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.

Treatment for Foot and Toe Fractures at Northwest Extremity Specialists

Your feet are made up of 26 bones, all working together to support every step, sprint, or climb. If one of those bones breaks, even slightly, it can disrupt your mobility and the long-term health of your feet.

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we treat toe, metatarsal, foot, and ankle fractures with precision and care. Our board-certified podiatrists are experienced in using advanced treatments for minor toe breaks, complex midfoot injuries, and various types of foot fractures. In our care, you’ll get an accurate diagnosis and a customized recovery plan that supports lasting results.

Understanding Fractures: Not All Breaks Are Alike

Fractures range from tiny hairline cracks to complete, displaced breaks. Each one requires different treatment and timelines. Common fracture types include:

Traumatic Fractures

These occur from a direct blow or sudden impact, such as stubbing your toe forcefully or dropping something heavy on your foot.

Stress Fractures

These are tiny, hairline cracks that develop over time due to repetitive stress, often seen in athletes or individuals who increase their activity levels too quickly.

Displaced Fractures

In this type of break, the ends of the bone no longer line up correctly, often shifting out of their normal position.

Jones Fractures

A severe fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal (near the outer edge of your foot), Jones fractures are frequently misdiagnosed as ankle sprains and require careful attention to heal properly.

Comminuted Fractures

This occurs when a bone shatters into three or more pieces, usually from a high-impact trauma, and often requires surgical stabilization.

Compound Fractures

Also known as open fractures, these occur when the broken bone pierces through the skin, creating a higher risk for infection and requiring immediate medical intervention.

Myth: “If you can walk on it, it’s not broken” is false. Many patients with fractures can still bear weight.

What Happens If a Fracture Goes Untreated?

Even small breaks need to be addressed by a doctor to maintain foot health. Ignoring a foot or toe fracture can lead to consistent discomfort, an inability to run, walk, or stand without pain, and long-term complications such as:

Permanent deformity that affects mobility or shoe fit

Joint arthritis from improperly aligned fractures

Chronic pain or instability
Failure to heal (non-union), sometimes requiring surgery

Treatment Options for Foot and Toe Fractures

We offer a full spectrum of treatment options, ranging from conservative therapies for minor breaks to surgical interventions for more complex fractures. Our goal is always to restore proper alignment, minimize pain, and help you return to regular activity as quickly and safely as possible.

Conservative Care for Simple Breaks

Conservative treatment is often the first line of care for non-displaced or stable fractures. These options are designed to support healing without the need for surgery:

Rest, Ice, and Elevation
Resting the injured foot, applying ice to control swelling, and keeping the foot elevated above heart level can significantly reduce inflammation and promote the body’s natural healing response in the early stages after injury.
Splinting or Taping
In less severe toe fractures, taping the injured toe to an adjacent healthy toe (a method called “buddy taping”) or using a splint can help maintain alignment and limit movement during healing. This method is particularly useful for fractures that don’t require rigid immobilization.
Protective Footwear or Boots
Wearing a stiff-soled shoe, fracture boot, or post-op shoe can protect the injured area and prevent additional strain while walking. These devices offload pressure and help maintain correct positioning throughout the recovery period.

Activity Modification
Avoiding high-impact or weight-bearing activities gives the fracture time to heal properly. This might mean switching to low-impact exercises, using assistive devices like crutches, or adjusting your work and activity schedule to prevent stress on the affected foot.

Fixation Surgery: Stabilizing Complex Fractures for Long-Term Success

When a fracture is too unstable to heal with conservative methods, fixation surgery may be the most effective path to recovery. This procedure involves realigning the broken bone and surgically securing it in place using screws, plates, pins, or rods. There are several types of fixation techniques:

Internal Fixation
Bone fragments are repositioned and held together with medical hardware placed inside the body. This approach provides immediate stability and allows for more controlled healing.
External Fixation
When the surrounding soft tissues are too damaged for internal surgery, external fixation uses pins inserted into the bone and connected to a stabilizing frame outside the skin. This method temporarily secures the fracture until further treatment is possible.
Traction
In cases where the bone needs to be gradually pulled back into alignment, traction systems use weights and pulleys attached to pins in the bone. This method is often used before surgical fixation in complex injuries.

At Northwest Extremity Specialists, we use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to shorten recovery time. If surgery is best for your condition, after your procedure, we’ll guide you through a personalized rehabilitation program that may include physical therapy, weight-bearing adjustments, and follow-up imaging to ensure proper healing.

Don’t Walk it Off. Walk Into NES for Foot or Toe Fracture Treatments

For some foot or toe fractures, rest and ice can get you back on your feet in no time. However, for more complex breaks, you’ll need the help of an experienced podiatrist to restore your foot health and mobility. We’re committed to helping you recover fully with a comprehensive care plan that includes everything from on-site diagnostics to personalized rehabilitation.

Your recovery may involve:

On-site X-rays and imaging for accurate tracking of bone healing
Custom orthotics to relieve pressure and support proper alignment
Expert-guided physical therapy to restore mobility and strength
Ongoing follow-up care to monitor progress and prevent complications

If you’ve experienced a foot or ankle injury, don’t leave your recovery to chance. Get expert guidance, advanced treatment, and compassionate care from a team that’s with you every step of the way.

Don’t Wait—Contact a Specialist Today

Call us or schedule an appointment online today at your nearest NES location