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Podiatry & foot and ankle care.

Foot and ankle pain can disrupt every part of your day, from getting out of bed to walking down the street. Our board-certified podiatrists at LAOSS offer surgical and non-surgical care, so you get a clear answer the same day, not a runaround.

Podiatry & at LAOSS orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles: board-certified specialists, same-day appointments

See a specialist this week

Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.

Book a visitOr call (323) 264-7600

Common foot & ankle concerns we treat

  • Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles problems
  • Bunions, hammertoes, and forefoot pain
  • Sprains, fractures, and sports injuries
  • Diabetic foot care and chronic wounds
  • Ingrown toenails, calluses, and skin/nail conditions

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 specialty care for bunions, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot, sports injuries, and more.
  • Four LAOSS podiatrists across multiple offices: Wang, Cikra, Marcus, Lu.
  • Most conditions improve with conservative care (orthotics, splinting, injections) before considering surgery.
  • In-network with most major insurers.

What is podiatry?

Podiatry is the medical specialty focused on the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Our podiatrists treat everything from a single acute injury to wear-and-tear that builds up over years. The right treatment starts with the right diagnosis, which is why we put time into the evaluation before recommending anything else.

Most of our patients improve with conservative care: physical therapy, custom orthotics, targeted injections, bracing, and activity modification. When those aren't enough, our team offers the full range of minimally invasive and reconstructive foot and ankle procedures.

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
Anatomical illustration of the foot showing the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and toe joints
Foot anatomy: plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and the small joints of the toes.

Inside the foot & ankle.

Podiatric care covers everything from heel pain and bunions to diabetic foot care and sports injuries. A small alignment problem in the foot can cascade into knee, hip, or back pain if left untreated.

Conditions we treat

When foot or ankle pain affects your day.

Common symptoms

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Heel spurs
  • Flat feet
  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures

Common causes

  • Acute injury: falls, twists, or impact
  • Overuse from running, standing, or repetitive motion
  • Underlying anatomy or prior injury affecting the foot or ankle
  • Diabetes-related changes in skin, nerves, or circulation

How we diagnose foot & ankle conditions

Our podiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating both everyday and complex foot and ankle conditions. From chronic heel pain to sudden injuries, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and get you on the right path to recovery.

In most cases, your diagnosis can be completed in one visit, without sending you to multiple clinics.

Schedule your podiatry evaluation today to get clarity on your foot or ankle pain.

Podiatry treatments and procedures for lasting relief

When foot or ankle pain starts interfering with your daily life, you want relief that’s both effective and tailored to your needs. At LAOSS, most conditions can be treated without surgery, and we always begin with the most conservative options first. When advanced procedures are needed, our podiatry team is here to guide you through every step with expertise and compassion.

Conservative care & pain relief

  • Custom orthotics and shoe inserts for support, steroid injections to ease inflammation, and splinting or bracing for stability.
  • Physical therapy to boost strength, restore mobility, and reduce the risk of future foot and ankle problems.

Injury & structural support

  • Targeted support to promote healing and restore mobility for foot and ankle injuries: sprains, fractures, and tendon problems.

Skin & nail procedures

  • Ingrown toenail removal, callus, corn, and wart treatments, and wound care for diabetic or chronic ulcers.
  • These procedures help relieve pain, prevent infection, and protect long-term foot health, especially for patients at higher risk.

Surgical interventions

  • When conservative care isn’t enough, we offer advanced surgical options including Bunionplasty 360, bunion correction, hammertoe repair, fracture fixation, and reconstructive procedures.

Our procedures are designed to do more than just ease pain: they restore mobility, support healing, and prevent future problems so you can stay active and confident.

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Foot and 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 podiatry 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 specialists performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a podiatry 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 podiatrist.

  • Pain or stiffness in the foot or 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 foot and ankle
  • 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, signs of poor circulation, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling), especially if you have diabetes.

Your foot & ankle recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

  1. Days 0 to 14

    Right after care

    In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the foot or 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
  2. Weeks 2 to 8

    Rehabilitation

    Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the foot and 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
  3. Months 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 considerations

Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the foot and 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

Meet the podiatrists at LAOSS

Our podiatrists bring years of expertise in podiatry and orthopedic foot and ankle care. Known for their attentive care and personalized treatment plans, they take the time to understand each patient’s goals and needs. As long-standing members of the Los Angeles medical community, our podiatrists are dedicated to delivering compassionate, accessible treatment to help you get back on your feet with confidence.

The LAOSS podiatry team is available for appointments at our East Los Angeles, Greenwood, Riverside, and Tarzana locations.

Meet your podiatry specialists.

View all providers
Compare up to 34 providers
  • Accepting new patients

    Danny Wang, DPM

    Podiatrist

    • Santa Fe Springs
    • East Los Angeles
  • Accepting new patients

    Michael Marcus, DPM

    Podiatrist

    • Santa Fe Springs
  • Accepting new patients

    Matt Cikra, DPM

    Podiatrist

    • Wilshire
    • Santa Fe Springs
    • Tarzana
    • +1 more
  • Accepting new patients

    Yixi Lu, DPM

    Podiatrist

    • Valencia
    • Tarzana
    • East Los Angeles

Your first step toward relief starts at LAOSS

Foot and ankle pain shouldn’t hold you back from living your life. LAOSS makes expert podiatry care accessible and reassuring, with same- or next-day appointments and a team that listens. From diagnosis and imaging to treatment and follow-up, everything you need is available in one place.

With multiple Los Angeles-area locations in the city and suburbs, you can count on personalized attention, shorter wait times, and care that feels approachable. Don’t wait another day to get answers. Call us or schedule online today to start your recovery with trusted foot and ankle care at LAOSS.

Find care by body area.

Jump to a nearby condition page and compare treatment paths across the body.

From our Google reviews

What patients say

Read all 9,626 reviews on Google
  • “Dr. Matt Cikra was very knowledgeable in his profession especially in Podiatry and bone and tissue. He actually listened to me and cared about getting me the best treatment possible. This was the best experience I’ve ever had with a doctor.”

    Chris S.Google reviewEast Los AngelesOct 2025

  • “Very nice staff, clean office, very happy that it was a fast process. Podiatrist Danny Wang is a very attentive physician and explained to me so that i understand what is going on. And gave me several options.”

    B. C.Google reviewSanta Fe SpringsNov 2024

  • “Dr. Cikro is a very professional and trained podiatrist. He has explained all the option that would fit my need and I really appreciate that. I would definitely recommend him.”

    Julia D.Google reviewWilshireOct 2023

  • “Dr Marcus is the best podiatrist on earth,he's so caring and professional and his staff is also awesome.Would definitely recommend him anytime,Great work Dr Marcus always happy to see you”

    Daniel C.Google reviewMontebelloFeb 2025

Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.

Common podiatry questions

  • It’s common for an ankle to remain swollen for weeks or even months after a sprain. Swelling can linger due to stretched ligaments, ongoing inflammation, or fluid buildup as the ankle heals. Sometimes, repeat minor injuries or incomplete rehabilitation can also delay recovery. A podiatrist can evaluate lingering swelling, rule out hidden damage, and guide proper treatment for lasting relief.

Don't wait on foot pain.

Book a visit with a podiatrist at one of our Los Angeles-area offices.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network
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