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.

Sports Medicine in Portland

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we help athletes and active individuals recover from injuries, build strength, and return to the activities they love. Whether you’re competing at a high level or simply trying to stay active, our experienced team delivers expert care designed to get you back in motion—stronger, safer, and more confident.

Orthopedic and Podiatric Care for for Active Lifestyles

Fungal nail infections often begin subt

Injuries can affect athletes of all backgrounds, from high school competitors and marathon runners to recreational golfers and weekend hikers. Wherever you are in your athletic journey, our sports medicine specialists work with you to restore movement, prevent reinjury, and support your long-term performance and wellness.

Our sports medicine team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and rehabilitation specialists who provide care for:

Acute injuries like fractures, ligament tears, and tendon ruptures
Chronic pain caused by overuse or biomechanical issues
Reduced performance due to joint or muscle dysfunction
Repetitive stress injuries from training or competition

We create a customized recovery plan based on your goals, sport, and lifestyle, so you can return to full strength with minimal downtime.

ly, with a white or yellow spot near the tip of the nail, but can quickly escalate if the cause is not determined and treated.

As the infection spreads beneath the nail plate, you may notice:

Discoloration (white, yellow, brown, or gray)

Thickened or brittle nails

Crumbling or ragged nail edges

Distorted shape or separation from the nail bed

Foul odor in more advanced cases

If left untreated, the infection may even spread to other toes or the surrounding skin. For patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immunity, nail fungus can increase the risk of serious foot complications

Injuries We Commonly Treat in Athletes and Active Adults

Sports injuries can happen suddenly or develop over time. Whether you’re dealing with a traumatic injury or nagging pain that’s starting to interfere with performance, we can help. Our specialists treat athletes of all ages, ensuring each plan matches the injury, the sport, and the demands of your lifestyle.

Upper Body and Arm Injuries

Knees, Hips, and Legs

Foot and Ankle

Ankle sprains and chronic instability
Achilles tendonitis and ruptures
Plantar fasciitis
Neuromas and heel pain
Stress fractures and broken bones
Turf toe and shin splints

Advanced Treatment Options for Sports Injuries

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we combine evidence-based techniques with the latest medical advancements to help you heal faster and perform better. Depending on your diagnosis and goals, your plan may include:

Rehabilitation and Non-Surgical Care

Many injuries can be treated without surgery. We offer conservative options that help restore movement and reduce pain, including:

Physical therapy to rebuild strength, flexibility, and stability
Custom orthotics to support foot alignment and offload pressure
Bracing, taping, and guidance on modifying activity during recovery

Regenerative Therapies for Faster Healing

Our specialists offer minimally invasive treatments that promote healing and reduce downtime:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to support natural healing
Amniotic tissue injections for faster tissue repair and inflammation relief
Shockwave therapy to increase circulation and reduce chronic pain

Surgical Options for Complex or Severe Injuries

When surgery is necessary, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques to reduce scarring and speed recovery. Our board-certified surgeons provide:

Arthroscopic procedures for joint repair
ACL and ligament reconstructions
Tendon repairs and joint stabilization procedures

We view surgery as a last step, but when it’s needed, you’re in the hands of highly skilled specialists.

Sports Medicine for Every Stage of Life

Youth and Teen Athletes

Young athletes face unique risks related to growth, high-impact sports, and year-round training. We provide specialized care to help them recover fully and stay in the game.

Active Adults

From competitive runners to recreational cyclists, active adults often struggle with overuse injuries or recurring joint pain. Our team works to keep you moving while protecting the long-term health of your joints and muscles.

Older Adults Who Stay Active

Fitness after 50 is one of the best ways to stay healthy, but it requires the right support. We treat conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and stress fractures while helping you maintain strength and mobility.

When to See a Sports Medicine Specialist

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to benefit from expert care. If an injury is interfering with your routine or causing recurring pain, a sports medicine consultation can help. Consider making an appointment if you:

Suffer an acute injury while training or playing
Experience recurring pain during or after activity
Notice a decline in strength, stability, or performance
Want help building a plan for safe, efficient recovery

Early treatment can prevent more serious damage and speed recovery. If something feels off, trust your instincts and let us help.

Get Back to Doing What You Love

We know how hard it is to be sidelined by an injury. That’s why we take a complete approach to sports medicine—combining orthopedic expertise, personalized recovery plans, and advanced therapies to get you back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.

Whether you’re recovering from a sudden injury or managing long-term pain, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.