General Foot & Ankle Care
General Foot & Ankle Care Near You
You use your feet every single day. You walk, run, stand, and climb stairs. But many people only think about their feet when something hurts. At University Podiatry Group, we believe you should not wait for pain to start caring for your feet.
Our podiatric offices are here to help you keep your feet and ankles healthy every step of the way. Whether you have a small blister or a long-term foot condition, our team of licensed podiatrists is ready to help. We make foot care simple, comfortable, and easy to understand.
What Is General Foot & Ankle Care?
General foot and ankle care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems in your feet and ankles. It includes care for pain, injuries, skin issues, nail problems, and conditions that affect walking or movement. A podiatrist assesses the cause of the problem and provides appropriate treatment to improve comfort, mobility, and overall foot health.
Why Choose General Foot & Ankle Care?
Foot and ankle problems can affect your daily comfort, balance, and mobility. Getting care early may help prevent symptoms from becoming worse or more difficult to treat.
Benefits of general foot and ankle care:
Early diagnosis of foot or ankle concerns
Relief from pain and discomfort
Improved walking comfort and mobility
Support for better balance
Prevention of complications in patients with diabetes
Personalized treatment plans based on your needs
Your treatment may include simple home care guidance, medication, custom orthotics, wound care, nail care, exercises, imaging, or other options depending on your condition.
Common Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often felt during the first steps in the morning.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe that can make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, or infection.
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a small bony growth on the heel bone. It can occur with plantar fasciitis and may contribute to heel pain in some patients.
Ankle Sprains
A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments around the ankle stretch or tear. Without proper care, ankle sprains can lead to repeated sprains or ongoing instability.
Fungal Nail Infections
A fungal nail infection, also called onychomycosis, can cause toenails to become thick, yellow, brittle, or crumbly.
Flat Feet
Flat feet, or pes planus, happen when the arches are low or absent. This can sometimes contribute to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back.
Diabetic Foot Problems
People with diabetes have a higher risk of foot ulcers, poor circulation, and nerve damage, also called peripheral neuropathy. Regular podiatric checkups are important for patients with diabetes.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction. They are common on the soles, toes, and sides of the feet.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You should schedule an appointment if foot or ankle symptoms are affecting your comfort, movement, or daily routine. Common reasons to visit University Podiatry Group include:
Heel or arch pain that does not go away
Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet
Changes in toenail color, shape, or thickness
Swelling in one or both ankles
A wound or sore that is slow to heal
Pain when walking or standing
Diabetes and no recent foot exam
An ankle sprain that is not improving
Types of General Foot & Ankle Services
University Podiatry Group offers a range of foot and ankle services based on each patient’s needs.
Routine Foot Exams
Regular exams help detect early signs of problems.
Nail and Skin Care
We treat thick nails, fungal infections, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and skin concerns.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can support your feet and reduce pressure in certain areas.
Injury Care
We evaluate and treat foot and ankle injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and overuse problems.
Diabetic Foot Care
We provide regular foot checks, wound care, education, and preventive support for patients with diabetes.
Pain Management
We help manage heel pain, arch pain, ankle pain, and other concerns using treatments based on the cause of your symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your visit to University Podiatry Group is designed to be clear, comfortable, and helpful.
Initial Consultation
We review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any concerns you have.
Detailed Examination
We check your skin, nails, circulation, sensation, strength, movement, and walking pattern.
Testing, if Needed
X-rays or other imaging may be recommended.
Treatment Plan
Our podiatrist explains the diagnosis and treatment options in simple language.
Follow-Up Care
If needed, we guide you through the next steps.
Most first visits take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your condition and the type of care needed.
General Foot & Ankle Care for All Ages
Foot health matters at every stage of life. We provide care for:
Children
Early evaluation of foot structure, walking patterns, and developmental concerns
Adults
Treatment for injuries, pain, skin problems, nail conditions, and chronic concerns
Seniors
Support for age-related foot changes, balance concerns, circulation issues, and routine foot care.
Patients with diabetes
Preventive exams, wound care, and monitoring for nerve or circulation problems.
Our team works to provide care that fits each patient’s age, activity level, and health needs.
Preventing Foot & Ankle Problems
Preventive care can help keep your feet healthier over time.
Wear properly fitted shoes.
Keep your feet clean and dry.
Check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, or skin changes.
Avoid prolonged pressure on painful areas.
Stretch before physical activity.
Seek care when pain or swelling does not improve.
Schedule regular foot exams if you have diabetes or ongoing foot concerns.
At University Podiatry Group, we focus on both treatment and prevention to help you stay active and comfortable.
Locations We Serve
University Podiatry Group is happy to care for patients at several convenient locations.
Westwood Office
Santa Monica Office
Torrance Office
Santa Clarita Office
Porter Ranch Office
Westlake Village Office
With multiple locations, patients can access quality foot and ankle care without traveling far.
Why Choose University Podiatry Group for Foot & Ankle Care?
We focus on careful diagnosis, clear communication, and practical treatment plans.
Our care includes:
Experienced podiatry providers
Care for both simple and complex foot problems
Modern diagnostic methods
Clear explanations in simple language
Treatment focused on comfort, mobility, and function
Preventive care to help reduce future issues
Book Your Foot & Ankle Appointment Today
Your feet carry you through life. Give them the care they need. At University Podiatry Group, we are ready to help with routine care, pain, injuries, skin concerns, nail problems, and long-term foot conditions.
Call us today or request an appointment online.
FAQs
What does a podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist treats conditions related to the foot, ankle, and lower leg. This includes heel pain, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, bunions, flat feet, ankle sprains, fractures, diabetic foot problems, and more.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
In most cases, no. You can contact our office directly to schedule an appointment. However, some insurance plans may require a referral, so it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider before your visit.
How often should I get a foot exam?
For healthy adults, a yearly foot exam may be helpful, especially if you are active or stand for long periods. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, nerve problems, or ongoing foot concerns, you may need exams more often. Our podiatrist can recommend a schedule based on your needs.
Are custom orthotics worth it?
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts made to fit your feet. They may help improve support, reduce pressure, and ease pain caused by certain foot conditions. They are often recommended for patients with concerns such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or chronic heel pain, depending on the exam findings.
What should I bring to my first podiatry appointment?
Bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and any relevant medical records or imaging results if you have them. Also, wear or bring the shoes you wear most often, as our podiatrist may want to look at them.