Dr. Hussain Hussain, DPM

 

Dr. Hussain Hussain, DPM Podiatrist and Foot and Ankle Care

Dr. Hussain Hussain, DPM, is a podiatrist providing medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the feet, ankles, toes, and lower legs. His professional background includes advanced residency training in podiatric medicine, foot surgery, and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery.

Patients may consult Dr. Hussain for heel pain, ankle injuries, ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, tendon concerns, fractures, diabetic foot problems, wounds, and unexplained changes in walking or balance.

A podiatry consultation does not automatically lead to surgery. Many foot and ankle conditions can be managed with footwear changes, activity adjustments, medication, physical therapy, custom orthotics, wound care, injections, or careful monitoring.

About Dr. Hussain Hussain

Dr. Hussain provides podiatric care through Gulf Coast Foot and Ankle Specialists. His work includes the evaluation and treatment of routine foot problems, sports injuries, structural deformities, diabetic complications, and conditions that may require reconstructive surgery.

His areas of care may include:

• Heel and arch pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Ankle sprains and instability
• Achilles tendon problems
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Fungal nail conditions
• Foot and ankle arthritis
• Stress fractures
• Diabetic foot care
• Foot wounds and ulcers
• Nerve-related foot symptoms
• Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery

His practice also participates in clinical research connected with podiatric care and describes its approach as based on current medical evidence.

Patients comparing podiatry providers can also review the Doctiplus profile of another foot and ankle specialist.

Education and Podiatric Training

Training Area	Institution	Details
Undergraduate education	Queen’s University	Bachelor’s degree
Podiatric medical education	New York College of Podiatric Medicine	Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Residency	HCA Houston Healthcare West	Podiatric medicine and surgery
Advanced residency focus	HCA Houston Healthcare West	Reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery

Dr. Hussain earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. During his podiatric education, he received the J.T. Tai Scholar award for three consecutive years, graduated within the top portion of his class, and was inducted into the Pi Delta National Podiatric Honor Society.

He later completed residency training in podiatric medicine and surgery with an emphasis on reconstructive rearfoot and ankle procedures at HCA Houston Healthcare West.

Professional Credentials

Dr. Hussain’s professional qualifications include:

• DPM, meaning Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
• Podiatric medicine and surgery residency training
• Advanced training in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery
• Texas podiatric physician licensure
• Professional involvement in foot and ankle medicine

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is trained specifically to diagnose and treat conditions involving the foot, ankle, and related lower-leg structures.

Podiatrists may provide medical treatment, prescribe medication, request imaging, manage wounds, create orthotic plans, and perform surgery according to their training and professional credentials.

What a Podiatrist Does

A podiatrist evaluates problems involving the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, skin, and nails of the feet and ankles.

Patients may be referred by a primary care physician, emergency clinician, diabetes specialist, vascular doctor, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional.

A podiatry assessment may be useful when:

• Foot pain continues despite rest
• An ankle remains unstable after an injury
• A wound is not healing
• A toenail repeatedly becomes painful or infected
• A foot deformity affects shoe fit
• Diabetes has caused numbness or circulation concerns
• Walking has become uncomfortable
• A fracture or tendon injury is suspected
• Symptoms return after previous treatment
• Surgery has been recommended and another opinion is wanted

The feet carry the body’s weight through standing, walking, running, and changes in direction. A small problem can gradually affect the knees, hips, back, balance, or normal walking pattern when it is left untreated.

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a podiatrist.

Possible causes include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendon irritation
• Stress fracture
• Heel-pad problems
• Nerve compression
• Arthritis
• An injury
• Poorly fitting shoes
• Changes in walking mechanics

Plantar fasciitis affects the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Pain is often strongest near the heel and may feel worse during the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period.

Evaluation may include examining the heel, arch, ankle movement, footwear, walking pattern, and areas of tenderness. Imaging may be considered when the symptoms suggest a fracture or another condition.

Treatment may involve:

• Activity modification
• Supportive footwear
• Stretching
• Physical therapy
• Night splints
• Anti-inflammatory treatment when appropriate
• Custom or over-the-counter orthotics
• Selected injections
• Surgery in persistent cases

Most patients are first offered nonsurgical treatment unless the examination identifies a condition requiring faster intervention.

Bunions

A bunion is a visible prominence near the base of the big toe. It develops as the bones and joint gradually move out of normal alignment.

Possible symptoms include:

• Pain near the big-toe joint
• Redness
• Swelling
• Difficulty wearing shoes
• Reduced toe movement
• Corns between the toes
• Changes in walking
• Increasing toe deformity

Treatment depends on how much pain and functional difficulty the bunion causes.

Nonsurgical options may include wider footwear, padding, activity changes, orthotics, and treatment of inflammation. These measures may reduce discomfort but do not normally straighten the underlying bone deformity.

Surgery may be discussed when pain continues, walking becomes difficult, or the deformity interferes with everyday footwear. The procedure selected depends on the structure of the foot, joint condition, severity of the deformity, and patient’s overall health.

Patients with discomfort around the first toe may also read about common causes of big toe joint pain.

Hammertoes and Toe Deformities

A hammertoe develops when a toe remains bent at one or more joints instead of resting in a straighter position.

It may cause:

• Pain inside shoes
• Corns on top of the toe
• Calluses under the foot
• Redness
• Swelling
• Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
• Stiffness
• Open sores in high-risk patients

Early or flexible deformities may respond to footwear changes, padding, stretching, splinting, or orthotics.

A rigid or painful hammertoe may require surgical correction when conservative care no longer provides enough relief.

Patients with diabetes, reduced sensation, or poor circulation should have areas of rubbing checked promptly because pressure from a bent toe can lead to skin breakdown.

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a nail presses or grows into the surrounding skin.

Possible symptoms include:

• Toe pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Drainage
• Repeated infection
• Excess tissue growing around the nail edge

Contributing factors may include incorrect nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, naturally curved nails, or repeated pressure on the toe.

Mild cases may be managed with footwear and nail-care changes. A painful or infected nail may require removal of the affected nail edge.

For recurring cases, a procedure may be used to reduce the chance that the same portion of nail grows back.

Patients with diabetes, nerve damage, reduced circulation, or an immune condition should avoid attempting to cut deeply into an ingrown nail at home.

Fungal Toenails and Skin Infections

Fungal nail infections can make toenails:

• Thick
• Yellow or discolored
• Brittle
• Crumbly
• Difficult to trim
• Uncomfortable inside shoes

A damaged nail is not always caused by fungus. Injury, psoriasis, repeated shoe pressure, and other conditions can create a similar appearance.

Testing may be recommended before long-term antifungal treatment is prescribed.

Treatment options may include:

• Topical antifungal medicine
• Oral medication
• Nail thinning or trimming
• Foot hygiene changes
• Treatment of athlete’s foot
• Removal of a severely damaged nail in selected cases

Oral antifungal treatment may not be suitable for every patient. Medication interactions, liver health, and other medical conditions may need to be reviewed.

Ankle Sprains and Instability

An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn, commonly after the foot twists unexpectedly.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Tenderness
• A feeling that the ankle may give way

Some injuries that appear to be sprains are actually fractures, tendon injuries, or damage to the joint surface.

Evaluation may include physical examination and X-rays. MRI or other imaging may be considered when symptoms remain unexplained or recovery is slower than expected.

Treatment may involve:

• Temporary activity restriction
• Bracing
• Supportive footwear
• Physical therapy
• Balance training
• Medication for pain or inflammation
• Surgery for selected severe or continuing instability

Repeated ankle injuries may weaken balance and confidence even after the original pain improves. Rehabilitation can help restore strength, coordination, and joint control.

Patients can also review guidance on preventing common sports injuries.

Achilles Tendon Problems

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It plays an important role in walking, running, climbing, and pushing the foot away from the ground.

Achilles conditions may include:

• Tendinitis
• Tendon degeneration
• Partial tearing
• Complete rupture
• Pain where the tendon attaches to the heel

Symptoms may include pain above the heel, stiffness, swelling, weakness, or difficulty standing on the toes.

Treatment depends on the location and seriousness of the injury. Options may include rest, a walking boot, heel support, physical therapy, activity changes, and surgery.

A sudden pop followed by weakness or difficulty walking may indicate a rupture and should be assessed promptly.

Foot and Ankle Fractures

Fractures may result from a fall, sports injury, twisting accident, direct impact, or repetitive stress.

Possible signs include:

• Sudden pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Visible deformity
• Tenderness over a bone
• Pain that worsens during activity

Not every fracture causes a visible deformity. Some stress fractures begin as a mild ache and become more painful with repeated walking or exercise.

Treatment may involve:

• Protective footwear
• Casting
• A walking boot
• Reduced weight bearing
• Follow-up imaging
• Physical therapy
• Surgical stabilization

The decision depends on the bone involved, fracture position, joint stability, skin condition, and patient’s general health.

Open wounds near a suspected fracture, loss of circulation, severe deformity, or numbness require urgent care.

Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery

Dr. Hussain’s residency included advanced preparation in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. This area involves procedures used to restore alignment, stability, movement, or function in complex conditions.

Reconstructive surgery may be considered for selected patients with:

• Severe foot deformities
• Chronic ankle instability
• Arthritis
• Tendon failure
• Complications from an earlier injury
• Painful flatfoot deformity
• Fractures
• Joint damage
• Conditions that have not improved with nonsurgical care

A reconstructive procedure may involve:

• Bone correction
• Joint fusion
• Tendon repair
• Ligament repair
• Internal fixation
• Removal of damaged tissue
• Correction of alignment
• A combination of techniques

The surgeon should explain the purpose of the procedure, expected improvement, alternatives, recovery period, and possible limitations.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can affect the feet through nerve damage, reduced sensation, poor circulation, slow wound healing, and an increased risk of infection.

A small blister or cut may become serious when a patient cannot feel it or when blood flow is reduced. Regular foot checks and early treatment are important for preventing complications.

Dr. Hussain may help patients with:

• Diabetic foot examinations
• Numbness or tingling
• Calluses
• Pressure areas
• Nail problems
• Foot ulcers
• Infection concerns
• Shoe-related rubbing
• Changes in foot shape
• Wound monitoring
• Prevention planning

Patients with diabetes should check their feet regularly for:

• Cuts
• Blisters
• Red areas
• Swelling
• Drainage
• Cracked skin
• Nail changes
• Color changes
• Warm spots
• New wounds

Patients should avoid walking barefoot when sensation is reduced. They should also avoid treating corns, calluses, or nail problems with sharp tools or strong over-the-counter chemicals without professional advice.

Foot Ulcers and Wound Care

A foot ulcer is an open wound that may develop because of pressure, injury, reduced sensation, poor circulation, or infection.

Wound assessment may include:

• Measuring the wound
• Checking its depth
• Looking for infection
• Examining circulation
• Testing sensation
• Identifying pressure points
• Reviewing blood sugar control
• Ordering imaging when bone infection is suspected

Treatment may involve:

• Cleaning the wound
• Removing unhealthy tissue
• Protective dressings
• Reducing pressure on the affected area
• Special footwear or a walking device
• Infection treatment
• Circulation assessment
• Coordination with diabetes or vascular specialists

The goal is not only to close the wound. The underlying pressure, footwear problem, deformity, circulation issue, or blood sugar concern must also be addressed to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Arthritis can affect the many small joints within the feet and ankles.

Possible symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced movement
• Difficulty walking
• Pain on uneven surfaces
• Changes in shoe fit
• Grinding or catching sensations

Causes may include osteoarthritis, an earlier injury, inflammatory arthritis, gout, or another joint condition.

Treatment may include:

• Supportive footwear
• Bracing
• Orthotics
• Activity changes
• Medication
• Injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgery when joint damage is severe

A sudden hot, red, very painful joint may be caused by gout or infection. Fever or rapidly increasing swelling requires prompt assessment.

Flat Feet and Arch Problems

Flat feet occur when the arch is low or collapses while standing.

Some people have flat feet without symptoms. Others may experience:

• Arch pain
• Heel pain
• Ankle discomfort
• Leg fatigue
• Uneven shoe wear
• Reduced walking tolerance
• A feeling that the foot rolls inward
• Difficulty with sports or prolonged standing

Evaluation may include examining the arch while sitting and standing, ankle flexibility, tendon strength, footwear, and walking pattern.

Treatment may involve supportive shoes, orthotics, stretching, strengthening, physical therapy, bracing, or surgery in selected severe cases.

Custom orthotics are not required for every patient. The decision should be based on symptoms, structure, activity needs, and response to simpler treatment.

Sports and Overuse Injuries

Repetitive activity can place stress on the bones, tendons, joints, and ligaments of the feet and ankles.

Common concerns include:

• Stress fractures
• Tendinitis
• Shin pain
• Heel pain
• Ankle sprains
• Turf toe
• Blisters
• Sesamoid pain
• Arch strain
• Repeated nail injuries

Assessment may consider:

• Recent changes in training
• Running surface
• Footwear
• Recovery time
• Previous injuries
• Walking or running mechanics
• Pain location
• Swelling
• Ability to bear weight

Returning to activity too quickly may cause symptoms to return. A gradual plan may be needed to restore strength, flexibility, and confidence.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Hussain

A consultation may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have continuing foot or ankle pain
• Experience heel pain during the first steps of the day
• Have difficulty walking
• Have an ankle that repeatedly gives way
• Need assessment after an injury
• Have an ingrown toenail
• Have a painful bunion or hammertoe
• Notice numbness or burning in the feet
• Have diabetes and need preventive foot care
• Have a wound that is slow to heal
• Need evaluation for custom orthotics
• Have been advised to consider surgery
• Want another opinion before a procedure
• Need follow-up after foot or ankle surgery

Patients searching for another healthcare professional can use the Doctiplus directory to find doctors by specialty.

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation normally begins with a review of symptoms, medical history, footwear, activities, and previous treatment.

Dr. Hussain may ask:

• When did the problem begin?
• Was there an injury?
• Where is the pain located?
• Does pain worsen during walking?
• Is numbness or tingling present?
• Has the foot changed shape?
• Is there swelling?
• Does the ankle feel unstable?
• Has treatment already been attempted?
• Is there a history of diabetes or poor circulation?
• Has previous foot or ankle surgery been performed?

The examination may include:

• Checking the skin and nails
• Examining circulation
• Testing sensation
• Assessing joint movement
• Checking muscle and tendon strength
• Examining areas of tenderness
• Looking at foot alignment
• Watching the patient walk
• Checking footwear wear patterns

Possible next steps include X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, laboratory testing, wound assessment, medication, physical therapy, orthotics, bracing, or discussion of surgery.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Allergy information
• Previous X-rays or MRI scans
• Earlier surgical records
• Recent laboratory results
• Diabetes records
• Wound-care notes
• Current orthotics or braces
• Shoes worn most often
• A symptom timeline
• Insurance information
• Referral documents
• Written questions

Bringing commonly worn shoes can help the podiatrist see pressure areas, sole wear, and whether the shoe shape may be contributing to symptoms.

Patients with wounds may also bring a list of dressings or treatments already used.

Questions to Ask Dr. Hussain

Patients may consider asking:

• What is causing my symptoms?
• Is imaging necessary?
• Could the problem improve without surgery?
• Which footwear changes may help?
• Would an orthotic be useful?
• Is physical therapy appropriate?
• How long should I limit activity?
• Could the condition become worse?
• Why is surgery being considered?
• What procedure would be performed?
• How long might recovery take?
• Will I need a boot, cast, or crutches?
• When can I return to work or exercise?
• Could the problem return?
• Which symptoms require urgent care?

Patients should ask what the recommended treatment is expected to improve. The goal may be pain reduction, wound healing, better alignment, improved stability, easier walking, or prevention of further damage.

Second Opinions Before Foot or Ankle Surgery

A second opinion may be useful when:

• Reconstructive surgery has been recommended
• Several procedures appear possible
• The diagnosis is unclear
• Recovery may be lengthy
• Previous surgery did not resolve the symptoms
• The patient has diabetes or poor circulation
• The expected benefit is uncertain
• The patient does not understand the treatment plan

Another opinion may confirm the first recommendation or identify a reasonable nonsurgical alternative.

Patients should bring their original imaging, not only written reports, when seeking another assessment.

Practice and Appointment Information

Dr. Hussain provides care through Gulf Coast Foot and Ankle Specialists.

A current Clear Lake Medical Group relocation notice lists the podiatry office at:

251 West Medical Center Boulevard, Suite 300
Webster, TX 77598

Appointment phone:
281-486-7900

The relocation notice states that the previous Medical Center Boulevard office moved to this location in January 2026. Practice addresses and scheduling lines shown by older directories may not yet reflect that change.

Patients should confirm the correct building, suite, appointment time, and parking information before traveling.

Insurance and Telehealth Information

The practice states that it accepts many insurance plans and welcomes new patients. Telehealth is also listed as available for selected appointment types.

Before scheduling, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Hussain included in my insurance network?
• Is a referral required?
• Does imaging need prior authorization?
• Are custom orthotics covered?
• Is wound care billed separately?
• Does surgery require separate authorization?
• Which facility is used for procedures?
• Are new patients currently being accepted?
• Is telehealth suitable for my concern?
• Should imaging be sent before the appointment?

Foot wounds, new injuries, circulation concerns, and problems requiring a physical examination normally need an in-person visit.

When Foot or Ankle Symptoms Require Urgent Care

Patients should not wait for a routine podiatry appointment when symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• A foot that suddenly becomes cold, pale, blue, or numb
• A deep or heavily bleeding wound
• A visible bone or severe deformity
• Inability to bear weight after an injury
• Rapidly increasing redness or swelling
• Fever with a foot wound
• Red streaking from an infected area
• Black or foul-smelling tissue
• A new diabetic foot wound
• Sudden severe pain and swelling
• Loss of movement
• Serious symptoms following surgery
• A cast or bandage causing increasing numbness or color changes

Patients with diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation should arrange prompt assessment for new wounds, blisters, drainage, or unexplained skin changes, even when the area is not painful.