Patient Reviews of University Foot and Ankle Institute

I've been seeing Dr Franson for about eight years now best foot doctor awesome staff I trust Dr Franson 100% since I've been going my feet have been a lot better when I have a flare up  I make an appointment I see Dr Franson and he takes care of it I recommend Dr Franson and his staff for everyone.

I had been dealing with bilateral Achilles tendonosis for about 2 years and had gotten to the point where I was in pain whether I was walking or sitting. Also, when I did walk I had extreme pain and limited mobility.

When I started PT with Jason Tanaka I had two half marble sized nodules on both of my Achilles. After  just a few months of Jason utilizing the Graston technique the right nodule disappeared and is completely healthy with the left on its way. My mobility is immensely better and I am extremely grateful to Jason and his team for getting me better.

Please note: The Graston technique is really painful but it really works. If you have the patience to stick with it you will no doubt see great results.

Thank You Dr. Tanaka

Great experience! From the phone consultation to appt scheduling, same day, by the way, to the super friendly and professional staff.  Dr. Bob Baravarian is kind, generous and a professional besides being fully credentialed. You're in good hands there.

Was referred to them by my Doctor for an issue with my foot.

The office is neat and modern and the bedside manners of the doctors is exceptional. You know those doctors' offices that make you feel like you are bothering them by showing up? This isn't one of them.

Everyone was friendly and nice. There was almost no wait time. Dr. Justin Franson was the physician who treated me. I have nothing but good things to say about how he conducted himself and genuinely cared for my well being.  

I hope they don't take offense if I say I don't want to seem them on a regular basis, but I know where I will go if I have any issues relating to feet, ankles, etc.

The greatest Doctor!! After suffering for nearly a year with foot problems, Dr. Franson and his team were able to successfully Diagnose and treat a tear in my Achilles, I am happy to say I am on the road to recovery. Great Staff, Great Physical Therapists!

I had a partial tear of my achilles tendon, with several complications that made it a very non-standard and confusing issue. Dr. Franson approached the issue like a detective, clearly explaining to me the issues and options the entire time so I knew what was going on. He was also very patient when I had tons of questions. I'd absolutely recommend him for achilles or any foot/ankle issue. The PRP procedure helped a lot with the severe pain, tears, swelling, inflamation, etc. that I had at the very bottom of the achilles at the attachment all around both sides, where it is very thin with low blood flow, after it was not healing on it's own even with complete rest on crutches for months. I'd definitely recommend this procedure also if the doctor suggests it.I also saw Suzanne Hawson for Physical Therapy. Her expertise with runners and triathletes was invaluable. She understands that I don't just want to get back to walking and moderate activity. I won't be satisfied until I can actually run again, and neither will she. I feel very comfortable that she actually understand and empathizes with exactly what I'm going through. I've seen many PTs throughout my life for all sorts of injuries, and none of them come close to her level of knowledge and expertise, especially regarding the particular therapy needs of athletes, and I can tell that she'd also be very good to help people with less intense goals.And everyone in the office is very friendly and nice to talk to.

Until last Monday, my experience was positive. The only care i had was to treat my most persistent plantar warts. One week ago, I unfortunately slid forward into a cement step fracturing my big toe of my right foot. I had x-rays taken at a local Urgent Care. the doctor told me I had a fracture and taped it to my next toe. It hurt like crazy and worried me. I knew I needed to see my podiatrist specialist. I looked at the web site and wanted to schedule an appointment. I knew I needed to see the doctor the next day. I found the pop up box at the bottom of the web site and requested help through the text box. Steven is the Internet Patient Liaison who responded to me on Sunday evening. He sent me detailed arrangements for my visit to the office on Monday. That is great patient care.Dr. Briskin & his team took great care of me my entire visit. The fracture of the big toe has potential to impact other body parts without this great care. I'm on my way to healing thanks to everyone.

Dr. Baravarian is the best. He took great care of me and after surgery I could not be happier with the outcome. They accepted my insurance and the entire office and staff could not be kinder or more professional. Highly recommend this office, Dr. Baravarian and the group.

Surgeons are in a position of moral hazard. They make more money from surgery than from a low-tech solution. I was impressed that Dr. Baravarian suggested starting with the low-tech solution, leaving the two surgical options to be decided if this doesn't work. He was very pleasant, very professional, clear in his explanations, and answered all my questions. His office  seems very organized and well run, and the staff treated me well. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Baravarian.

I am an avid runner but had a foot injury that made even walking excruciatingly painful. I went to University Foot and Ankle Institute after being misdiagnosed by another doctor. Everyone in the office is so nice, from office staff to the technicians. And Dr. Baravarian quickly diagnosed me with a bone spur and recommended orthotics. The orthotics have changed my life! Not only am I completely painfree and enjoying running again, i am training for my first marathon! Thank you Dr. Baravarian!

I really like this group. Professional, great service, great atmosphere and just pleasant to be around. I saw Dr. Baravarian and he did a great job diagnosing my problem and taking care of me. I eventually had surgery with him and then went to physical therapy and the entire experience has been exceptional. I highly recommend this group and Dr. Baravarian. I also want to note that they are very professional with their billing. The accept insurance and only billed me what the insurance allowed which was not much considering the quality of care.

Dr Babak Baravarian is excellent! I had a longstanding ankle injury and was in a lot of discomfort with a torn peroneal tendon. I went to several doctors, but when I read about Dr. Baravarian's experience and some articles he had written regarding this injury, I came to University Foot & Ankle Institute. The staff was great and after meeting him, hearing his expertise and feeling comfortable, I knew he was the right doctor to have perform the surgery. With his help and care, I am now feeling back to my active self after a very successful surgery. I give University Foot & Ankle Institute my highest recommendation. I am so grateful I found Dr. Baravarian to perform my surgery. He is trust-worthy and a true expert in podiatry. You will be in good hands with him as your doctor!

After suffering with a 20 year old ankle injury, I reluctantly agreed to consider PRP treatment. I was very skeptical that I could get significant results. I am ecstatic to report that after receiving two PRP treatments, in less than one year, I have days when I am pain free. The healing continues. I am looking forward to easing back into running. Thank you Dr Briskin and UFAI staff. I would recommend UFAI to anyone with ankle issues. The great outcome from two treatments far exceeded my expectations.

I have been suffering from some nasty plantar fasciitis for some years now, and after orthotics and doing my own stretching, I was still in agony. Dr. Briskin, (who I call Dr. Chevy Chase, if you meet him you will know), has sent me to PT to see if I can get some relief before we get invasive and pull out the knives.  Now I am doing PT with the good folks there. I have had only 3 session, and already can feel the difference.
Grey, and the rest of the crew are the sweetest bunch of folks as well. It's such a nice atmosphere, fun music playing, and lively conversations. I recently needed to change my appointment, and was worried that it was exactly 24 hours to the min when I called to change it, I said, " I know it might be too late, it's exactly 24 hours prior, but can I move my appointment?" Ali, or Ollie, (not sure which) said, "Well.... for you, ok".
That's good costumer service.

The greatest Doctor!! After suffering for nearly a year with foot problems, Dr. Franson and his team were able to successfully Diagnose and treat a tear in my Achilles,   I am happy to say I am on the road to recovery. Great Staff,

I have been going to the PT department for the last few weeks and the results have been amazing. I have been dealing with insertional Achilles tendinitis for a few years now. Jason and the team really helped me see vast improvement. Using cortisone patches, ultrasound, exercises, etc.. it really seemed to spark healing in my heel.  I am running and feeling pain free throughout the day. Thank you guys.

Dr Briskin is amazing. He's been my foot doctor for about 3 years. He truly listens and is so down to earth. We finally figured out my latest issue, which is a muscle on my leg effecting my ankle. He ordered physical therapy and I feel 100% better. He's the best!!!

I've been very impressed by the service at The Foot Specialists. Dr. Kelman is the best. He's professional and he also has a wonderful sense of humor. The office staff is also very well organized. I would definitively recommend them to my family and friends.

Dr. Baravarian was great in explaining to me the window of time I have as a 51 year old to increase mobility in my left big toe. And just as important as surgery to remove the bone spurs was the physical therapy after to gain back full mobility. Jason is awesome and truly cares. I had lost the ability to bend my toe up due to bone spurs rubbing on my foot bone. Over a period of 6 months my heel height went down to only 1 1/2 inch high heels. And I was compensating by rolling on the outside of my foot which caused heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Dr. Baravarian explained if I chose to do nothing, over time my bones would have fused together and I would have no mobility. He was very clear and  told me before surgery that he would either shave off the bone spurs seen in the X-ray and cut back some bone depending on how bad it was once he went in. By doing this procedure, I would prevent the bones from fusing together and ultimately be a candidate for an FDA approved gel joint transplant. Luckily for me, he only needed to shave back the bone spurs and didn't need to cut into the bone. Post op physical therapy with Jason was crucial for me to get my full mobility back. After 6 weeks I am now able to walk in 3 to 4 inch heels.

Where do I start. Dr. Bob Baravarian is amazing at what he does. He brings options, education, and is very thorough with his care. I came to him due to a previous surgery gone bad. He came highly recommended by another well known pain Doctor. He has handled my foot with care and taken all the necessary steps to put me on the path to recovery. He will review the results, current state of injury and proceed with what he believes is reasonable and responsible healthcare. Aside from his vast knowledge and experience in the field, he is kind and makes you feel at ease. I felt hopeless for sometime as my injury came at a young age, but am confident he will give everything he can to make me whole again. He is also reachable by email. Something that I didn't expect which was pretty comforting when I had a question, I could just ask.

I started going to Dr. Briskin over 10  years ago when the practice was much smaller.  He took care of my problem (plantar wort) with such care and competence I was amazed.  Plus he has a great sense of humor. The office was spotless, and the staff was wonderful.  The practice is bigger now and as good as ever. I have been back several times for other small things and he has always been such a pleasure to deal with.  I have sent many people to him over the years and now my entire family goes to him for various things. The office takes medicare, they handle all the paperwork, and has always done a good job with insurance. Everyone there is a pleasure to deal with, exhibits intelligence, attention to detail and genuine concern regarding your issue.  I can't recommend the office enough.

I was very happy to find Dr. Briskin and the University Foot & Ankle Institute. I had fallen and sprained one ankle and jammed up/possibly broken my big toe on the other foot. Ice, elevation, etc. worked fine and I was up and around in a day or 2, but my ankle stayed swollen and I still had some pain several weeks later. I'd also been dealing with planters fasciitis for awhile, so I figured it was time to find good foot doctor.

I was able to get an appointment very quickly. The clinic is comfortable, my tech was very knowledgeable and friendly. Dr. Briskin is easy to talk to and very patient (I tend to run on when describing situations/symptoms). He explained why some symptoms might linger after a foot injury as well as conservative management of the plantars.

I was appreciative that they didn't automatically require an x-ray or diagnostics other than Dr. Briskin's eye and physical evaluation, since I was ambulatory with little pain and really just wanted assurance that I was healing correctly. Same for the plantars...he talked about the possibility of orthotics and other treatments down the road, but wanted to make sure I started with the basics (which are working).

I hope I don't have more foot injuries, but I'm glad I now know where to go if they happen.

Top notch!
Dr. Gary Briskin is fantastic, and I have received excellent care from him and his staff for many years. I would never think of going anywhere else for my foot care needs.  I trust him and the institute implicitly. Sometimes as a type 1 diabetic I have urgent needs, and his staff is always very understanding and willing to do what's best for me as a patient.  Foot issues are never fun, but I almost look forward to my appointments!  It's a great office, thank you Dr. Briskin and the wonderful staff at University Foot & Ankle Institute.

Wow
What a great experience. From the front desk to doctor all in all I was very pleased. Dr. Briskin was very thorough and listened to all my concerns and my entire story about my foot pain. He examed my foot many times to figure out exactly what was going on because the x rays were clean. He asked many questions and was genuinely concerned for my foot pain. He gave me a cortisone shot and a I am returning in a week. This place is very busy. When I left the office was full this was around 2:30. My appointment was at 1:30. I will be recommending this place to anyone who has foot pain or needs great foot care!!

I'm very active, and need a foot doctor every 2-3 years to remove calluses or fit orthotics.  The past few years I have relied on Dr. Baravarian.  He is personable, available and wastes no time in making his diagnosis and offering treatment alternatives.  Both his office staff and medical assistants are polite, efficient and obviously well trained.  I highly recommend this office.

I suffered from foot pain for over 10 years and had tried everything. I went to Dr. Baravarian and followed his advice. He gave me treatment and exercises to begin and now within a few months I was cured. I have no trouble walking long distances and suffer no side effects that were with me for so long. I still do the exercises and will for life, as it has given me a much better quality of life. I recommend him and his staff for any problems you might have with your feet.

I had been to another podiatrist for plantar fasciitis and it went of for a year with no relief and painful continuous injections of cortisone.  Finally I was recommended to Dr. Franson and he perform a minimally evasive new surgical procedure that had me pain free and fully functional after just three weeks.  I have been going back for my check up and orthodic replacements now for 5 years and would not go anywhere else.

I had been going to Dr. Gary Briskin for several years for minor foot ailments, chronic ingrown toenails, , bunion problems, custom shoe inserts, ( I'm a cinematographer and on my feet all day ).. Five years ago in Palestine I fell and broke a metatarsal bone in my foot. Fortunately I did not have it set there. When I returned to Santa Monica Dr. Briskin performed very successful surgery. My foot has been perfect normal ever since. He is a skilled surgeon as well as a great person. Always available, perceptive and full of interesting ideas.

What an awesome group of folks!  Two surgeries in two years and they feel more like family than PT.  Can't say enough good things about the whole team.  If you have to have surgery and PT this is the team to do it with no doubt.

Best doctors & physical therapists! I see Dr. Volkmann & Suzanne & Christel for PT. I know I am in such good hands with this practice. I have had an excellent experience on my road to recovery. Highly recommended.

Until last Monday, my experience was positive. The only care i had was to treat my most persistent plantar warts. One week ago, I unfortunately slid forward into a cement step fracturing my big toe of my right foot. I had x-rays taken at a local Urgent Care. the doctor told me I had a fracture and taped it to my next toe. It hurt like crazy and worried me. I knew I needed to see my podiatrist specialist.

I looked at the web site and wanted to schedule an appointment. I knew I needed to see the doctor the next day. I found the pop up box at the bottom of the web site and requested help through the text box. Steven is the Internet Patient Liaison who responded to me on Sunday evening. He sent me detailed arrangements for my visit to the office on Monday. That is great patient care.

Dr. Briskin & his team took great care of me my entire visit. The fracture of the big toe has potential to impact other body parts without this great care. I'm on my way to healing thanks to everyone.

Dr. Bob Baravarian is the only podiatrist in CA who uses platelet-rich plasma injections to cure plantar fasciitis. I had two injections one month apart and the problem is gone! Amazing! Much safer than steroids, they take your own blood, centrifuge it, and use the platelets as an injection. See his article podiatrytoday.com/platel…. Your own blood has wonderful healing stuff in it but the foot's circulation is so poor, the blood doesn't get to the afflicted area.

Dr Franson is amazing!!!!!! I had my surgery about a year ago on my left ankle. I waited this just because I want to see if I would heal %100. My left ankle is better than my right ankle. Dr. Franson does work of wonder. I wouldn't recommend anyone else. Plus the whole staff took amazing care of me, from the front desk to the nurse on staff on the way down to the IT guy. You want your foot to be taken care of by the best go see Dr. Franson.

University Foot and Ankle Institute is an excellent comprehensive facility. Dr. Briskin is a wonderful Doctor and the staff is friendly and professional. The combination between the doctor's expertise and hardwork on my part, has enabled me to fully recover. Thank you!

This is one business I hope I never need to return to but if I do I hope physical therapists Jason and Ali are still there.

Both were very helpful and pleasant to work with. They made the experience as relaxing as I can imagine physical therapy ever being and their interest and concern for me and the other patients I observed them treating was sincere. Their suggestions have proven to be helpful and the treatment successful.

I'd  have given more stars if I'd had any other experiences to compare them to which I hope against all reason will never happen.

Dr Baravarian is awesome!  I say this because he's perfectly willing to admit when he doesn't know something and when he cannot help.  Humility, like that, is a rare and highly admirable trait in any doctor (I know that sounds weird, but you can trust a doctor that tells you their limitations instead of bullshitting you and trying things at your wellbeing's expense).
He gave me some great recommendations on peripheral nerve surgeons to get consultations with.
He also checked out my surgical sites (from previous orthopedic surgeries last year) and let me know his opinion on them.  I wish I had known about him before!  He and his team were great and even though they couldn't help me there... They gave me a direction to go in next.
Thank you Dr Baravarian!