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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Aching and numbness

by Vicki
(England)

Aching and numbness of feet in the morning

I am a 53 years old woman, don't drive so probably walk more than average, do not smoke but do drink alcohol, am not overweight and have a profession that entails a lot of time at least three days a week sitting at a computer.

I have been diagnosed recently as having scoliosis (never given me any problems) and osteoarthritis of the spine (which also currently gives no problems but for which I am taking regular medication.)

My hobby is dancing - I do jive, ceroc, salsa and line dancing, as much as I can but at least regularly three times a week. This does not give me any problems. I have always suffered from cold hands and feet - my husband complains that it is like sitting next to a fridge. The last couple of years I have had hot flushes, due to the menopause I suppose, so this has compensated a bit.

My 'problem' isn't something that gives me a lot of difficulties - I would just like it explained to know that it is not something that I should worry about, or could lead to anything worse. When I wake after a night's sleep my feet ache (much more than after an evening's dancing!) When I first get out of bed it is difficult to walk - my feet ache but also feel strange, numb-like, but slightly painful to walk on. After a bit of walking up and down this goes away.

As this does not cause any real problems I have only ever mentioned it to doctors when being quizzed about general health as part of an examination for other problems. When asked 'any other problems?' I explain as above and have only ever received the comment back 'hhmmm.........that's strange.'

Is there a reasonable explanation for this? is it something that needs investigation or can I just carry on as normal?

Hi Vicki,

Your symptoms are very suggestive of "morning stiffness" which is a common observation in osteoarthritis. You get on your feet for the first time and the joints of your feet are a little stiff so they hurt; as you walk around the pain eases up and probably in a very short time you don't even notice your feet. This is very common in people in your age range.

The only thing I would suggest you do is have your feet evaluated by a foot specialist. If he/she notices an excessive amount of motion in your feet, an orthotic might be very helpful in slowing down the degeneration of the joints of your feet.

Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Aching and numbness

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Oct 03, 2012
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Foot numbness when sitting too long and every morning getting out of bed.
by: Carol

I am 51yrs old and for the last year and a half I have had tingling and numbness each morning and upon sitting to long. I had an MRI and blood work done to see if it was a pinched nerve or my spinal disc, or some other disease. Come to find out all was ok except my B1 thiamine levels were low. This caused a syndrome called berri berri, there is dry and wet berri berri. I also had weakness in my legs too.

The tests were done 3 weeks ago and my neurologist said I can take a B1 supplement. I have been on this vitiamin for 2 weeks now and no change in my feet. I thinking now it s probably poor circulation. Also alcohol is bad if your having these symptoms cause it causes you to lose your thiamine.

I hope and pray my thiamine levels go back up. I stopped drinking on occasions and will see what happens. Hope this can help anybody else that has the same problem.

Jul 22, 2010
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Numb and Aching Feet--Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
by: Anonymous

I saw an MD response on another site that said that B12 deficiency can sometimes produce these symptoms, and that sublingual B12 can be very helpful. Since diet does seem to affect the frequency and intensity of my morning numbness, this seems a possibility to look into.

Jul 22, 2010
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Numb and Aching Feet in the Morning--Me Too
by: Anonymous

I'm 46, moderately active, but increasingly overweight since I hit 40. I started having numbness and pains in my feet in the morning in my late 30s (when I was quite fit, but not a runner). Have never had an adequate explanation of this. It definitely is not plantar fasciaitus,according to my doctor, although I notice some improvement if I stretch my feet before I go to sleep. Recently I get up in the morning and feel like I'm walking on a pair of hams. A few steps and numbness becomes pain, three minutes or so of walking and I'm mainly pretty much fine. I DO notice that it is better when I am exercising moderately and eating right, ESPECIALLY when I stay away from sugars and simple carbs and am eating significant amounts of green vegetables. And it gets much worse when, as recently, I don't do those things. Would love to hear if anybody has had a diagnosis of this phenomenon.

Feb 24, 2010
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elecric shock feeling in feet
by: kracker

I am 38 and wake up with sort of an electric charge in the top pads of my feet and after walking on it for a minute it goes away but its like it built up an electrical charge over night. I have also noticed that when my husband massages my feet and he hits a spot (on both feet) right under the second toe roughly - I get a funny bone type shock that is very uncomfortable. What could this be? Its odd that it is in both feet too.

Jun 17, 2009
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Foot pain upon waking
by: Anonymous

First thing in the morning I have a numbness where I hardly feel my feet and a distinct pain when they begin to "THAW" out. It is something like what frostbite must feel like? By the time I have moved around and get my work shoes on, the numbness is no longer noticeable, but my feet still hurt. I have a bunion on my left foot that causes quite a bit of pain at times, and I have some soreness in my back as well .... sometimes a shooting pain. I thought it was Diabetes, but I had blood work done, and there was nothing.????
CONFUSED?????

Jun 05, 2009
Rating

Painful feet in the morning
by: Kate Manc

I'm 34 and started having painful feet in the morning a few months ago, it's almost like a burning sensation within the feet. Earlier this year I had shin splints after running, but rested for a month after which my legs stopped aching but I still have painful feet. It's particularly painful first thing when I go down three steps to get to the bathroom. By the time I leave for work I don't notice it. Could this be arthritis? I'm otherwise generally fit and well.

Apr 16, 2009
Rating

Feet Ache Morning
by: Anonymous

I'm 40, in very good health.

When I get out of bed, my feet (the whole foot, not the joints) ache (and feel numb) for about 1 minute.

Thanks

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

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(location unknown)

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Unknown location

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Unknown location

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

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Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

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1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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San Clemente, CA

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location unknown

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location unknown

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Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

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location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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location unknown

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location unknown

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San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

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....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

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Colorado

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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

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Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

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location unknown

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Nancie

Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown

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Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

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Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

location unknown

Aching and numbness

Aching and numbness of feet in the morning

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