A clinic in Rio Grande Valley is working to prevent serious foot complications, especially for people with diabetes.

Doctors at the UTRGV Podiatric Clinic in Harlingen say the goal is simple: keep patients healthy and active and out of the operating room.

The podiatric clinic in Harlingen opened about three years ago and treats patients from across the Rio Grande Valley. 

"We are constantly educating them in their office visits about how to better take care of their feet, how to keep them walking longer, and how to keep them healthy," podiatrist Tyreen Heybeck said.

The clinic treats a range of conditions, from ingrown toenails to fractured ankles. It also serves as a training site for students at UTRGV's School of Podiatric Medicine.

"Diabetes is one of the main reasons why the school was founded in the Valley and why the clinic was opened," Heybeck said.

One common condition treated at the clinic is peripheral neuropathy, which is when patients lose sensation in their feet because of damaged nerves caused by high glucose levels.

Heybeck says daily habits can help prevent complications. She recommends using a mirror to check your feet, wearing white socks to spot bleeding, and avoiding walking barefoot.

The clinic also provides routine foot care, including inspections, toenail trimming, treatment for fungal toenails, and wound care. Doctors can also prescribe diabetic shoes.

More details on the clinic are available online.

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