You stand up to walk to the bathroom at night — and wince. The soles of your feet ache like you’re stepping on broken glass. By morning, the pain fades, only to return the next night. This pattern may seem harmless, but painful feet and Lyme disease are often connected — an early warning sign you shouldn’t ignore.

When to Consider Lyme Disease

Your doctor might diagnose plantar fasciitis and prescribe rest, stretching, and supportive footwear. But if the pain doesn’t improve, it’s time to consider other causes including Lyme disease.

Watch for symptoms beyond foot pain. If you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or have a history of tick exposure, painful feet may signal nerve inflammation from Lyme disease rather than a mechanical foot problem.

What It Feels Like

Research shows that peripheral nerve dysfunction occurs in patients with late Lyme disease, with many experiencing distal paresthesia and sensory loss. Patients can describe:

• Walking on bruises

• Needle pricks with each step

• Numbness alternating with sharp pains

• Temperature sensitivity (cold floors feel painfully cold)

The pain typically worsens at night, making bathroom trips excruciating. Both feet hurting similarly is common with Lyme neuropathy.

Co-infections: Worsen Symptoms

Ticks often carry multiple infections beyond Lyme disease. Co-infections like Babesia, Bartonella, or Anaplasma can intensify symptoms, making painful feet from Lyme disease more severe and treatment-resistant.

Recent research identified small fiber neuropathy associated with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, which may explain persistent sensory symptoms.

What You Should Do

Research indicates that peripheral neuropathy can improve following appropriate antibiotic treatment. Early intervention can halt nerve inflammation and prevent permanent damage.

If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain that doesn’t respond to standard treatments — especially alongside fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or tick exposure — ask your doctor about testing for Lyme disease and co-infections.

Document when pain occurs and accompanying symptoms. Your feet are sending an important message. Listen to it. When painful feet persist despite treatment, they deserve investigation. Don’t wait until the pain becomes constant. Early treatment makes all the difference.