by admin on June 9, 2011

Dr. Marco A. Vargas is an expert in the effective treatment of heel and arch pain. Pain in the heels and arches is the most common problem treated in our practice and we have become a referral center for treatment of even the most difficult and longest lasting cases of heel pain. In most cases, Dr. Vargas is able to help patients who have already seen numerous other practitioners and tried other types of treatments.

Heel problems are common and can be painful. Often, they result from too much stress on your heel bone and the tissues that surround it. That stress can come from

  • Injuries
  • Bruises that you get walking, running or jumping
  • Wearing shoes that don’t fit or aren’t made well
  • Being overweight

These can lead to tendinitis, bursitis and fasciitis, which are all types of inflammation of the tissues that surround your heel. Over time the stress can cause bone spurs and deformities. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can also lead to heel problems. Treatments for heel problems might include rest, medicines, exercises, taping and special shoes.
Treatment Goals – Instant Pain Relief and Long Term Prevention

At the Heel Pain Center of Sugar Land, our goal when treating patients with heel or arch pain is to relieve their pain as quickly as possible and then prevent it from coming back. Since there are many causes of heel and arch pain, the first step is to identify the exact cause of the pain and then develop a treatment program designed to return them to full activity as soon as possible. In over 95% of the cases at the Heel Pain Center, surgery or injections are not necessary to alleviate symptoms.

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by admin on June 9, 2011

Heel pain can interrupt your life so much and make you feel miserable. It can prevent you from playing sports and in some cases even stop you from walking. There are a number of things that you can do to prevent you from getting heel pain.

  • Wear supportive footwear if you plan to be on your feet a great deal. This means shoes with a lace or strap that are not backless and have a firm cushioned sole and a broad heel no more than an inch high.
  • Avoid walking for long periods in thongs, loose slip-on or thin soled shoes. This will cause your feet to overwork and the plantar fascia can become inflamed and lead to heel pain. The heel can also become bruised due to lack of cushioning and the constant pounding from walking, so a cushioned sole will help.
  • Choose the correct shoe for the activity you are undertaking. If running, then be sure to wear a sneaker, if hiking a hiking boot. Heel pain often begins when starting a new activity or sport such as taking up running especially if you are not wearing the correct type of shoe.
  • Be sure to wear suitable shoes at work too. If you have to wear high heels or dress shoes in the office you should take every opportunity to revert to suitable footwear such as in your lunch break or to and from work. High heels will tighten the calf muscles and this can lead to heel pain. In some cases people may change their employment and go from a sitting most of the day to a standing which can initiate heel pain.
  • Replace your shoes regularly. Heel pain is often caused by running or walking in worn out shoes. For example, most sneakers should be replaced after running 500km. The sole of the sneaker may not look worn but the mid sole (the section between the sole and the insole) often becomes compressed and loses its supportive and cushioning abilities.
  • Seek advice from a specialist shoe shop or speak to your podiatrist if you are unsure of the type of shoe you should be wearing. Eveyones feet are different and so we all need a different type of shoe. For example, someone with a flat foot requires a shoe with a firm heel and broad/straight base.
  • Stretch your calf muscles after exercise. A tight Achilles tendon is often the cause of heel pain. You should hold a stretch for at least a minute. If you wear high heels stretch your calf muscles as often as you can. This can be done whilst sitting by bending your ankles and pointing your feet up towards you with your knee straight.
  • Speak to your podiatrist if you wear your shoes out unevenly or quickly or experience any foot discomfort as you may need an orthotic or shoe insert to control your foot function. Poor foot function such as a foot that rolls in excessively is a common cause of heel pain

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