by Amy Sharp

The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman both ran at speeds exceeding 60 mph, without foot or heel pain! Think biomechanics exist only in 1970’s Hollywood? Think again!

Local podiatrist and founder of Foot & Ankle Associates, Dr. Marco A. Vargas is an expert in foot biomechanics, the study of the structure and function of the foot. “The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot, which also has 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments,” says Dr. Vargas, “and heel pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see me. While medication, injections and over the counter shoe inserts can be part of your treatment, they usually offer only partial or temporary pain relief because they do not address the underlying problem which is the structure and function of the foot. My goal for my patients is permanent relief from heel pain!”

One of the more effective solutions for permanent heel pain relief is the HyProCure Foot stent procedure. As one of only two doctors certified in the greater Houston area to perform the HyProCure procedure, Dr. Vargas says, “The HyProCure is a stent placed in the foot like an ‘implantable orthotic,’ to help improve foot biomechanics or function and eliminate the need for orthotics. The procedure takes less than ten minutes, is completely reversible and has been performed on patients of all ages, from children to adults…and all activity levels including long distance runners, basketball players, ballerinas and more. Patients walk in a surgical shoe immediately and are back in regular shoes in about two weeks. This is a particularly effective solution for active patients, those who like to wear sandals or high heels, or those who simply don’t want to wear orthotics.”

HyProCure is only one of the many treatment options available at Foot and Ankle Associates. This “one-stop-shop” includes all of the necessary tests and equipment needed to diagnose and treat heel pain…from digital X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound and physical therapy to Footmaxx, a computerized gait analysis system used to analyze a patient’s walking pattern and foot function. Dr. Vargas says, “I probably can’t get you running at speeds of 60 mph, but whether you’re running marathons, running errands or running around with your kids…you can do it all pain-free, permanently!”

Marco A Vargas DPM, FACFAS
Board Certified in Foot Surgery
Foot and Ankle Associates
17510 W Grand Parkway South
Suite 530
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 313-0090 – Phone
(281) 754-4688 – Fax

1601 Main Street
Richmond, TX 77479
888-784-5335
In the Oak Bend Medical Center Professional Building
7105 Lawndale Street
Houston, TX 77023
281-313-0080
www.thefootpros.com