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.

Here to Help You Get Moving Again

Podiatry Conditions We Treat at Northwest Extremity Specialists

Foot and ankle pain can interrupt your life in unexpected ways, making it harder to walk, work, exercise, or simply enjoy your day. At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we’re here to help you understand what’s causing your discomfort and guide you toward lasting relief.

Whether you’re dealing with sudden heel pain, a long-standing issue like flat feet or bunions, or recovering from a sports injury, this page is your starting point. Here, you’ll find helpful overviews of common foot and ankle conditions and how we can help.

With multiple locations throughout the Greater Portland Area and a team of highly experienced specialists, we provide a supportive environment where patients of all ages feel heard, respected, and well cared for. From your first consultation to your final step toward recovery, we’re with you every step of the way.

Common Podiatry Conditions We Specialize In

Foot and ankle pain can stem from a wide range of conditions — some mild and others more serious. Below, you’ll find an overview of common podiatry conditions we help treat:

Conditions Affecting the Toes and Forefoot

Pain in the toes or ball of the foot can make everyday movements like walking, standing, or even wearing shoes a challenge. These conditions often develop over time due to pressure, poor alignment, or structural changes, and without treatment, they can lead to more serious problems. Our team focuses on relieving pressure, correcting deformities, and helping you stay active without discomfort.

Toe and forefoot conditions we treat include:

Bunions

Hammertoes

Morton’s neuroma

Fractured toes

Hallux rigidus

Capsulitis

Sesamoiditis
Metatarsalgia

Arch and Midfoot Conditions

The arch and midfoot are key to your foot’s overall structure and function. When problems arise in this area, they can throw off your balance, change how you walk, and create strain throughout the body. Some people are born with these issues, while others develop them over time from injury or overuse, and early diagnosis can help prevent lasting complications.

Arch and midfoot conditions we frequently see include:

Flat feet

High arches (cavus foot)

Accessory navicular syndrome

Charcot foot (non-diabetic cases)

Heel Pain and Tendon Conditions

If you’re dealing with sharp pain in your heel when you first get up, soreness after an activity, or tightness in your calf or Achilles tendon, these could be signs of a treatable heel or tendon issue. These conditions are common, and the good news is that most of them respond well to early, non-surgical care when caught in time.

Common heel-related issues include:

Plantar fasciitis

Achilles tendinitis

Heel bursitis

Os trigonum syndrome

Nerve and Circulatory Issues

Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your feet may be more than a nuisance; they can be signs of nerve compression or impaired blood flow. If left untreated, these issues can affect your mobility and quality of life. We focus on diagnosing the root cause and providing relief through targeted, specialized care.

Nerve and circulatory issues we treat include:

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Ganglion cysts

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Neuromas

Pediatric Podiatry Conditions

Children’s feet grow quickly, and early foot issues can affect their development, movement, and confidence. Since kids may not always speak up about discomfort, it’s important to watch for subtle signs of trouble. Our podiatrists offer gentle, age-appropriate care to support healthy growth and prevent long-term issues.

We care for pediatric conditions such as:

Clubfoot

In-toeing and out-toeing

Equinus

Haglund’s deformity

Sever’s disease (pediatric heel pain)

Post-Injury and Structural Conditions

Injuries, whether sudden or from overuse, can lead to lasting discomfort if they don’t heal properly. Our goal is to help patients recover fully and get back to the activities they love. We create treatment plans that rebuild strength, restore alignment, and reduce the risk of reinjury.

We frequently treat:

Fractures

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
Foot deformities from injury or overuse

Diabetes-Related Foot Concerns

If you’re living with diabetes and need specialized foot care, we encourage you to visit our dedicated page on Diabetic Foot Podiatry. From routine foot exams to limb preservation, our team provides the support you need to stay healthy and avoid complications.

Skin, Nail, & Fungal Foot Conditions

Skin, nail, and fungal issues often develop from excess moisture, friction, or unnoticed injuries, and they can quickly become painful, unsightly, or prone to infection. Left untreated, even minor concerns like thickened nails or peeling skin can interfere with daily comfort. Our podiatrists offer safe, effective care to help restore healthy, functional feet.

Skin, nail, and fungal foot conditions we treat include:

Athletes foot

Corns and Calluses

Toenail Fungus

Ingrown Toenails

Ledderhose Disease

Plantar Fibroma

Plantar Warts

If you’re unsure what’s behind your symptoms, schedule an appointment with Northwest Extremity Specialists today to get the answers you need to start feeling better.

How We Diagnose Conditions Affecting the Foot and Ankle

Getting the right diagnosis is key to lasting relief. At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we take a thorough, patient-first approach to identifying the root cause of your foot or ankle pain. Here’s what you can expect during your diagnostic visit:

Detailed Symptom Review: We listen closely to your concerns and ask questions about your pain, activity level, and medical history.
Hands-On Physical Exam: Your provider will assess your foot and ankle structure, flexibility, and areas of tenderness or inflammation.
Gait and Pressure Analysis: If needed, we evaluate how you walk and stand in order to identify imbalances or irregularities.
Advanced Imaging: On-site X-rays, ultrasound, or other imaging tools may be used to see beneath the surface and confirm a diagnosis.
Collaborative Diagnosis: Your provider explains the findings in plain language and discusses your options, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Our goal is to give you clear answers and compassionate support. With an accurate diagnosis, you can take the next step in your care journey knowing you’re in the hands of Portland’s trusted foot and ankle specialists.

Want to know how we treat foot and ankle issues after your diagnosis? Visit our Podiatry Procedures page to learn more.

Get Expert Care for Foot and Ankle Conditions Today

Foot and ankle pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent condition or a sudden injury, the expert team at Northwest Extremity Specialists is here to help. With multiple Portland-area locations and a commitment to compassionate, personalized care, we make it easy to get the treatment you need.

Don’t wait to get answers. Schedule your appointment today, and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Trusted Portland Podiatrists for Over 25 Years

Can I run with heel pain, or will it make things worse?

Running with heel pain, especially when the cause is conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, can often worsen the injury. Pushing through discomfort may lead to more inflammation or even long-term damage. If your heel pain doesn’t ease with rest, it’s time to consult a podiatrist.

My foot feels fine until I hike — then I can’t walk the next day. Why?

This often signals an overuse injury or structural imbalance, like arch instability or early tendinitis. Hiking stresses the feet in ways that everyday walking doesn’t, and hidden issues can flare up after extended activity. At NW Extremity Specialists, we can assess your gait, footwear, and foot mechanics to help prevent post-hike pain and support your active lifestyle.

What’s the difference between a corn and a plantar wart?

Corns are thickened areas of skin caused by friction or pressure, while plantar warts are viral growths that appear on the soles of the feet. Warts may have black dots and interrupt skin lines; corns usually don’t. If you’re unsure which one you have — or if it’s painful — it’s best to have it evaluated by a podiatrist.

I’m on my feet all day at work — how can I prevent foot pain?

Supportive shoes, proper arch support, and short movement breaks can make a big difference. Custom orthotics or foot-strengthening exercises may also help. If your job involves standing or walking for long periods and you’re starting to feel discomfort, our podiatrists can recommend practical, non-invasive ways to protect your feet before the pain becomes a bigger issue.

Providing expert orthopedic and podiatric care with precision and compassion. From diagnosis to recovery, we ensure the best treatment for your mobility and well-being. Your health is our priority.

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