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.

Flat Feet in Children and Adults: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Flat feet may seem like a minor concern, but they can significantly impact your daily comfort, mobility, and long-term joint health. Whether you or your child are experiencing discomfort, fatigue, or trouble with shoes, Northwest Extremity Specialists offers compassionate, expert care for all types of flatfoot conditions. With clinics across the Portland metro area, relief is closer than you think.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet (also called fallen arches) occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to come into contact with the ground. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them over time. In many cases, flat feet are painless. But when symptoms arise, they can affect your feet, ankles, knees, and even lower back.

Types of Flat Feet

Congenital Flat Feet

Most young children naturally have flat feet. Typically, arches form by age 5, but in some kids, they don’t fully develop. Pediatric flatfoot may be flexible, where the arch appears when sitting but flattens while standing. It can also be rigid, which is a more serious condition that may involve abnormal bone structure or tarsal coalition (fusion of the bones).

Acquired Flat Feet (Adult-Onset)

In adults, flat feet often develop due to wear and tear or injury. The most common cause is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), a condition where a key tendon supporting the arch becomes inflamed or torn. Other causes include arthritis, diabetes-related foot changes (Charcot foot), or trauma.

Symptoms to Watch For

Identifying potential flat feet problems is the first step towards finding a solution. In children and adults, watch for the following symptoms:

Aching or fatigue in the feet, ankles, or lower legs
Pain when walking or standing for long periods
Swelling or tenderness along the inner foot or ankle
Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably
Uneven shoe wear or altered gait
In children: avoiding play, tripping, or limping

Diagnosing Flat Feet

Our podiatric specialists evaluate foot structure, gait, range of motion, and discomfort levels. X-rays and other imaging may be used to determine the severity and cause of the condition.

Want to check your arch at home? Try the “wet test”. Step on a piece of construction paper with a damp (but not soaked) foot. A full footprint may indicate flat feet, but a clinical exam is the best way to understand what’s happening and what you need.

Treatment Options for Flat Feet

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we tailor your treatment plan based on age, severity, symptoms, and lifestyle. Most flat feet cases can be managed with non-surgical therapies.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Custom orthotics: Arch supports designed for your unique foot structure
Supportive footwear: Wide, structured shoes that provide stability
Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen and improve foot function
Stretching routines: Particularly for tight Achilles tendons
Activity modification: Reducing activities that aggravate symptoms
Anti-inflammatory medications or injections: To relieve pain and swelling

For kids, most flexible flatfoot cases don’t require treatment. However, if symptoms are present, early intervention can prevent long-term problems.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be considered when:

Foot pain is chronic and unresponsive to conservative care
The foot is structurally deformed or rigid
Flatfoot is caused by tendon rupture, bone fusion, or other mechanical issues

There is no specific surgery to correct flat feet. However, if a patient has a related foot or leg issue, such as a torn tendon or fused bones, surgery may be recommended to address the underlying problem.

Don’t Wait—Contact a Foot Pain Specialist Today

If you’ve suffered an ankle or foot sprain, don’t risk your long-term mobility by delaying care. Contact Northwest Extremity Specialists today to schedule a professional evaluation and start your path to a full recovery. We’re proud to provide Portland with expert foot and ankle care backed by the latest medical guidance and a commitment to your well-being.