Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the feet of diabetics due to poor circulation, neuropathy, or prolonged pressure. They may look like red, inflamed areas with possible drainage or a foul odor, and the surrounding skin can appear thickened or callused. Many patients do not initially feel pain because nerve damage reduces sensation, making early detection challenging. Diabetic foot ulcers affect approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes during their lifetime and are a leading cause of lower limb loss, if not properly managed. A podiatrist can help by thoroughly examining the foot, assessing circulation and nerve function, and determining the severity of the wound. Treatment may include debridement, specialized dressings, offloading pressure with orthotics or footwear, infection management, and guidance on daily foot care. Prompt professional care supports faster healing, prevents infection, and reduces the risk of serious complications. If you notice a non-healing wound or unusual changes on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails can turn a simple step into a sharp reminder that something is not quite right. They often begin when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, creating tenderness, swelling, and redness. Many people try to manage the discomfort at home, but there are clear moments when professional care becomes important. Increasing pain, persistent drainage, or signs of infection signal that the issue is progressing. People who have diabetes, circulation concerns, or nerve problems should be especially cautious because even a mild ingrown nail can lead to complications. A podiatrist can gently remove the offending nail edge, reduce inflammation, and help prevent the problem from returning. If you have an ingrown toenail and notice worsening pain, recurring irritation, or any symptoms that worry you, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. It leads to sudden attacks of intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected area. These flare-ups can make it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. Gout may be triggered by diet, dehydration, certain medications, or medical conditions that affect metabolism. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, relieve pain, and recommend lifestyle changes or medications to manage symptoms and prevent future episodes. If you have sudden joint pain in your big toe or swelling in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot and ankle contain a complex network of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments that work together to support movement and balance. Each step begins with the heel striking the ground, followed by a smooth transition through the midfoot and a push-off from the toes. The ankle acts as a hinge, allowing the foot to move up and down, while the arch absorbs shock and adapts to different surfaces. Proper alignment and flexibility are key to efficient motion and injury prevention. When any part of this system is out of balance, pain or instability may develop, affecting the entire body’s mechanics. If you notice discomfort, changes in your gait, or recurring ankle or foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure your biomechanics are functioning correctly and to maintain healthy, pain-free movement.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.