Lauren Sum, DPM is a Podiatrist practicing at her clinic in Houston, TX, dedicated to providing comprehensive podiatric care. She is registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board and adheres to the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act. Podiatrists (DPMs), also known as foot and ankle specialists, are the healthcare experts to diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions, from common issues like bunions and ingrown toenails to complex surgeries, often collaborating with primary care physicians for comprehensive patient care. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (713) 988-4848 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Sum is a podiatry specialist in Houston, TX with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her degree from New York College Of Podiatric Medicine in 2003 and completed her residency training in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery the same year. With over 20 years of dedicated experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to her patients. Dr. Sum is affiliated with HCA Houston Healthcare West and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She is fluent in Chinese and also offers consultations in Spanish, making her care accessible to a diverse patient population. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Sum is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Sum's approach to podiatric care is deeply patient-centered, focusing on thorough diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. She prioritizes comprehensive assessments, considering the whole foot and ankle, and collaborating with primary care physicians when necessary to ensure complete patient care. This holistic approach, combined with clear communication and a focus on evidence-based practices, aims to effectively address a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, from minor ailments to complex surgical interventions.
By working together, you and Dr. Sum can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Assurant Health
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Humana
Humana Health Plan of Texas
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Emblem Health
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Sum offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: If you have pain and swelling along the inside of your ankle and arch, you might have posterior tibial tendonitis; a podiatrist diagnoses this condition and develops a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Experiencing chronic foot pain due to the wearing down of joint cartilage (osteoarthritis)? A podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend treatments like medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Onychomycosis: Thickened, discolored, or oddly shaped nails might be a sign of onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection easily diagnosed and treated by your local podiatrist.
- Gait Abnormality: Gait abnormalities are changes in how you walk, often caused by underlying foot or ankle problems. Your podiatrist can assess your gait and develop a treatment strategy to correct it.
- Callus: If you have a painful callus on your foot, a podiatrist can help by removing the thickened skin and providing guidance on footwear and other ways to prevent calluses from returning.
- Hammer Toe: Improperly functioning tendons and muscles can cause hammer toe, resulting in a bent toe joint; your podiatrist can diagnose and treat this problem.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis causes pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, and your podiatrist can provide treatment options including medication, stretches, and possibly surgery.
- Sports Injuries: A podiatrist can help athletes recover from foot and ankle injuries, providing care from initial assessment to return-to-play strategies.
- Stress Fracture of Foot: Overuse or repetitive strain on your foot can lead to a stress fracture, a small crack in the bone, a condition diagnosed and treated effectively by a podiatrist.
- Arthritis: If you have arthritis in your feet or ankles, a podiatrist can assess your condition, recommend appropriate treatments to reduce pain and improve function, and suggest lifestyle modifications.
- Toenail Fungal Infection: Toenail fungus is a common infection that causes discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the toenail, and a podiatrist can diagnose and treat it with medication or other methods.
- Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): A podiatrist can diagnose and treat foot and ankle sprains and strains, which are injuries to the ligaments and muscles, often caused by sudden movements or overuse.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Sum offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Casting: A cast is a rigid support used to protect a broken bone, sprain, or other foot or ankle injury, allowing for proper healing and reducing pain.
- Custom Made Foot Orthotic: Custom orthotics are designed to treat various foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet, offering long-term pain relief and improved support.
- Diabetic Foot Care: Diabetic foot care helps prevent and treat foot problems common in people with diabetes, like infections and nerve damage.
- Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: This simple surgery removes a non-cancerous skin lesion, improving the appearance and health of your skin.
- Foot Fracture Treatment Closed: If you've broken a bone in your foot and don't need surgery, this treatment will focus on stabilizing the fracture to help it heal properly.
- Hammer Toe Repair: Surgery for a hammer toe can improve the appearance and mobility of your affected toe.
- Ingrown Toenail Surgery: Ingrown toenail surgery offers a lasting solution for persistent ingrown toenails, improving comfort and preventing recurrence.
- Nail Avulsion and Excision: Nail avulsion and excision is a treatment option for various nail conditions, ranging from ingrown toenails to severely damaged nails requiring complete removal.
- Pain Management: Managing pain in your feet and ankles is essential for improving your overall health and well-being; your podiatrist can develop a personalized pain management plan.
- Permanent Nail Removal: Permanent nail removal is a surgical treatment for problematic nails that haven't responded to other treatments, offering lasting relief from pain and infection.
- Skin Lesion Removal: If you have a concerning growth or sore on your foot, skin lesion removal can help determine if it's benign or requires further treatment.
- Wound Care and Management: Diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds on your feet and ankles receive specialized care to prevent serious complications through this service.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Sum is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient experienced significant pain relief and improved mobility, successfully managing their posterior tibial tendonitis. They regained their ability to participate in favorite activities without discomfort.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a podiatrist, a patient experienced significant pain relief and improved mobility, enabling them to resume their favorite activities.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
9515 Bellaire Blvd Ste B, Houston, TX, 77036
Phone: (713) 988-4848
View on Map
- NEW YORK COLLEGE OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE (Medical School) - 2003
- Podiatric Medicine & Surgery (Residency Hospital) - 2003
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston McGovern Medical School (Undergraduate School) - 1993
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Podiatric care with Dr. Sum:
- What is the difference between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic Surgeon?
- Dr. Sum is a podiatrist, specializing exclusively in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons, on the other hand, treat the entire musculoskeletal system, though some may have additional fellowship training in foot and ankle care. A podiatrist's entire training is focused on the foot and ankle.
- Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
- To see Dr. Sum, you may not need a referral. Many insurance plans, like PPOs, allow direct appointments. However, some plans, such as HMOs, require a referral from your primary care physician. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your plan's requirements.
- My child's feet point inward when they walk. Is this a problem?
- Dr. Sum can evaluate your child's gait and bone structure to determine if any intervention, like stretching or special footwear, is needed. In-toeing is common in young children and often resolves on its own. However, if it persists, is severe, or causes tripping, a podiatric evaluation is recommended.
- What causes heel pain, and how do you treat it?
- The most frequent cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, inflammation of a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. Dr. Sum typically starts with conservative treatments like stretching, icing, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics. Other options are available if these methods don't provide relief.
- Do all bunions require surgery?
- Not at all. Many bunions can be managed without surgery. Dr. Sum focuses first on conservative treatments to relieve pain and pressure, such as recommending wider shoes, padding, and custom orthotics. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where pain is severe and significantly limits daily activities.
- What are custom orthotics and how are they different from store-bought insoles?
- Custom orthotics, prescribed by Dr. Sum, are medical devices made from a precise mold of your feet. They are designed to correct specific biomechanical issues and provide support exactly where it's needed, unlike store-bought insoles, which are generic, cushioned supports.
- I have diabetes. Why is it so important for me to see a podiatrist?
- Dr. Sum is a podiatrist specializing in diabetes care. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, making even small foot injuries serious. Regular check-ups are crucial to prevent complications, manage foot health, and avoid amputations.
- What's the best way to treat an ingrown toenail?
- Dr. Sum advises against attempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home. DIY procedures can worsen the problem or lead to infection. She can perform a safe, in-office procedure to remove the offending nail border and provide lasting relief. For recurring issues, she can permanently remove a portion of the nail root.
9515 Bellaire Blvd Ste B
Houston TX 77036
Phone: (713) 988-4848
Lauren Sum, DPM is regulated by the the rules and regulations of the Texas Podiatric Medical Practice Act in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1972522399
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Lauren Sum are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.