Why does my heel hurt the most when I get out of bed in the morning?

Morning heel pain is often linked to plantar fasciitis, a common condition caused by inflammation in the foot’s arch. A podiatrist can help with long-term relief.

Do I need a podiatrist or an orthopedist for foot pain?

Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists trained to treat everything from skin and nail issues to complex injuries and surgery. NES offers both podiatry and orthopedic care, depending on your needs.

Can a podiatrist help with broken toes or foot fractures?

Yes. NES podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle fractures, offering imaging, bracing, casting, or surgery — all in-house.

How long should I wait before seeing a podiatrist for foot or ankle pain?

If your pain lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back, it’s time to see a podiatrist. NES offers same- and next-day appointments.

Who is the closest podiatrist who can see me today for ankle pain?

NES has multiple Portland-area podiatry locations and often offers same-day appointments. Use our booking tool to find the nearest available provider.

Diabetic Foot Wounds: Why Prompt, Professional Care Matters

Protecting your feet means protecting your independence. For patients living with diabetes, foot wounds are one of the most serious and common complications. A minor scrape or sore can escalate quickly into an ulcer or infection if left untreated, especially if circulation is already impaired or nerve function is diminished.

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, our board-certified podiatrists specialize in identifying, treating, and preventing diabetic wounds to preserve both limb health and quality of life. Discover why monitoring and seeking help for foot wounds is so crucial if you are an individual with diabetes.

What Are Diabetic Foot Wounds?

Diabetic wounds, or ulcers, are open sores that typically develop on the soles, sides of the feet, or tips of the toes. These areas are often exposed to pressure, friction, or shear forces that can cause open wounds. At first, these wounds may appear as reddish craters surrounded by callus, blackened skin, or swelling. The longer they’re left to fester, patients might notice drainage, odor, or even experience pain, though diabetic neuropathy often masks these symptoms.

What Makes Diabetic Foot Wounds So Dangerous?

Even minor wounds can become serious complications when a patient has diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It dulls your ability to feel pain, pressure, or heat, meaning you may not notice an injury right away. Poor circulation—another common consequence of diabetes—hinders your body’s ability to heal, and limits the delivery of infection-fighting nutrients.

If left untreated, a diabetic wound can lead to:

Ulcers that worsen and deepen into the surrounding tissues
Infections that may reach muscle or bone, sometimes becoming antibiotic-resistant
Limb loss—80% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations in the U.S. are caused by diabetes complications

Prompt treatment makes the difference between a manageable injury and a medical emergency.

When to Seek Help

You should schedule a professional evaluation immediately if you notice:

A sore, blister, or crack that doesn’t improve within a day or two

Skin discoloration, swelling, or warmth in one area

Drainage or foul odor from a foot wound

Don’t wait to see if it heals on its own, especially if you have neuropathy or vascular disease. Our specialists offer advanced wound care, including debridement, infection control, offloading techniques, and skin-protective interventions designed to close wounds quickly and prevent recurrence

Preventing Diabetic Ulcers

Preventing diabetic wounds starts with daily, proactive attention and the right protective measures. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

Inspect your feet every day. Use your hands, a mirror, or a family member to check all areas of your feet, including between the toes. Pay attention to any redness, dry cracks, swelling, or calluses.

Wear properly fitted shoes and socks. Choose breathable, supportive footwear that doesn’t rub or squeeze. Avoid walking around barefoot, even indoors.

Monitor and manage blood sugar levels consistently. Keeping glucose within the target range is essential to maintain nerve and vascular health.

Wash and moisturize your feet daily. Use warm (not hot) water, and dry carefully, especially between toes. Apply a gentle moisturizer to prevent cracking.

Trim toenails carefully. Cut nails straight across and avoid trimming too close to the skin.

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use. These habits worsen circulation and delay healing.

Schedule regular diabetic foot exams. Our team will monitor sensation, circulation, and skin integrity, and may recommend diabetic shoes or orthotics to reduce pressure.

NES Treats Diabetic Foot Wounds with Expertise and Care

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, our board-certified podiatrists are your partners in diabetic wound prevention, treatment, and ongoing care. We offer expert foot inspections, advanced wound therapies, surgical precision when needed, and compassionate, individualized support throughout every stage of your recovery. Our goal is always the same: to protect your feet, preserve your mobility, and empower your independence.

If you have diabetes, you can’t afford to ignore even the smallest signs of foot trouble. Let NES help you stay ahead of diabetic wounds with proactive care, early intervention, and proven prevention strategies.

Call us or schedule an appointment online with a Portland-area NES location near you.