Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions About Foot and Ankle Surgery in Los Angeles

Do you accept my insurance?

We participate in many different insurance plans, providing comprehensive foot care with financial clarity and treatment accessibility. We can check your insurance card and let you know if we are in your plan. However, simply because we accept your insurance does not guarantee coverage by your plan. Ultimately, your insurance carrier will decide what they want to cover and how much they want to cover. Even if we are not part of your insurance plan, we can see you on an out-of-network basis. Give us a call and let us know what plan you have.

Can I still see the doctor if I don't have insurance or if you don't accept my plan?

Yes. We offer affordable options and out-of-network services with discounted fees for patients without insurance. Patients with insurance that we do not participate with can submit the claim to their insurance under their out-of-network benefits.

Is bunion surgery painful?

No. There is a great myth that bunion surgery is very painful. The truth is that it is NOT normal for it to be painful. Dr. Soomekh takes great care to treat the soft tissues appropriately in order to reduce post-operative pain. Most patients are very surprised to find they had little to no pain after surgery.

Does a bunion return after surgery?

Every patient is different, and every bunion is different. As long as the correct procedure to repair the bunion is chosen, there is very little chance of a recurrence of the bunion. However, as with any surgery, there is a very small risk of recurrence, less than 8%.

I sprained my ankle — do I need to see the doctor?

Yes. A doctor should always evaluate a sprained ankle. "Just walk it off" is not the best remedy. An ankle sprain that is not treated appropriately and given the chance to heal well can lead to delayed healing and chronic pain. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the torn ligaments may not heal and may stay loose if not treated. In some cases, a fracture of the ankle may be present with the sprain. Dr. Soomekh will fully evaluate and examine the ankle and the surrounding area. Imaging may be needed. In most cases, an ankle brace or a walking boot will be recommended. It can take up to three months to fully heal a sprained ankle.

I have had Plantar Fasciitis for so long, and it won't go away. What can I do?

Chronic heel pain from Plantar Fasciitis can be debilitating and frustrating. When conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis have failed, fortunately, there are more aggressive options available. These modalities attempt to change the chronic old problem into an acute new problem. Now the body can recognize this new problem and try to heal it, while in a controlled environment. Dr. Soomekh performs treatments such as in-office injection therapies or minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis for plantar fasciitis.

Is there anything I need to do if I think I broke my toe?

Yes. An injury to a toe needs to be evaluated and treated. Even if the toe is only bruised or sprained, it needs to be splinted and braced while it heals. The swelling of the toe needs to be controlled in the early days and weeks of the injury to avoid permanent enlargement of the toe. If the toe is broken (fractured), it needs to be stabilized or sometimes relocated. Leaving a broken toe untreated can lead to chronic pain or malposition of the toe.

Why does my bunion hurt more when I wear certain shoes?

Bunions worsen with tight or narrow shoes that put pressure on the joint, causing inflammation and pain. Dr. Soomekh provides expert bunion treatment in Los Angeles, including custom orthotics and surgical correction if needed.

Can hammer toe get worse if left untreated?

Yes, a hammer toe can become more rigid over time, leading to increased pain and difficulty wearing shoes. Dr. Soomekh offers personalized hammer toe treatment in Los Angeles to prevent progression and improve toe function.

Why do I feel stiffness and pain in my big toe joint when walking?

Big toe joint arthritis can cause pain and stiffness, especially during movement, due to cartilage breakdown. Dr. Soomekh provides advanced big toe joint arthritis treatment in Los Angeles to restore mobility and reduce discomfort.

What happens if I ignore a sesamoid injury?

Untreated sesamoid injuries can lead to chronic pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the ball of the foot. Dr. Soomekh offers expert sesamoid injury treatment in Los Angeles to promote healing and prevent complications.

Can a tailor’s bunion be treated without surgery?

Yes, in many cases, tailor’s bunions can be managed with proper footwear, padding, and custom orthotics. Dr. Soomekh provides non-surgical and surgical tailor’s bunion treatment in Los Angeles for long-term relief.

Why does my toenail keep getting thick and discolored?

Thick, discolored nails are often caused by toenail fungus, which can be difficult to treat without professional care. Dr. Soomekh offers the latest toenail fungus treatments in Los Angeles, including Swift therapy and antifungal solutions.

What should I do if my ingrown toenail keeps coming back?

Chronic ingrown toenails may require a minor in-office procedure to remove part of the nail and prevent recurrence. Dr. Soomekh provides expert ingrown toenail treatment in Los Angeles for permanent relief.

Why does my heel hurt first thing in the morning?

Heel pain in the morning is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis, caused by inflammation of the foot’s arch-supporting tissue. Dr. Soomekh offers specialized plantar fasciitis treatment in Los Angeles to reduce pain and restore comfort.

Can Achilles tendonitis turn into a more serious problem?

Yes, untreated Achilles tendonitis can lead to chronic tendinosis or even a tendon rupture. Dr. Soomekh provides comprehensive Achilles tendonitis treatment in Los Angeles to prevent long-term damage.

Why won’t my Achilles tendon pain go away?

Chronic Achilles tendinosis results from long-term wear and tear, leading to persistent pain and stiffness. Dr. Soomekh offers advanced regenerative treatments in Los Angeles, including PRP therapy, to accelerate healing.

Can a heel spur go away on its own?

Heel spurs don’t disappear, but their pain can be managed with proper treatment, including orthotics and physical therapy. Dr. Soomekh provides expert heel spur treatment in Los Angeles to relieve discomfort and improve mobility.

Why do I feel tingling or numbness in my foot?

Tingling or numbness in the foot can be a sign of tarsal tunnel syndrome, a nerve compression condition. Dr. Soomekh offers specialized tarsal tunnel syndrome treatment in Los Angeles to restore sensation and prevent worsening symptoms.

How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?

Severe swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight could indicate a torn ligament or fracture. Dr. Soomekh provides expert ankle sprain treatment in Los Angeles, including imaging and customized recovery plans.

Do I need surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon?

Surgery is often recommended for active individuals, but some cases can heal with bracing and physical therapy. Dr. Soomekh offers both surgical and non-surgical Achilles tendon rupture treatment in Los Angeles for optimal recovery.

How long does it take to recover from an ankle fracture?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the fracture, but most patients need several weeks of immobilization followed by rehabilitation. Dr. Soomekh provides top-tier ankle fracture treatment in Los Angeles to ensure proper healing.

Is ankle arthritis something I just have to live with?

No, ankle arthritis can be managed with treatments like bracing, physical therapy, injections, and in severe cases, total ankle replacement. Dr. Soomekh offers advanced ankle arthritis treatment in Los Angeles for long-term relief.

Why is my foot arch collapsing over time?

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction weakens the arch, causing it to flatten and leading to pain and instability. Dr. Soomekh provides expert treatment in Los Angeles, including bracing and surgical repair if needed.

Can a tarsal coalition cause problems later in life?

Yes, untreated tarsal coalition can lead to chronic foot pain and arthritis. Dr. Soomekh offers specialized treatment in Los Angeles to improve mobility and prevent long-term issues.

Why do I feel deep ankle pain even though I haven’t had an injury?

Sinus tarsi syndrome can cause deep ankle pain due to instability or inflammation of the sinus tarsi cavity. Dr. Soomekh provides targeted sinus tarsi syndrome treatment in Los Angeles to address the underlying cause.

Is total ankle joint replacement a good option for me?

Total ankle replacement is ideal for patients with severe arthritis who want to maintain mobility and reduce pain. Dr. Soomekh offers expert total ankle joint replacement in Los Angeles to restore function and improve quality of life.

Why does the front of my ankle hurt when I walk or run?

Anterior tibial tendonitis can cause pain and stiffness along the front of the ankle, especially during activity. Dr. Soomekh provides comprehensive anterior tibial tendonitis treatment in Los Angeles to promote healing.

What can I do about chronic pain on the outside of my ankle?

Peroneal tendonitis can cause persistent pain and instability on the outer ankle. Dr. Soomekh offers expert peroneal tendonitis treatment in Los Angeles to strengthen the tendons and prevent future injuries.

Can metatarsalgia cause other foot problems?

Yes, untreated metatarsalgia can lead to changes in gait, increasing the risk of joint and tendon pain. Dr. Soomekh provides customized metatarsalgia treatment in Los Angeles to relieve pressure and restore balance.

How can I prevent gout attacks?

Gout flare-ups can be managed with dietary changes, hydration, and medications that reduce uric acid levels. Dr. Soomekh provides expert gout treatment in Los Angeles to prevent painful episodes and protect joint health.