About University Foot and Ankle Institute

Updated 4/7/2022
UFAI's co-directors discuss what makes their care and outcomes different than other treatment centers.

We don’t believe anyone should suffer from foot or ankle pain

It should not be a surprise that foot and ankle pain are very common. The American Podiatric Medical Association reports that 77% of adults have experienced foot pain, and for 80% of those, the pain is constant. 

 

Yet only a third of them actually seek care from a podiatrist. We think that is far too low.

 

One of the great things about modern medicine is that there’s a doctor who’s well-versed in treating every part of the human body. When it comes to the often-neglected feet, it’s a foot and ankle specialist who will keep you walking strong. That’s where we come in.

University Foot & Ankle Institute, always forward thinking

Dr. Baravarian gives a tour of UFAI's Santa Monica Clinic.

You don't have to live with foot pain. There is so much innovation in podiatric medicine today, and we are right there at the forefront. With decades of combined experience and the highest success rates in the nation, we have effectively treated over 200,000 patients. Foot and ankle pain is not normal. And ignoring it will likely cause your condition to worsen and become harder to treat. 

 

University Foot and Ankle Institute is well known as one of the most technologically advanced foot and ankle practices in the nation. While other practices say they know about "the latest and greatest," UFAI has been researching, running clinical trials, and performing these techniques for decades. 

 

We've been a leader in the field of regenerative medicine for well over 10 years. This includes platelet-rich plasma therapy, stem cell therapy, and cartilage replacement. No other foot and ankle practice have more experience or success in developing and using human regenerative medicine.

 

Our personalized care brings you success rates among the very highest in the nation

At University Foot and Ankle Institute, you always receive personalized care from our internationally recognized foot and ankle specialists. 

 

Our physicians will carefully craft an individualized treatment plan that embraces your specific injury, anatomy, and even lifestyle (a critically important component when it comes to recovery). We never take a "cookie-cutter approach" to treatment.

 

And while our physicians are internationally recognized for their surgical expertise, we avoid surgery whenever possible. We believe it's important to start with conservative treatments and surgery is a last resort.

 

Visit our library of patient testimonials videos here


A good relationship with your doctor is important to your health 

Research has shown that patients who have good relationships and effective communication with their physicians are more satisfied with their care and better able to manage their medical problems.

 

We know our patients are their own best advocates, so clear communication is critically important. Our doctors use plain, non-medical language. They listen and invite patient participation.

 

Receive timely and efficient care

When you call us, our staff picks up on the first or second ring, and in many cases, you won’t have to wait more than a day or two for an appointment. 

 

For our patients' convenience, we have our own digital x-ray, MRI, Cat-scan, and ultrasound equipment at many of our podiatry clinics. Our on-site podiatric physical therapy clinics allow for constant communication between the physicians and physical therapists, ensuring the most effective therapy and successful recovery for our patients.

 

As our patient, your well-being is always foremost in our mind. For example, when we perform an MRI, we can afford to take six to ten images (which is what we consider a full study), even though insurance only reimburses for four. We go the extra mile because we get better diagnostic information to improve our patient’s outcomes.

 

Our patients gain from our experience

 Our physicians are sought after to participate in leading-edge research throughout North America and Europe. This experience, combined with UFAI's personalized approach to care, will help you and your doctor select your best treatment plan. 

 

We take great pride in furthering the quality of foot and ankle care for everyone. Our doctors have trained more Southern California podiatrists on the latest procedures and modalities than anyone else. Our group has also lectured in almost every state in the country and around the world.

 

We’ve published hundreds of articles and case studies in many scientific and surgical journals. We also regularly lecture worldwide on the latest techniques, that is before Covid descended upon our world. As a teaching institution, other doctors regularly visit our offices or enroll in our fellowship program to learn from our experts. 

 

Our locations are affiliated with the most modern surgical centers in Southern California. You must have the right equipment and support staff in conjunction with the best medical skill. Health care is a team effort and having a direct partnership with a surgery center puts us in a position to ensure you get the best care, period.

 

Above all, our top priority is to get our patients back to their normal activities with the highest level of function, in the least amount of time, using the least invasive treatments possible.

Choose University Foot and Ankle Institute for your foot and ankle care

If you or anyone in your family are experiencing foot problems, we’re here to help. Our nationally recognized foot and ankle specialists offer the most advanced podiatric care and the highest success rates in the nation. We are leaders in researching, diagnosing, and treating all foot and ankle conditions.

 

For more information or to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, please call (877) 736-6001 or click here to request a consultation online so we can discuss your situation.

 

At University Foot and Ankle Institute, we take our patients’ safety seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC recommendations. Masks are required in our institutes at all times,

19,347 Total 1st Party Reviews / 4.9 out of 5 Stars
  • Yelp
    Dr Balbandian and her staff comes highly recommended. University Foot and Ankle Institute (UFAI) and their surgeons are highly ...
    Rose S.
  • Google
    I have seen 2 doctors here for various foot problems and both were excellent in diagnosing problems and recommending treatment/...
    Colleen A.
  • GatherUp
    Very pleasant staff and very efficient.
    Kimberly C.
  • GatherUp
    Very satisfied ñ, the Doctor is wonderful good doctor
    Hilda H.
  • GatherUp
    I saw Dr Johnson and liked him very much. He explained things to me and I had a very good experience.
    Debra P.
  • GatherUp
    Great! I appreciate the care. Unfortunately, just a few days after the MRI, I had a small accident and now have a small fractur...
    Violeta K.
  • Facebook
    Finally! My resistant plantar warts are finally gone! Dr Briskin did followup until he was sure they were really gone. Thank yo...
    Jean T.
  • GatherUp
    Everyone nice and respectful.
    Mary J.
  • GatherUp
    Dr Nalbandian was amazing. So smart, so caring and offered so many proactive solutions. I’m so grateful to be in her care and f...
    Nina K.
  • GatherUp
    I had an unusual situation with the doctor forgetting to send in my meds then the person who is supposed to take care of prescr...
    Alysia V.
  • GatherUp
    Nothing else.
    Lisa F.
  • GatherUp
    The entire experience was great. Very short wait in the waiting room. Dr Johnson gave me things on the spot that have really t...
    Suzette T.
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