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.

Running Injuries: Expert Podiatrist Recommendations

Prevent Running Injuries: Tips from Northwest Extremity Specialists

Running is a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and improve cardiovascular health. However, it can also lead to foot pain and injuries if you’re not careful. If you regularly experience discomfort during or after a run, it may be time to see a podiatrist for expert advice on injury treatment and prevention.

Here are some key tips to prevent running injuries and keep your feet healthy:

1. Wear the Right Running Shoes

Choosing the right footwear is crucial to avoid running injuries. Your running shoes should:

Fit your foot shape and running style
Provide proper arch support and cushioning
Be replaced regularly to prevent worn-out soles from causing issues

2. Consider Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics or arch supports can provide extra stability and relieve pressure on your feet while running. A podiatrist can help you find the best solution to keep your feet properly aligned, thus preventing running injuries.

3. Warm Up and Cool Down

Skipping a warm-up can lead to tight muscles and injuries. Before running, do dynamic stretches, such as leg swings and lunges, to get your muscles ready. After your run, take time to cool down with static stretching to prevent stiffness and running injuries.

4. Stretch and Strength Train

Incorporating stretching and strength training into your routine can:

Improve flexibility
Reduce muscle fatigue
Help prevent overuse injuries

5. Gradually Increase Mileage and Intensity

Avoid increasing your running distance or intensity too quickly. A good rule of thumb is to increase by no more than 10% per week to prevent strain on your muscles and joints, which can avoid running injuries.

6. Cross Train for Better Foot Health

Instead of running daily, mix low-impact activities like cycling, swimming, or yoga. This can help reduce stress on your feet and lower your risk of injury, including running injuries.

7. Choose the Right Running Surface

Running on softer, more level surfaces—such as grass or a rubberized track—can help reduce the impact on your feet and joints compared to pavement or concrete, thus helping you avoid running injuries.

8. Listen to Your Body

Pain is a warning sign. If you feel discomfort while running, stop and rest before it becomes a serious running injury.

If you sustain a foot or ankle injury while running, visit Northwest Extremity Specialists for expert evaluation and treatment. We can help you stay pain-free and keep running strong without giving in to running injuries!

📞 Call today to schedule a consultation

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