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.

ACL Reconstruction at Northwest Extremity Specialists

Anyone, from athletes to recreational hikers, can suffer a torn ACL. This common injury can be painful, limit movement, and prevent you from doing the activities you love. At Northwest Extremity Specialists, our experienced orthopedic surgeons offer advanced ACL injury care in the Portland metro area, including non-surgical options and minimally invasive reconstruction surgery.

Whether your goal is to return to competitive sports, stay active, or simply move without pain, our team will help guide your treatment and recovery with individualized support. We’re committed to delivering expert, accessible orthopedic care across Portland and beyond.

Understanding ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key stabilizer in the knee, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Many ACL injuries happen during fast-paced, high-impact sports (like soccer, basketball, skiing, or football) that involve cutting, jumping, or hard landings. However, non-athletes often suffer from ACL injuries as well, as a result of trauma, falls, or sudden, awkward movements.

Common symptoms of an ACL tear include:

A popping sound at the time of injury
Immediate pain and swelling
Knee instability or buckling
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Reduced range of motion and strength

Early diagnosis through a physical exam and MRI is critical. Left untreated, ACL tears can lead to chronic knee instability, meniscal damage, and early-onset arthritis.

Treatment Options: Conservative and Surgical

At NES, we take a personalized approach to ACL care, starting with non-surgical treatments whenever possible. If surgery is needed, it’s only after careful evaluation and with a clear plan to help you heal, stay active, and get back to doing what you love.

Non-Surgical ACL Treatment

Partial tears or injuries in less active individuals may be successfully managed with:

Structured physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles
Knee bracing for stability and support
Activity modification to avoid further injury

Most mild ACL injuries require three to six months of therapy, while active individuals may need six to nine months to regain strength and mobility.

Surgical ACL Reconstruction

For complete tears or active individuals seeking a return to higher-level function, ACL reconstruction is often the best long-term solution. This procedure has become minimally invasive thanks to the use of knee arthroscopy, which involves inserting a tiny camera and surgical tools through small incisions to replace the ligament. Using this technique, ACL reconstruction surgery usually goes as follows:

The damaged ACL is removed and replaced with a tendon graft from your own body (autograft) or donor tissue (allograft)
Surgery is performed arthroscopically through small incisions using a high-definition camera and precision instruments
Screws or fixation devices anchor the new ligament securely in place

Minimally invasive surgery means less tissue trauma, smaller scars, and quicker return to your sport or daily activities. However, surgery alone is not enough. Post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial for:

Rebuilding knee strength and flexibility
Ensuring proper graft integration
Preventing re-injury

A structured physical therapy regimen following ACL reconstruction and non-surgical treatment is key to successful long-term recovery.

When to Consider ACL Reconstruction

Surgical intervention can help relieve pain, restore mobility, and reduce the risk of re-injury or long-term joint damage. Still, surgery isn’t necessary for every ACL injury. Some patients who are less active or older respond well to conservative treatments or personalized knee braces and orthotics. ACL reconstruction is typically recommended if:

You experience significant instability or repeated “giving way” of the knee
You want to return to high-impact activities or competitive sports
Your job or lifestyle involves frequent knee stress
You’ve tried conservative care with limited success

Your Road to Recovery Starts Here

An ACL injury doesn’t have to keep you sidelined for long. At Northwest Extremity Specialists, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are ready to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence through a personalized treatment plan that puts your comfort and goals first.

Call us or book online to schedule your consultation at the NES location nearest you. Let’s take the next step toward recovery together