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.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Waking up with stabbing heel pain or feeling sharp discomfort after sitting for long periods isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a warning sign. These and other early symptoms are often caused by plantar fasciitis, the most common source of heel pain. Left untreated, it can interfere with your ability to walk, exercise, or stay active.

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, our experienced podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating heel pain quickly and effectively, so you can get back to your routine with comfort and confidence.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Your plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue running from your heel to your toes. This ligament plays a vital role in supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing the impact of each step you take. Over time or with repetitive stress, the plantar fascia can become overstretched, inflamed, or even torn, particularly where it attaches to the heel. This damage causes pain that’s often most intense during your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Although common, plantar fasciitis shouldn’t be ignored. Without proper treatment, the condition can become chronic and debilitating.

Who Is at Risk for Plantar Fasciitis?

While certain factors can increase your risk for plantar fasciitis, such as age or repetitive stress, it can affect anyone. Here are the types of patients we typically treat for this condition:

Runners and Athletes
Repetitive impact from running or jumping puts ongoing strain on the plantar fascia, especially on hard surfaces.
People Over 50
Wear and tear over time, along with reduced tissue elasticity, make plantar fasciitis more common with age.
Those with Flat Feet or High Arches
Abnormal foot structure can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to overstretching of the fascia during movement.
People Who Stand for Long Periods
Jobs that require extended time on your feet—like teaching, retail, or healthcare—can fatigue the fascia and increase stress on the heel.
Pregnant Women or Individuals Carrying Extra Weight
Added body weight increases pressure on the feet and fascia, leading to a higher risk of irritation and injury.
Those Wearing Unsupportive Footwear
Shoes without proper arch or heel support can lead to improper mechanics and heel pain.

Even if you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, the NES team can help you understand the underlying issue and start treatment that fits your lifestyle.

Other Causes of Heel Pain

While plantar fasciitis is the most common culprit of heel pain, other conditions may also be responsible, such as:

Heel bruising from impact injuries
Fat pad atrophy, which reduces natural heel cushioning
Stress fractures from overuse
Nerve compression causing burning or shooting pain
Improper footwear lacking arch or heel support

Because symptoms often overlap, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) emphasizes that getting a professional diagnosis is essential to pinpoint the cause of heel pain and begin the proper treatment.

Effective Treatments for Heel Pain

The earlier you seek care, the more treatment options you’ll have, and the faster you’ll feel relief. At NES, we tailor your treatment to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Common options include:

Custom Orthotics

Supportive, prescription inserts that reduce strain on the plantar fascia and improve foot alignment during daily activities.

Night Splints

Worn while sleeping to keep your foot flexed, these prevent the fascia from tightening overnight and reduce painful “first-step” symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises that relieve tension, improve mobility, and promote long-term healing.

Injection Therapy

Cortisone or other medications may be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief for more severe pain.

Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal pulse activation treatment—also known as EPAT or shockwave therapy–is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates blood flow to the injured tissue, accelerating recovery and reducing chronic pain.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely needed, but may be recommended when all other treatments have failed to relieve severe or persistent heel pain.

Don’t Wait for the Pain to Worsen

Heel pain is highly treatable, especially when caught early. Ignoring it can lead to long-term complications and chronic discomfort. Whether you’re an athlete, on your feet all day at work, or just starting to notice “first-step” pain, the expert podiatry team at Northwest Extremity Specialists is here to help.

Call us or book online today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward pain-free living.