June 2025

Foot wounds often require specialized attention, but clinical expertise alone is not always enough. The choices patients make about their care matter. From the type of dressings used to how often visits are scheduled, each decision can affect comfort, confidence, and healing. When patients are involved in the planning of their treatment, they are more likely to follow through with care and speak up about concerns. This creates a stronger partnership with the provider and often leads to better outcomes. Respecting personal routines, cultural beliefs, and lifestyle needs helps tailor care that fits into daily life rather than disrupting it. Listening to patient preferences is not just courteous. It is a critical step in treating wounds that are often slow to heal. To create a care plan that truly works, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who understands the importance of patient input at every stage.

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 doctors from Texas. 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 office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often between the toes. There are three main types of athlete's foot infections. Interdigital occurs between the toes, moccasin forms on the soles and sides of the feet, and vesicular includes blister-like lesions. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or communal shower areas. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and cracking of the skin. In some cases, blisters may form, and the skin can become thick and flaky. The infection is contagious and can spread to other areas of the body or to other people. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot through a physical exam and may take a skin sample to confirm the presence of fungus. Treatment typically involves antifungal creams, powders, or oral medication, along with advice on proper foot hygiene and footwear. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our doctors from Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Playing tennis requires quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and rapid changes in direction, all of which increase the risk of ankle sprains. These injuries occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn, often from landing awkwardly, pivoting too quickly, or stepping on an uneven surface. Inadequate warm-ups, wearing improper footwear, and weak ankle muscles can also contribute to the likelihood of injury. Symptoms of ankle sprains include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the sprain through a physical examination and imaging, if needed. They provide tailored treatment that may include rest strategies, bracing and strengthening exercises. If you have sustained an ankle injury while playing tennis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide the necessary treatment for relief and recovery.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes often begin when there is an imbalance between the muscles and tendons that control toe movement. Over time, this imbalance causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a fixed or flexible deformity. Wearing poorly fitting shoes can make the problem worse, especially styles that squeeze the toes or force them into an unnatural position. High arches, flat feet, and certain nerve or joint conditions can also contribute by changing the way pressure is distributed across the foot. As the toe becomes more rigid, it may rub against shoes, leading to corns, calluses, and pain. Early treatment can help prevent progression and may reduce the need for surgery. If you have a toe that is beginning to curl or cause discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors of Texas. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.