Dr. Chad C. Clause, DPM

Dr. Chad C. Clause, DPM Podiatry and Foot & Ankle Surgery

Dr. Chad Christopher Clause, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon practicing in Webster and Friendswood, Texas. His clinical work covers general podiatry as well as surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Current CLS Health records list his specialties as Podiatry and Foot and Ankle Surgery, while WellMed identifies his clinical interest as podiatric foot and ankle surgery.

Dr. Clause has more than two decades of experience in podiatric medicine. He graduated from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed residency training through the Houston Podiatric Foundation. Current professional directories also confirm certification through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Patients looking for similar specialists can also browse the Doctiplus Podiatry category for physicians providing medical and surgical care for foot and ankle conditions.

Podiatry And Foot Care

Podiatry focuses on medical conditions affecting the feet and ankles. Patients may visit a podiatrist for persistent foot pain, heel discomfort, bunions, toe deformities, nail conditions, foot infections, diabetic foot concerns, or injuries involving the foot and ankle.

Dr. Clause’s current CLS Health profile classifies his work under both Podiatry and Foot and Ankle Surgery. His practice includes patients who need conservative care as well as those whose condition may eventually require surgery.

Foot symptoms can sometimes appear straightforward while having several possible causes. Pain in the heel, for example, may be related to plantar fasciitis, overuse, footwear, injury, or other conditions. A podiatric examination can help determine what structure is responsible before treatment is selected. MedlinePlus notes that heel pain is frequently associated with overuse but can also result from injury and other contributing factors.

Foot And Ankle Surgery

Dr. Clause is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, according to current WellMed credential information.

Foot and ankle surgery can be considered for conditions that cause persistent pain, structural deformity, instability, recurrent problems, or loss of function when appropriate nonsurgical treatment has not provided enough improvement.

The exact operation depends on the diagnosis. Some procedures address bone alignment, while others involve joints, tendons, ligaments, nails, or other structures.

Surgical treatment is not necessary for every foot problem. A podiatric surgeon can review symptoms, examination findings, imaging, previous treatments, activity needs, and overall health before determining whether surgery is appropriate.

Bunions

Bunions are one of the common structural problems that may lead patients to a foot specialist.

A bunion develops at the base of the big toe as the big toe gradually shifts toward the second toe, producing a prominent bump on the inner side of the foot. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, and difficulty wearing certain shoes.

Early management may focus on reducing pressure and improving comfort. Surgery may be considered when a bunion causes substantial symptoms or interferes with normal activities despite conservative treatment.

MedlinePlus describes bunion surgery as an operation intended to correct deformity involving the big toe and associated foot bones.

The surgical technique is individualized because bunions vary in severity and alignment.

Heel Pain And Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is another common reason for podiatry visits.

Plantar fasciitis affects the tissue along the bottom of the foot and commonly causes pain or stiffness near the heel. MedlinePlus notes that discomfort is often worse with the first steps in the morning, after prolonged sitting or standing, or during activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Risk factors can include foot-arch abnormalities, changes in activity, a tight Achilles tendon, and other mechanical stresses on the foot.

Treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. A podiatrist may evaluate footwear, foot mechanics, activity patterns, tenderness, and other possible causes of heel pain before recommending a plan.

Persistent heel symptoms are worth evaluating because not all heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis.

Diabetic Foot Care

Foot care can be particularly important for people living with diabetes.

NIDDK explains that diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet. Reduced sensation can make it harder to notice small injuries, while impaired circulation can make some wounds more difficult to heal.

Peripheral neuropathy can contribute to blisters, sores, infections, and other foot problems because patients may not feel pressure or injury normally. Early recognition and treatment can reduce the risk of more serious complications.

Current HCA Houston Healthcare information lists diabetes among the conditions associated with Dr. Clause’s podiatry practice.

A podiatrist may evaluate skin integrity, sensation, circulation, nails, pressure points, deformities, and wounds as part of diabetic foot care.

NIDDK recommends regular foot checks for people with diabetes because seemingly minor problems such as calluses can sometimes progress to pain or infection.

Foot Wounds And Infections

Foot infections can develop after cuts, blisters, nail problems, ulcers, or other breaks in the skin.

Current claims-based information associated with Dr. Clause shows substantial experience treating foot infections.

People with diabetes or reduced circulation can require particularly careful evaluation because wounds may heal more slowly and infection can become more serious.

A podiatrist can assess the wound, surrounding tissue, circulation, sensation, drainage, swelling, and other signs that may influence treatment.

Significant swelling, spreading redness, fever, worsening drainage, or rapidly increasing pain should receive prompt medical attention rather than being left until a routine appointment.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin. The big toe is most commonly affected, and symptoms can include pain, redness, and swelling.

MedlinePlus notes that pressure from poorly fitting shoes and improper nail trimming can contribute to ingrown nails. Structural foot or toe differences may also increase pressure on the nail.

Mild problems may sometimes be managed conservatively, while persistent or infected ingrown nails may require a podiatric procedure.

When part or all of an ingrown nail is surgically removed, careful aftercare is important to help the area heal properly.

Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should be particularly cautious about attempting to treat significant foot or nail problems without professional guidance.

Toenail And Skin Conditions

Podiatrists also evaluate nail and skin problems affecting the feet.

MedlinePlus lists fungal and bacterial nail infections, ingrown nails, warts, and other nail abnormalities among conditions that may require treatment.

Changes in nail thickness or color do not always have one cause. Trauma, infection, aging, and other health conditions can produce similar changes.

A podiatric examination can help distinguish between conditions that require treatment and changes that may simply need monitoring.

Skin problems such as calluses can also become clinically important when they create pressure or develop in patients with diabetes or circulation problems.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can originate from bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or skin.

MedlinePlus identifies bunions, poorly fitting footwear, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, injuries, and other conditions among possible causes.

Because several problems can produce similar symptoms, the location and pattern of pain can be useful during evaluation.

Patients may want to note whether discomfort occurs during walking, at rest, in particular shoes, first thing in the morning, or after exercise.

Previous injuries and changes in activity can also provide useful clues.

A foot specialist may use physical examination and imaging such as X-rays when needed to determine the cause.

Toe Problems And Deformities

The toes play an important role in movement and balance. MedlinePlus notes that common toe disorders include bunions, corns, ingrown toenails, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and arthritis-related problems.

Toe deformities can create pressure against footwear or neighboring toes and may lead to pain, calluses, or difficulty walking.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of deformity and whether symptoms interfere with normal activity.

Conservative options may be appropriate first for some patients, while structural problems that remain painful can occasionally require surgery.

Foot And Ankle Injuries

Sports, exercise, falls, and everyday accidents can all injure the foot or ankle.

A podiatrist may evaluate injuries involving bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or soft tissues.

Imaging may be recommended when a fracture or other structural injury is suspected.

The appropriate treatment depends on the injury. Some conditions heal with activity modification, immobilization, supportive footwear, or rehabilitation, while others require a surgical procedure.

Patients should seek timely assessment when an injury causes major swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight, worsening pain, or other significant symptoms.

Footwear And Foot Mechanics

Footwear can influence comfort and pressure distribution across the foot.

MedlinePlus recommends properly fitting supportive shoes with adequate room around the toes and forefoot for general foot comfort.

However, footwear is only one part of podiatric assessment.

Foot shape, arch structure, previous injuries, walking mechanics, occupation, sports participation, arthritis, and other conditions can also contribute to symptoms.

A podiatrist can consider these factors together when deciding whether shoe changes, supportive devices, therapy, medication, or another treatment may be appropriate.

Maintaining Mobility

Foot conditions can affect more than the area where pain occurs.

Significant foot discomfort may change the way a person walks. MedlinePlus lists problems such as calluses, ingrown toenails, swelling, pain, and skin sores among factors that can contribute to abnormal walking patterns.

Treating a painful condition may therefore help patients maintain normal walking and daily activity.

For older adults and people with diabetes, maintaining healthy feet can be particularly important for mobility and independence.

Education And Podiatric Training

Dr. Clause completed his podiatric medical education at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Current Healthgrades and Healthline records identify his graduation in 2002.

He subsequently completed residency training through the Houston Podiatric Foundation, with Memorial Hermann listing residency completion in 2004.

Memorial Hermann also lists Kingwood Medical Center in connection with his 2004 postgraduate training.

This training prepared him for both medical management and surgical treatment of foot and ankle disorders.

Board Certification

Current WellMed credential information identifies Dr. Clause as board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Some older directories use the organization’s former name, the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

His board certification supports his professional focus on surgical conditions involving the foot and ankle.

Current Practice With CLS Health

As of August 13, 2026, CLS Health currently lists Dr. Chad Clause as a podiatry and foot and ankle surgery physician in its Clear Lake network.

His listed locations include:

CLS Health Podiatry Associates – Clear Lake
600 North Kobayashi, Suite 308
Webster, Texas 77598

Friendswood Location
345 East Parkwood Avenue
Friendswood, Texas 77546

CLS Health currently lists both locations for Dr. Clause and provides online appointment booking.

WellMed independently lists the same Webster and Friendswood practice locations and identifies his clinical interest as podiatry and foot and ankle surgery.

Because office schedules and suite assignments can change, patients should confirm the exact location when arranging an appointment.

Accepting New Patients

Memorial Hermann currently identifies Dr. Clause as accepting new patients.

Current Healthgrades and Healthline information also indicates new-patient availability and telehealth appointments.

Telehealth may be useful for certain follow-up discussions, but many foot and ankle problems require direct examination, imaging, wound assessment, or evaluation of walking mechanics.

Patients should therefore confirm whether a virtual appointment is suitable for their specific condition.

Hospital Affiliations

Current professional directories associate Dr. Clause with Houston-area hospitals.

Healthgrades lists Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital among his current affiliations, while HCA Houston Healthcare maintains an active podiatry profile for him within its healthcare network.

Zocdoc also associates him with HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake.

Hospital affiliations and surgical privileges can change, so patients preparing for an operation should confirm which facility will be used for their particular procedure.

NPI And Professional Information

The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System lists Chad C. Clause, DPM, under NPI 1861597668. The federal NPI record was updated and certified in May 2025.

WellMed independently lists the same NPI for Dr. Clause.

Patients who require formal verification of professional credentials should use the appropriate licensing or certification authority because licensing and credential information can change over time.

Preparing For A Podiatry Appointment

Patients can make a podiatry appointment more useful by bringing previous X-rays, MRI reports, laboratory results, medication lists, and information about earlier foot or ankle treatment.

Someone seeking treatment for foot pain can note exactly where the pain occurs, when it began, whether it followed an injury, and which activities make it better or worse.

Patients with diabetes should mention any numbness, tingling, wounds, skin changes, or history of previous foot infections because diabetes-related nerve and circulation problems can increase the importance of early foot assessment.

For bunions or other structural problems, bringing the shoes most commonly worn can sometimes provide context about areas of pressure or discomfort.

People considering surgery should also provide information about previous operations, medication allergies, blood-thinning medicines, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and other medical problems that could influence surgical planning.

Continuing Foot And Ankle Care

Dr. Chad C. Clause’s professional background combines more than two decades in podiatry with specialized foot and ankle surgical practice. Current records confirm his Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine education, Houston Podiatric Foundation residency training, and certification through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

His current CLS Health practice serves patients in Webster and Friendswood and covers podiatric medicine as well as foot and ankle surgery.

For patients experiencing persistent foot pain, structural deformity, heel symptoms, nail problems, diabetic foot concerns, infections, or injuries, a podiatry evaluation can help establish the cause and determine whether conservative care or surgical treatment is appropriate.