreness, growths and a host of other medical problems. It is especially common for patients to experience intense foot pain in the mornings, typically within the first ten minutes after standing up. If you are concerned about your foot pain, schedule an examination with your local podiatrist for an official diagnosis. In all likelihood, your troubles will be narrowed down to one of these four medical conditions. 

Plantar Fasciitis

The most common cause of sore feet in the morning is plantar fasciitis, which develops when tissues in the arch of your foot become strained and inflamed. These tissues, like muscles and tendons, grow stiff during the night whenever they are overworked. Once you wake up hours later, you must stretch your feet out again to regain your full range of motion. Until they are back to normal, however, they can send shooting pains up your legs that subside to a dull throb throughout the day. Plantar fasciitis can be relieved with the help of orthotics and therapy. 

Arthritis

As you grow older, you may begin to develop pain in the joints of your ankles and toes. Arthritis is the result of bone wear, immune responses and past trauma, and it plagues patients across the United States. Like plantar fasciitis, arthritis can make mornings more painful after your joints grow stiff overnight. Careful stretches and exercise can help keep your joints limber and reduce this discomfort. 

Circulation Problems 

Plantar fasciitis and arthritis present as similar burning pains along the affected area, but circulatory troubles typically feel like thousands of tiny pin pricks coursing up and down your leg. Lying down for hours at a time and then suddenly standing up could send all of the blood rushing to your extremities, causing substantial pain in the process. This could be a sign of serious diseases like diabetes. Although altering your sleeping position could solve your circulatory foot pain, you should still consult with an expert to ensure that you are otherwise healthy. 

Tendinitis

Your foot is supported by a web of tendons that assist muscles in movement. Sometimes, though, these tendons can become inflamed and painful, potentially resulting in permanent damage. You may notice that this pain originates in the back of your heel along the Achilles tendon, and that the tendon may feel swollen. Tendinitis could require surgery, but usually it will clear up with rest and gentle treatment. Your tendons can then be managed with the assistance of a podiatrist, who can help support your heels with orthotics and better footwear. 

For more information contact a podiatrist at a local clinic like Podiatric Medical Associates PC.