Common foot & ankle concerns we treat
- Pain that limits walking, lifting, or sleep
- Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
- Sports injuries — acute or overuse
- Arthritis or post-traumatic joint changes
- Conditions other doctors couldn't resolve
Trusted Foot and Ankle Specialists in Los Angeles
If you’re living with foot or ankle pain, instability, or a condition impacting your mobility, we’re here to help with comprehensive foot and ankle orthopedic care in the Greater Los Angeles Area. At Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists, our same- or next-day appointments make it easy to get expert attention fast.
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Experts in foot & ankle care.
Surgical and non-surgical options at LAOSS.
15+
Years caring
Same-day appointments
Often available
★★★★★
4.9 · 7,500+ reviews
What sets LAOSS apart
- Same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles–area offices
- On-site imaging; PT coordinated with your in-network provider
- Conservative-first care, surgery only when needed
- Board-certified specialists, not generalists
Key takeaways
- Foot and ankle conditions include bunions, plantar fasciitis, Achilles injuries, sprains, and diabetic foot care.
- LAOSS podiatrists handle most non-surgical foot conditions; our orthopedic surgeons handle complex foot/ankle reconstruction.
- Most cases improve with conservative care: orthotics, splinting, injections, and PT with your in-network provider.
- Bunionplasty (minimally invasive bunion repair) is available for advanced bunion cases.
Overview
What is foot and ankle pain?
Foot and ankle pain shows up the moment you put weight on it — getting out of bed, walking the dog, standing through a shift. The foot and ankle handle two to three times your body weight with every step, so small mechanical problems compound quickly.
The most common foot and ankle diagnoses we treat at LAOSS are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tears, ankle sprains, bunions and bunionettes, hammertoes, Morton's neuroma, ankle arthritis, stress fractures, and turf toe.
Most early foot and ankle problems improve with conservative care — orthotics, targeted injections, supportive bracing, activity changes, and physical therapy with your in-network provider. When surgery is needed, our podiatrists and foot/ankle MD offer Bunionplasty® 360, Achilles repair, ankle arthroscopy, fracture fixation, and ankle replacement.
Patient education
Watch: Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia. This thick band of connective tissue travels across the bottom of the foot between the toes and the heel. It supports the foot's natural arch. It stretches and becomes taut whenever the foot bears weight.
Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomy of the foot & ankle — 26 bones, 33 joints, the Achilles tendon, and the plantar fascia.
Anatomy
Inside the foot & ankle.
The foot and ankle absorb impact with every step. With 26 bones and 33 joints, small problems in alignment, tendon health, or cartilage wear can produce significant pain in the heel, arch, or ankle.
Self-orient
When foot & ankle pain shows up.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Flatfoot (fallen arches)
- High arches
- Toe deformities
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stress fractures
Causes
Common causes
- Sudden injuries from sports, falls, or twisting movements
- Nerve compression from disc, joint, or soft-tissue swelling
- High-impact trauma from accidents, falls, or contact sports
About this care
Should I See a Foot and Ankle Doctor?
Foot and ankle pain can make every step a challenge. That’s why we’re here to help you find relief, starting with a precise diagnosis. Here’s what you can expect during an initial evaluation:
Our team understands how much time matters, especially when you’re in pain. That’s why we often provide a diagnosis and initial treatment plan in a single visit. Whether your care plan includes custom orthotics, physical therapy, or a consultation for surgery, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment online to begin your evaluation.
Treatment options
Procedures Performed by Our Foot and Ankle Doctors
No matter what, your treatment plan will be customized to your individual needs. Treatments for foot and ankle pain and discomfort can include non-surgical and surgical options, depending on what you need and what your doctor recommends. At LAOSS, we prioritize non-surgical treatments whenever possible. Non-surgical treatments we provide include:
Conservative care
Step 1Conservative care first
Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.
- Orthotics & Custom Insoles
- Bracing & Splinting
- Casting
- Steroid Injections
- Physical Therapy
Surgical care
When neededSurgical options when needed
Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.
- PRP Injections
- Foot & Ankle Arthroscopy
- Bunion & Hammertoe Surgery
- Tendon Repair or Reconstruction
- Fracture Repair & Fixation
- Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
- Total Ankle Replacement
- Reconstructive Foot Surgery
Surgeon expertise
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Foot & Ankle care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Surgical technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our foot & ankle specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified surgeons performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Candidacy
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a foot & ankle specialist is the next step.
You may be
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a foot & ankle specialist.
- Pain or stiffness in the foot & ankle that lasts more than a few days
- Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
- Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
- Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
- Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history — onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Recovery
Your foot & ankle recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line — but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
01Days 0–14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the foot & ankle, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
02Weeks 2–8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the foot & ankle.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
03Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there — and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient — informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific
Foot & Ankle-specific considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the foot & ankle. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Your care team
Meet the Foot and Ankle Specialists at LAOSS
Our foot and ankle specialists bring extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating complex lower extremity conditions. Known for their patient-first approach, they combine advanced surgical skill with compassionate care, helping patients achieve lasting relief and restored mobility.
Specialists
Meet your foot & ankle specialists.
About this care
Get Back on Your Feet With Confidence at LAOSS
Living with foot and ankle pain can be frustrating, limiting, and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our dedicated team is here to listen, provide answers, and create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Whether you need conservative care like custom orthotics and physical therapy or advanced surgical procedures, we’ll guide you with compassion and expertise every step of the way.
Our welcoming, small-practice setting means faster access, more personalized attention, and continuity of care with the same providers who know you best. You deserve relief, mobility, and confidence, and we’re here to help you get there.
Check out our convenient locations throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area to find the office nearest you.
Patient reviews
What patients say about us.
★★★★★4.97,500+ Google reviews
Dr. Stepanyan saw my son for his sports injury. He was great with him — explained things at a level my kid could understand and made the whole thing less stressful.
Manuel Flores
El Sereno, CA · 11 June 2025
FAQ
Common foot & ankle questions
- After a foot or ankle injury, it’s important to rest, elevate your leg, and apply ice to reduce pain and swelling. Avoid putting weight on the injured area until you’ve been evaluated. You’ll want to schedule a visit with a foot and ankle doctor as soon as possible in order to treat your injury and help you heal properly.
- You should see a foot and ankle doctor if you experience persistent pain, swelling, instability, or difficulty walking that doesn’t improve with rest. Symptoms like heel pain, deformities, or frequent sprains may signal an underlying condition. It’s important to contact a doctor as soon as possible if your symptoms don’t go away.
- You may need foot or ankle surgery if conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, orthotics, or injections don’t help with pain or mobility. Other signs you may need surgery include severe arthritis, fractures, deformities, or chronic instability that limit daily activities. A foot and ankle specialist can evaluate your condition and recommend whether surgery is the best option.
- Whether you need to see a foot and ankle orthopedist or a podiatrist will depend on your condition. Orthopedists are medical doctors trained in surgical and nonsurgical treatment of bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, often handling complex injuries or reconstructions. Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle health, managing issues like skin, nails, biomechanics, and some surgeries.
Ready when you are
Don't wait on pain.
Book a visit with a foot & ankle specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles–area offices.
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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network