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.

Achilles & Tendon Care

Your tendons are the unsung heroes of your daily movement, absorbing impact, generating force, and keeping your stride strong and stable. But when these powerful tissues become overworked or injured, especially your Achilles tendon, they can cause pain that stops you in your tracks.

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, our providers offer expert diagnosis and advanced treatments for Achilles and foot/ankle tendinitis to help you heal fully and return to the activities you love.

Understanding Tendon Injuries in the Foot and Ankle

Tendons connect muscles to bones, helping your body flex, move, and support weight. But repetitive motion, poor biomechanics, or sudden increases in activity can inflame or damage these tissues, especially in the feet and ankles, where tendons bear your full body weight.

Common Tendon Conditions We Treat:

Achilles Tendinitis & Tendinosis

Pain, stiffness, or swelling along the back of your ankle may signal an inflamed or degenerated Achilles tendon. If untreated, this can lead to tendinosis (chronic degeneration) or even rupture.

Posterior Tibial Tendinitis

Pain on the inner ankle and arch collapse often indicate injury to the tendon that supports your foot’s arch.

Peroneal Tendinitis

Pain and swelling along the outer ankle or foot, often triggered by overuse or ankle instability.

Extensor or Anterior Tibial Tendinitis

Pain across the top of the foot or shin, usually aggravated by walking, climbing stairs, or uneven terrain.

Turf Toe (Big Toe Tendon Strain)

Common in athletes, this strain of the big toe’s tendon causes joint inflammation and limited movement.

What Causes Tendinitis?

Most tendon injuries are caused by overuse or repetitive stress, and they are often worsened by structural issues or poor mechanics. Additional risk factors include:

Sudden increases in activity (common in “weekend warriors”)
Flat feet, high arches, or tight calf muscles
Poor footwear or worn-out shoes
Aging, which reduces tendon flexibility
Underlying health conditions (e.g., arthritis, thyroid disorders)
Certain antibiotics or medications

Recognizing early signs—like localized pain, swelling, or morning stiffness—can prevent minor inflammation from becoming a chronic or more serious injury.

Treatment Options for Achilles and Tendon Pain

Early intervention is key when it comes to Achilles and tendon pain to protect your long-term mobility. The NES team creates personalized treatment plans based on the severity, location, and cause of your injury. Options include:

Conservative Therapies

Rest, Ice, and Activity Modification
Essential for reducing inflammation and giving the tendon time to recover.
Footwear Adjustments and Custom Orthotics
Proper arch support and cushioning reduce stress and improve alignment.
Physical Therapy
Guided stretching, strengthening, massage, and retraining techniques restore flexibility and prevent re-injury.
Bracing or Immobilization
Short-term use of a walking boot or brace can stabilize and offload the affected tendon.

Advanced Regenerative Treatments

Shockwave Therapy (EPAT)
This non-invasive technology uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate blood flow and tissue repair. Treatments are quick, require no downtime, and are especially effective for chronic tendinopathies like Achilles tendinosis.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Concentrated platelets from your own blood accelerate healing at the site of injury.

Surgical Intervention (When Needed)

In cases of Achilles tendon rupture or severe degeneration, surgical repair may be the best option. Our podiatric surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures designed to restore strength and mobility while minimizing downtime.

Physical Therapy: A Cornerstone of Recovery

Regardless of the tendon involved, physical therapy is often a critical part of healing. Our physical therapists who provide:

Targeted exercises to strengthen and stabilize

Manual therapy to release tension and improve mobility

Movement retraining to correct biomechanical issues

At-home routines to support your progress between visits

A physical therapy program will be developed specifically for you depending on your injury, goals, abilities, access to equipment, availability, and more. Achieving results with Achilles tendinitis physical therapy requires adherence to the program.

Who’s at Risk and How to Protect Your Tendons

While anyone can experience tendinitis, it’s more common in:

Active adults and athletes, especially men over 30

Individuals with foot structure imbalances
People who start new activities without proper warm-ups or progression
Those who work on their feet all day

Prevention Tips

Warm up before physical activity and stretch your calves regularly
Gradually increase exercise intensity
Wear supportive shoes and replace them when they’re worn
Avoid overtraining, especially on hills or hard surfaces

Don’t Let Tendon Pain Linger — NES Is Here to Help

At NES, you’re never just a symptom to solve. You’ll be cared for by a team th

Tendon injuries can start small but worsen without proper care. If you’re experiencing heel pain, ankle soreness, or limited mobility from tendon inflammation, Northwest Extremity Specialists can help.

Call us or book online today to schedule an appointment at one of our Portland-area clinics. Let’s get you back to moving—stronger, faster, and pain-freeat listens, educates, and supports your progress every step of the way. We combine leading-edge technology, evidence-based treatments, and a personalized approach so you always feel informed, supported, and on the right path forward.

Call us or schedule online to book your appointment at a Portland-area location near you. Whether it’s heel pain, pediatric issues, or forefoot discomfort, we’re here to help you move better today and into the future.