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When Nighttime Foot Swelling and Pain Warrant Professional Attention
Don’t take a chance and put off seeing a foot and ankle specialist about nighttime foot swelling. Early evaluation and treatment reduces the likelihood of developing a chronic issue that becomes more difficult to treat down the line.
It’s common to have some mild foot swelling from time to time after spending hours on your feet or following a long hike, but when swelling lingers or gets worse, it may point to an underlying condition that needs professional attention. Anytime you have foot swelling that doesn’t resolve on its own, or that keeps recurring, it’s vital to get it checked out.
At Alpine Foot and Ankle in Alpine, Wyoming, and Idaho Falls, Idaho, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, works closely with patients to identify the source of foot and ankle issues and develop individualized treatment plans. Here’s what to know if you’re dealing with nighttime foot swelling.
Why do my feet swell at night?
Finding out what’s causing your nighttime foot swelling is the first step to getting the right treatment. The only way to know for sure is to visit a foot and ankle specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.
The following are some of the most common causes of nighttime swelling that we commonly diagnose and treat at our clinic.
Osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle
Dr. McCall regularly evaluates, diagnoses and helps patients manage foot and ankle arthritis, of which osteoarthritis is the most common. It develops as the protective cartilage within a joint gradually breaks down.
Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle typically causes deep aching, stiff joints, and noticeable swelling that peaks after a full day on your feet. Once you receive an official diagnosis, the treatment goal is to slow the progression of the condition, reduce your pain, and keep you comfortably on your feet.
Tendonitis and ligament strain
When you’re on your feet throughout the day, the tendons and ligaments in your foot are carrying out important functions. Tendons connect muscle to bone, and ligaments connect bones to other bones, holding joints together.
These tissues absorb 1.5 times your body weight when walking and 3 to 5 times your body weight during activities like running and jumping. This puts active individuals at a higher risk of issues like Achilles tendonitis or ligament strain.
Treatment follows a staged approach. The initial focus is on immediate symptom management to quiet down the inflammation, followed by targeted loading to rebuild strength and stability. Dr. McCall monitors patients to determine if and when advanced treatment is necessary.