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Digital Radiology
Digital x-rays allow us to analyze the region of injury or deformity on a monitor and enlarge or manipulate the picture of improved examination. Furthermore, x-rays can be sent to outside radiologists or the referring doctor for further care or analysis.
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Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound is a dynamic (allowing movement during the exam) exam specific for tendon and soft tissue injury or problems. Our team can use ultrasound to check tendon problems, nerve injury and foreign body injury to the foot and ankle. The region that is examined can be moved during the exam for better range of motion testing. |
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Neurosensory Testing
A completely new type of nerve test, neurosensory testing allows us to check multiple peripheral nerves for compression, pain and neuropathy. The PSSD machine has been shown to be more sensitive for the diagnosis of foot and ankle nerve problems than EMG/NCV testing. Furthermore, it is not associated with any pain and can be repeated without problems for yearly progress checks. |
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Nerve Conduction and Electromyelogram Testing
Nerve conduction and EMG testing is used in cases of nerve problems that are noted to be positive with neurosensory testing or if problems may be related to lower back issues. Both tests can be coordinated to be performed by an adjunct neurologist on our staff at a convenient time set up by our staff for you. |
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MRI Testing
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the gold standard for examination of foot and ankle ailments. It allows for complete exam of the soft tissue, bone and ligament structures. Our MRI machine does not require the entire body to be placed in the machine and only the involved foot or ankle is placed in the machine. The patient can watch a video or listen to music during the exam and a friend or family member can be in the room during the exam. |
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Vascular Circulation Testing
In order to treat the high risk diabetic patient or in order to prevent complications from poor circulation, a complete circulation test is done prior to therapy. Unlike tests that require injections of dye, our tests are done without any injections and are specific to foot and ankle problems. |
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Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a state of the art treatment option for neuroma, plantar fibroma and some plantar fascia cases. Through a rapid and limited deep freezing of the affected area, the nerve or fascia pain may be resolved in a simple and comfortable office procedure. There is no need for general anesthesia and most patients return to normal activity and tennis shoes immediately after the procedure. |
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Topaz Treatments
Topaz coblation therapy is a new and innovative idea in the treatment of tendon and fascia problems. The concept of scar tissue in tendon and fascia problems has long been thought to be the cause of pain. Up until the Topaz probe was invented, this scar tissue would have to be removed with open surgery resulting in long recovery. The Topaz procedure allows limited to no incision use and removal of the scar tissue with little to no downtime and less damage to the tendon. The Foot and Ankle Institute is considered a leader in the field of Topaz coblation and innovators in many of its uses in the foot and ankle. The Topaz procure is used in may cases including, plantar fascitis, achilles tendinosis, peroneal tendon problems, and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. |
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Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy is aimed at increasing the growth factors and healing factors known to exist in blood to areas of injured or chronically damaged tissue. This technique which has been used all over the body allows for a patient's own blood to be drawn and spun down producing the platelet rich portion of the blood that contains all the growth factors. The PRP is then injected under ultrasound guidance into the damaged tissue such as the plantar fascia and achilles regions. Any tendon or ligament region can be treated and the most common reasons are chronic or acute injury. PRP is aimed at allowing the body to respond to the injury site directly instead of using a medicine to calm the injury site. Commonly, steroid injections will calm inflammation but also prevent healing versus PRP which increases inflammation to allow the body to respond to the injury and assist in the healing process. The procedure is office based under local anesthesia or can be combined with surgical procedures. |
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Ilizarov Fixation
In cases of complex reconstructive procedures usually requiring months of casting and no weight application to the foot, Ilizarov therapy is used as an option. The Ilizarov halos are placed about the foot and ankle and allow for improved deformity correction and weight bearing on the involved foot while healing is taking place. |
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Shockwave Therapy
Cases of heel pain or tendonitis can be treated with this revolutionary procedure. No incisions are made and high intensity ultrasound waves are used to decrease inflammation and allow repair of the involved region. Many patients scheduled for surgery and been treated with shockwave therapy and been able to avoid surgical procedure. The Foot and Ankle Institute is proud to be a leading international location in the use of Shockwave therapy. |
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Genetic Skin Grafting
A breakthrough technique to the treatment of foot and ankle ulcers, genetic skin is used to heal difficult wounds in a fraction of the regular time. This in office procedure often does not require anesthesia and does not require constant dressing changes. |
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Functional Rigidity Casting
A revolution is casting and splinting, functional rigidity casting allows us to place stress in areas not involved by injury and less stress on the fracture or deformity site. We are often able to allow the brace or splint to be fitted to the individuals shoe during the healing time instead of the need for conventional casts or boots. |
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Orthotic Therapy
Orthotics are the single best non surgical therapy for foot and ankle pain. By stabilizing the foot and decreasing abnormal motion and pressure, the foot and ankle feels less painful. The Foot and Ankle Institute is a world leader in orthotic therapy. |
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State of the Art Operating Room
At many of the Foot and Ankle Institute locations, we have set up state of the art operating rooms for better care of our patients. All of the operating rooms have full foot and ankle instrumentation and are certified by the state and medicare. |
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Our doctors, surgeons and physical therapists are the most advanced foot and ankle specialists in California. Request an appointment with a doctor at our Los Angeles or other Southern California offices. Footankleinstitute.com is proud to offer these advanced services to our patients.