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.

Bunions and Hammertoes: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Foot pain shouldn’t hold you back from living the life you love. Deformities like bunions and hammertoes can greatly impact your comfort and mobility.
At Northwest Extremity Specialists, our Portland-based podiatrists deliver expert care for these common yet complex conditions, helping you get back on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. It develops when the bones of the foot shift out of alignment, causing the big toe to lean inward toward the other toes. Over time, this misalignment may become more prominent and painful, leading to swelling, inflammation, numbness, and difficulty wearing shoes.

A similar condition called a tailor’s bunion (or bunionette) affects the outside of the foot, at the base of the pinky toe. Although smaller, it can be just as painful—especially when aggravated by tight shoes.

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.

What Causes Bunions and Hammertoes?

These conditions often share the same underlying causes, including:

Genetic foot structure: Some people inherit foot mechanics that make them more prone to bunions or hammertoes.
Improper footwear: Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes increase stress on the toes.
Foot injuries: Trauma to the toe or joint can lead to a deformity.
Arthritis: Certain diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, can affect joint integrity.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop bunions and hammertoes due to shoe choices and foot structure differences.

Treatments For Bunions and Hammertoes

With bunions and hammertoes, early treatment is crucial. Both bunions and hammertoes are progressive, meaning they won’t improve on their own and tend to worsen over time. While conservative treatments can’t reverse the deformity, early intervention can relieve pain, maintain mobility, and delay surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Northwest Extremity Specialists offers non-invasive solutions to manage mild to moderate symptoms:

Supportive footwear with wide toe boxes
Custom orthotics to correct pressure and alignment
Padding and toe spacers to reduce friction and irritation
Bracing, taping, and splinting to stabilize the joint
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and enhance flexibility
Pain relief through medications, icing, or steroid injections

Surgical Treatment Options

If your condition is advanced or conservative treatments no longer provide relief, surgical correction may be necessary. Northwest Extremity Specialists’ board-certified podiatric surgeons specialize in:

Bunionectomy: Realignment of the toe joint and removal of the bony bump
Hammertoe surgery: Straightening the affected toe by releasing or fusing joints
Tailor’s bunion correction: Reshaping and repositioning the fifth metatarsal

We tailor each surgical plan based on your lifestyle, goals, and condition severity. Our advanced techniques lead to excellent outcomes, helping patients regain mobility and reduce long-term pain.

Schedule a Consultation for Bunion Surgery in Portland

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we’re proud to offer a full spectrum of podiatric care under one roof, from custom orthotics to complex surgical solutions. Our multiple convenient locations across the Portland area mean high-quality care is always close by. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen; contact us today to schedule your consultation and start walking comfortably again.