University Foot and Ankle Institute is an internationally-recognized leading organization for the treatment of foot and ankle problems. Our team of foot and ankle specialists comprehensively treat all foot and ankle problems from simple achilles tendonitis, bunions, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, neuroma pain, ankle sprains and fractures to the most complex reconstructive surgery and limb salvage of the foot and ankle.
University Foot and Ankle Institute of California has performed a great deal of research into the proper treatment of bunion deformities. Many years ago, it was thought that bunions were overgrowths of bone. Removal of the painful bunion or "bump" prominence resulted in improvement for only a short period of time and the bunion would return rapidly because the joint was not realigned. The Offset Austin and Lapidus bunionectomy are the ideal procedures as they limit the chance of the bunion deformity from returning.
The underlying cause of bunions is thought to be at this medial cuneiform joint and not the great toe joint. If there is looseness of the medial cuneiform joint, there is motion of the metatarsal allowing the metatarsal to move out of position resulting in a bunion. The metatarsal may also move up resulting in poor position on the ground and collapse of the arch.
We are proud to be a world leader in the advancement and education of bunion surgical options. We pride ourselves in understanding multiple different bunion surgery options and being able to offer those options to our patients for optimal results. Contact us to talk to a podiatrist in los angeles.
Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) is used to increase the growth factors and healing factors found in a patient's own blood. The blood is drawn out of the patient's arm and spun in a centrifuge to separate the blood products. The platelet rich material which has the growth factors and healing material associated in blood is then injected into the area of injury. This allows for increased blood to come to the area of injury and help the bdy heal the area.
PRP treatment is used in plantar fascitis, achilles tendinitis and achilles tendinosis, posterior tibial tendonitis and tendinosis, and peroneal tendinitis and tendinosis case.
University Foot and Ankle Institute has published over 10 papers on PRP therapy and is a world recognized expert in the use of PRP to treat foot and ankle injuries.
In cases of tendon damage, few options have existed in the past other than very invasive tendon repair with large incisions. Prior surgical treatment dealt with removal of the scar tissue requiring long periods of casting and delayed return to activity.
The Topaz coblation technique utilizes a special probe to break up scar tissue and increase circulation to damages tendons. The procedure is often performed without a large cut in the skin and allows for rapid healing of the damaged tendon with little to no downtime. University Foot and Ankle Institute is currently working with Arthrocare to advance the use and continue clinical research in an effort to promote and improve the use of this revolutionary new technique.

The Topaz radiofrequency therapy procedure demonstration
A small incision is made. The fascia is checked and
the probe is used to make small holes into the fascia to
increase blood to the area and break up scar tissue.
![]() Topaz probe used over Peroneal tendon. |
![]() Notice the holes in the tendon. |
In cases of severe plantar fascitis that did not resolve with conservative care, the only option in the past was to cut the fascia. Although this procedure was found to be successful, it was not without risks. Furthermore, the recovery was long and painful.
The Topaz coblation technique was developed in a effort to decrease the downtime and pain of plantar fascia recovery and limit the risk with surgery. The procedure is performed without an incision in the skin. Pin size holes are made in the skin to the tendon and the Topaz probe is used to break up scar tissue and increase blood supply to the area. The patient is back in shoes in one week and showers in 2 days after surgery. Best of all, the fascia is not cut and therefore continues to serve as an important functional part of the foot anatomy.
University Foot and Ankle Institute is proud to be one of the leading organizations in the world in the use and development of the Topaz procedure for foot and ankle problems. We are currently performing several research projects in the advanced uses of the Topaz probe in foot and ankle ailments.
Topaz probe used to fenestrate the plantar fascia just underneath the skin.
University Foot and Ankle Institute is proud to be one of the only centers in the western United States to offer high intensity and low intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. Our team of specialists will consider all previous treatments and the level of pain for each patient prior to providing a detailed program to improve heel pain. From diagnosis and imaging to conservative care and the latest surgical options, the Foot and Ankle Institute is a one stop location to for heel pain sufferers.
Cryotherapy, or freezing of the nerve, allows the nerve to no longer transmit a nerve signal and therefore there is less pain. Most patients respond well to the treatment which is office based and done under local anesthesia. In certain cases, the procedure does not fully treat the nerve pain on the first attempt and a second treatment may be necessary.
Diabetic nerve pain has for years been thought to be untreatable. University Foot and Ankle Institute has pioneered advances in the treatment of diabetic nerve compression through the use of certain medications and possible surgical release of the nerve compression. The treatment is often an outpatient surgery with almost immediate improvement in sensation and relief of pain and numbness in may cases.
Diabetic ulcers form mainly due to lack of sensation. It is often thought that a lack of circulation may be cause of problems, but a majority of ulcers are formed from increased pressure on a certain area of the foot. The key to ulcer care is to not delay treatment. With early care, the need for amputation and bone infection can be avoided leading to optimal healing.
Several advances in ulcer care have been developed in the past decade. These include the use of genetic skin to close wounds, the use of skin grafts to close wounds and the use of local skin and muscle flaps to close wounds. University Foot and Ankle Institute specializes in all aspects of ulcer care and have expertise in all forms of ulcer treatment including specialized brace formation, casting technique, surgical wound closure and genetic skin graft use.
Tendon transfers have been very difficult to perform in the foot and ankle. Recent advances in tendon fixation after transfer are very helpful in rapid healing and return to activity. The Arthrex biotenodesis system allows for rigid tendon to bone fixation and early motion resulting in rapid healing and limited casting time. This technique has allowed us to take a great deal of the complexity and healing difficulties out of tendon transfer procedures.
University Foot and Ankle Institute is a world leader in the uses and techniques of tendon transfer with the use of the biotenodesis system. We look forward to helping you with any needs you may have.
Developed in Russia, the Ilizarov method allows for bone lengthening at a rate of 1mm per pay. All areas of the foot and ankle may be lengthened with proper care. Although a fairly new procedure, the Foot and Ankle Institute has extensive experience in the use of the Ilizarov methods and techniques in bone lengthening procedures.
Developed in Russia, the Ilizarov method allows for correction of even the most severe deformities. Although the procedures are difficult and patient compliance is critical in order to have a good outcome, the Ilizarov external fixation system allows for excellent deformity correction with unlimited options. Although a fairly new procedure, the Foot and Ankle Institute has extensive experience in the use of the Ilizarov methods and techniques in bone lengthening procedures.
Our doctors, surgeons and physical therapists are the very best foot and ankle specialists in California. Request an appointment with a doctor at our Los Angeles or other Southern California offices. Our podiatrists in los angeles can help.
There are many foot and ankle treatments that UFAI specializes in such as toe nail fungus treatment & others. View our complete list of Los Angeles foot clinics such as our UCLA foot and ankle clinic and many others.
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