Our Physicians

Dr. Bob Baravarian,
Chief of Podiatric Medicine at Santa Monica / UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital
Dr. J. Braxton Little,
Former Chief of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery at St. John's Medical Center
Dr. Jason Morris
Sport Medicine Specialist and Associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Dr. L. Mae Chandler
Attending physician at VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles
Dr. Gary Briskin,
Former Chief of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Dr. Justin Franson,
Attending physician at VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles
Dr. Sydney Yau
Fellowship-trained Achilles specialist and an Associate of College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Trusted Podiatrists

As Seen On

Heel Pain Institute: Treating Heel Pain Causes, including Plantar Fasciitis

There are over 6 million cases of heel pain syndrome reported each year. This number is staggering and only growing each year. The epidemic of heel pain has resulted in many advanced treatment options but there has been very little critical thinking in the proper treatment of which option is best for each patient.

The Heel Pain Institute at University Foot and Ankle Institute was established in 2005 with the idea of advancing the treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain syndrome. With the increased knowledge of plantar fasciitis and the advancements in treatment options, patients have an increased number of choices in their care. The Heel Pain Institute is considered a world leading organization in all aspect of plantar fasciitis management with emphasis on non surgical care. From advanced examination to diagnostic testing including dynamic ultrasound and MRI studies, our team of foot and ankle specialists will provide a comprehensive analysis of the cause of your heel pain. Subsequent treatment options including physical therapy, orthotic care, injection therapy and advanced minimally invasive tissue repair techniques including platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) are all offered at our centers. Our continued advanced research in the field of heel pain syndrome and plantar fasciitis allow us to offer the latest techniques for patient care.

Our entire goal and emphasis is to provide an individualized treatment for each patient. We consider lifestyle, goals, activity, previous treatments and length of pain and deliver a customized treatment regimen for each individual. This allows for a more rapid and tailored treatment for each patient and each patient's individual needs and wants.

Education, Technology, and Advanced Podiatry Techniques

The Heel Pain Institute is one of the only locations in the world to offer over 10 different treatment options for heel pain and plantar fasciitis care. Due to our comprehensive expertise and research in the treatment of heel pain, we are continually at the cutting edge of the latest treatment options, most of which are non-surgical in nature.

In many cases of untreated heel pain, we will begin with conservative options, which include physical therapy, possible injection therapy, shoe adjustments, possible insole or orthotic manufacturing and activity modifications.

What sets us apart is that we offer a multitude of regenerative options that allow the plantar fascia to heal without the need for major surgery or fascia release. If the fascia is scarred or damaged, regenerative options may help increase necessary additional blood to the tissue which will allow the body and fascia to heal itself without the need for surgery.

Our advanced regenerative heel pain treatment options include:

Should these and other options fail, we can perform surgical procedures using the latest techniques for rapid recovery and heel pain relief. Even in our surgical procedure selection, there is more than one option and one type of surgery that is performed. In certain cases, the fascia is best released from the heel. In other cases, the fascia is best released in the arch. Sometimes a minimally invasive technique is best which in certain cases an open procedure is necessary. There may also be some nerve irritation or entrapment with plantar fasciitis and the nerve needs to be freed at the time of the fascia release.

Advanced surgical procedures include:

Plantar Fasciitis & Other Heel Pain Conditions

Not all cases of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and multiple times per week, our podiatric foot and ankle specialists are advising patients of other sources of pain not previously diagnosed or treated.
Some associated possible sources of heel pain include:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Calcaneal Heel Spur Syndrome
  • Calcaneal Heel Bursitis
  • Calcaneal Heel Nerve Entrapment
  • Arthritis of the Heel
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Heel Bone Tumor
  • Heel Bone Cyst
  • Heel Fracture or Stress Fracture
  • Flexor Tendonitis/Tendinosis

We treat over 3000 cases of plantar fasciitis and heel pain per year. Due to the large number of patients we see, we have been able to customize our care in a fashion that results in over 95% successful outcomes and heel pain relief without the need for plantar fascia release surgery.

World Recognized Advanced Heel Pain Treatment:

Our goal is to improve each patient with the least invasive and most efficient approach possible. Through our combined services, we offer a full work up, diagnosis and state of the art treatment options in a rapid and state of the art fashion. The main difference with the Heel Pain Institute is that we emphasize proper diagnosis and individualized treatment based on the duration, symptoms and needs of each individual patient.

Your Visit to Heel Pain Institute

Our new patient visit consists of a thorough history and physical. X-rays are taken to make sure there is no fracture or bone cyst and to check for bone spurs. An ultrasound may be performed to check the damage and thickness of the fascia and make sure there are no tears. An insole or custom orthotic may be suggested. Physical therapy may be suggested. Home exercises are taught.

Upon patient return, further treatment options are personalized for each patients' needs. These may include injection therapy, physical therapy, activity modification and continued rest. Should pain continue, we offer 10 different conservative options for patient specific care of heel pain and plantar fasciitis.