When you’re searching for a “Foot Doctor Podiatrist Near Me” in Santa Monica, you’re likely seeking expert care for foot and ankle issues. University Foot and Ankle Institute (UFAI) in Santa Monica stands out as a leading center, offering a team of nationally recognized foot and ankle surgeons and state-of-the-art technology to address a wide spectrum of conditions. From common ailments like ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis to more complex problems such as bunions and Achilles tendonitis, UFAI provides comprehensive and personalized care. Led by experienced specialists like Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS and Dr. Gary Briskin, DPM, FACFAS, UFAI is dedicated to getting you back on your feet.
Why Choose UFAI Santa Monica for Your Foot and Ankle Care?
Choosing the right foot doctor is crucial for effective treatment and lasting relief. UFAI Santa Monica offers several key advantages:
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Expert and Experienced Podiatrists: Our team comprises board-certified foot and ankle surgeons with decades of combined experience. Drs. Baravarian and Briskin are not only highly skilled clinicians but also hold academic positions at the UCLA School of Medicine, contributing to the advancement of podiatric medicine. Their specialized training ensures you receive the highest standard of care for your foot and ankle concerns.
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Comprehensive Range of Foot and Ankle Services: UFAI Santa Monica addresses a vast array of foot and ankle conditions. Whether you are suffering from sports injuries, chronic pain, or require reconstructive surgery, our specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat your specific needs. Our services cover:
- Sports injuries and trauma
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Achilles tendon issues
- Arthritis of the foot and ankle
- Neuromas and nerve pain
- Diabetic foot care
- Reconstructive surgery
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Advanced and Minimally Invasive Technologies: UFAI is at the forefront of podiatric technology, offering cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment options. We utilize regenerative medicine, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and metal-free surgical hardware whenever possible to promote faster healing, reduce discomfort, and optimize outcomes. Our commitment to advanced technology ensures you benefit from the latest innovations in foot and ankle care.
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Personalized and Patient-Centered Care: At UFAI, your initial visit involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Our doctors conduct thorough hands-on examinations, listen attentively to your symptoms, and may incorporate gait analysis to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. We understand that each patient is unique, and we develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Advanced Technologies at UFAI Santa Monica
UFAI Santa Monica is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance diagnosis and treatment:
Open MRI for Foot and Ankle
Our open MRI scanner is specifically designed for imaging the extremities, providing a comfortable and non-claustrophobic experience. Unlike traditional MRI machines, our open MRI allows you to sit comfortably outside the machine, with only the foot or ankle being imaged inside. This technology provides detailed images crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially for soft tissue injuries, stress fractures, and other complex conditions of the foot and ankle.
pedCAT 3-D Weight Bearing Foot and Ankle CT
The pedCAT scanner represents a revolution in imaging, as the first true weight-bearing CT scan for the foot and ankle. This technology allows us to scan your feet while you are standing, simulating the stresses of daily activities. By capturing images under natural weight-bearing conditions, we gain a more accurate understanding of your foot and ankle mechanics, leading to improved diagnoses and treatment plans. The pedCAT also delivers significantly lower radiation compared to conventional CT scans and provides rapid results, allowing for quicker treatment initiation.
Other Technologies
UFAI Santa Monica also offers a range of other advanced technologies, including:
- ShockWave and SoftWave Therapies: Non-invasive treatment options for heel pain and tissue regeneration.
- StimRouter: Targeted nerve stimulation for chronic foot pain management.
- Cryotherapy: Effective cold therapy for plantar fasciitis and Morton’s neuroma.
- Neurosensory and Non-invasive Vascular Testing: Advanced diagnostics for nerve and circulation issues.
- Q-Clear Laser: Laser treatment for nail fungus infections.
- TenJet Therapy: Minimally invasive treatment for chronic tendon pain and soft tissue damage.
- Topaz Coblation: Radiofrequency ablation for chronic Achilles tendonosis and plantar fasciitis.
- Custom Orthotics: Personalized arch supports for foot and ankle alignment and support.
- Regenerative Treatments: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapies to promote natural healing.
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Real-time imaging for diagnosing soft tissue and joint problems.
- Physical Therapy Center: On-site rehabilitation to support recovery and optimize function.
- State of the Art Surgical Suites: Advanced surgical facilities for complex procedures.
Conveniently Located in Santa Monica
Our Santa Monica podiatry clinic is easily accessible:
Address: 2121 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 101, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: (424) 444-3699
Parking: Paid parking is available in the building. Metered street parking and free two-hour parking are also available nearby.
Driving Directions: Located at the Northwest corner of Wilshire Blvd and 22nd Street, with easy access from the 10 and 405 freeways.
Dedicated Physical Therapy Clinic
UFAI Santa Monica houses a dedicated physical therapy center specializing exclusively in foot and ankle rehabilitation. Our physical therapists work closely with our physicians to create personalized treatment plans for post-operative recovery, chronic conditions, and sports injuries. Strategies often include stability exercises, balance training, joint mobilization, ultrasound, laser therapy, and electrical stimulation. Our therapists also provide comprehensive home exercise programs to ensure continued progress.
Physical Therapy Clinic Address: 2121 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 102, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Physical Therapy Clinic Phone: (424) 444-3699
Meet Our Expert Team
Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Bob Baravarian is a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle specialist and Director of University Foot and Ankle Institute. As an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine, he is actively involved in teaching and research. Dr. Baravarian is double board-certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery, demonstrating his exceptional expertise. His sports medicine background and work with professional athletes and organizations underscore his proficiency in treating activity-related foot and ankle injuries.
Dr. Gary Briskin, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Gary Briskin, co-founder and co-director of UFAI, is a leading foot and ankle specialist in California. Also an assistant clinical professor at UCLA School of Medicine, Dr. Briskin is board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. With a passion for sports medicine and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Briskin brings extensive experience and a patient-focused approach to his practice, making him a top choice when searching for a “podiatrist near me”.
Gray O’Brien, Physical Therapist
Gray O’Brien, PT, has been with UFAI since 2006 and holds a Master’s in Physical Therapy. Specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, Gray excels in treating foot and ankle pathologies and guiding post-operative recovery. His experience working with athletes of all levels, combined with his personal experience with sports injuries, provides him with a unique understanding of patient needs in rehabilitation.
Lydia Salinas, Physical Therapist
Lydia Salinas, PT, brings over 30 years of clinical expertise in orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy to UFAI. A UCLA graduate in Kinesiology and a lifelong runner, Lydia is adept at restoring functional movement and conditioning. Her hands-on approach and dedication to understanding individual patient needs make her a valuable asset to the UFAI physical therapy team.
What Our Patients Say – Yelp Reviews
Our commitment to patient care is reflected in positive patient reviews:
Ralph’s Five-Star Yelp Review for Dr. Baravarian:
“Dr. Baravarian has treated my left big toe… and now a ‘stretched’ right Achilles’ tendon, both very successfully… I have the utmost faith in his knowledge and treatment.”
Mark’s Five-Star Yelp Review for Dr. Briskin:
“Dr. Gary Briskin has been my doctor… He’s a very kind and thoughtful physician… He was certainly the best podiatrist near me.”
Serving Santa Monica and Surrounding Communities
UFAI Santa Monica proudly serves residents of Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, and beyond. We accept over 1,000 insurance plans, ensuring accessible care for our community.
When you’re looking for a “foot doctor podiatrist near me”, University Foot and Ankle Institute in Santa Monica offers the expertise, technology, and patient-centered care you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet and ankles.
