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

Foot pain upon first standing

by John
(Ohio)

After sitting for a while (short period or long period of time) when I stand I have terrible pain in both feet. I walk slowly for 5-10 steps and the pain goes down to not too bad. I had the problem prior to the first of this month. At the first of this month I started walking for 30 min. in the morning and 30 min at night on my treadmill. I can walk OK without foot pain. I have the pain whether I have shows on or not.


ANSWER
Hi John,

I wish I knew how old you are and a few other things about your medical history, but suffice it to say that most people who experience pain on initial ambulation, only to find the pain ease up after a few steps, generally are suffering from early arthritis.
This is known as morning stiffness, although I do understand this will happen any time during the day in your case.
As we age and the joints start to narrow, they do not function as normal as they once did. So when you first start to walk the joints are a little stiff and you get some discomfort. Once you get going and joints of the foot go through their range of motion, they start to move more smoothly and the pain diminishes.
I suppose the argument could be made that the more you exercise the worse this condition could get. But there is a paradox here. Those who do not exercise find that their joints, through out the body will begin to stiffen up from lack of use.
So, even though you have the symptoms that you have, I would not suggest giving up exercising and just accept the fact that you have this issue and if it only lasts for a few seconds, it just becomes another one of those aches and pains we learn to live with.
As a side note, make sure your athletic shoes are in good condition, not worn out and give you adequate support as a worn out shoe will exacerbate the problem.

Marc Mitnick DPM
DISCLAIMER

Comments for Foot pain upon first standing

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Jun 01, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		EXACTLY what I'm exxpieriencing!
by: Anonymous

That is exactly what I'm experiencing for the last several weeks! I thought it meant I was getting to heavy on my feet! I've begun a weight loss journey the last week and a 1/2.

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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

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.


SITE LAST UPDATED: APRIL 2026




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Fla.
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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Redondo Beach, CA
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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Denison, TX
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Texas
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Tampa, Florida 33624

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UK

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Anonymous



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New Zealand

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Josette

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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.

Thanks, Kathy

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

Anna

Poland
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M P

South Carolina
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Natalie

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)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA


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Pam

location unknown


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Glen

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!

anonymous



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Anna

Poland



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Seattle, WA


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Bonnie

location unknown



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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



Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

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!

Tracy

Evansville, IA



Dear Marc

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Russ W.

location unknown



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-Sunny.

location unknown



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Jackie

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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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
Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

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......

Bonnie

location unknown
Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

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

Julie

location unknown
Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

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


I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC


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

Rustam

Bellevue, WA


I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

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