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Latey I have been woken up through the night with very sharp Stabbing pains in my heels (The ball of my heels) while sleeping Its feel like a stabbing & A Numbness pain at the same time, I haven't done anything strenous or anything different but this has been happening for a few months now, Do you know what this could be?
Hello and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am sorry to hear about your heel pain. It can be especially troublesome when pain wakes us from our sleep.
It's possible your symptoms are related to Gout as suggested above....but more then likely it would be part of the pathophysiological process of Gout or often it's it a coincidental finding in ppl that have a DX of Gout elsewhere. You do not mention redness or swelling which is the cardinal symptoms of Gouty Arthritis. It also appears that you are female, which makes Gout even less likely. However I am not a physician and can only guess at what may be causing your pain.
More commonly the type of pain you describe comes from Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a very thick fibrous band of (connective) tissue that originates on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (your heel bone). This tissue extends along the sole of your foot and towards your toes. When it becomes inflamed and the tissues can actual swell the pain can be excruciating. It's more prominent in early mornings. Symptoms can be extreme enough to wake you. Statistics reveal that 10% of the population will suffer from this condition at least once during their lifetime. This too is more common in males then females.
I suggest you consult your PCP to determine the cause of your heel pain. A simple x-ray can diagnosis either Gout or Plantar Fasciitis... along with a blood test to check your Uric Acid levels as OnTheSpot so astutely suggested.
In the meantime (if you have to wait for that appt.) talk to your local Pharmacist. He/she can suggest a OTC NSAID that may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation. Rest and elevation of your foot may be beneficial along with the application of cold to the area. When I need ice or cold, I rotate between two bags of frozen peas. Obviously I mark those peas with a magic maker so as not to cook them later!!
I could be totally off and your symptoms could be related to another unmentioned condition. It's important to consult our PCP. However don't leave this pain untreated as inflammation, either from Gouty Arthritis or otherwise can damage joints and tissues over the long haul.
I hope you'll let us know what you discover. I'll look forward to your updates.
Take Care,
~Tuck
It's possible your symptoms are related to Gout as suggested above....but more then likely it would be part of the pathophysiological process of Gout or often it's it a coincidental finding in ppl that have a DX of Gout elsewhere. You do not mention redness or swelling which is the cardinal symptoms of Gouty Arthritis. It also appears that you are female, which makes Gout even less likely. However I am not a physician and can only guess at what may be causing your pain.
More commonly the type of pain you describe comes from Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a very thick fibrous band of (connective) tissue that originates on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (your heel bone). This tissue extends along the sole of your foot and towards your toes. When it becomes inflamed and the tissues can actual swell the pain can be excruciating. It's more prominent in early mornings. Symptoms can be extreme enough to wake you. Statistics reveal that 10% of the population will suffer from this condition at least once during their lifetime. This too is more common in males then females.
I suggest you consult your PCP to determine the cause of your heel pain. A simple x-ray can diagnosis either Gout or Plantar Fasciitis... along with a blood test to check your Uric Acid levels as OnTheSpot so astutely suggested.
In the meantime (if you have to wait for that appt.) talk to your local Pharmacist. He/she can suggest a OTC NSAID that may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation. Rest and elevation of your foot may be beneficial along with the application of cold to the area. When I need ice or cold, I rotate between two bags of frozen peas. Obviously I mark those peas with a magic maker so as not to cook them later!!
I could be totally off and your symptoms could be related to another unmentioned condition. It's important to consult our PCP. However don't leave this pain untreated as inflammation, either from Gouty Arthritis or otherwise can damage joints and tissues over the long haul.
I hope you'll let us know what you discover. I'll look forward to your updates.
Take Care,
~Tuck
High uric acid build up causes inflammed joints..also known as gout... It typically affects the big toe, knee, and other parts of the foot. I just got over my episode of gout. You may need to get a blood test just in case it's related to kidney disease but most common it is from eating too much red meat, alcoholic beverages especially beer, soy sauce, soybean products... and more you'll be surprised. Search "Food That Cause Gout" and you will find a list of foods that will cause uric acid build up. For now drink plenty of water to flush it out and take advil ... It usually last from 5days to 2 week. Drink water and take anti inflammatory meds... Take it easy on the foot.
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