- Osteoporosis
- Warts
- Arthritis
- Plantar FasciitisShockwave therapy is a non-surgical, noninvasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses high energy shockwaves to reduce musculoskeletal pain. Shockwave therapy is recommended but not limited to people with the following conditions: Plantar Fasciitis, Tendinitis, Neuroma, and Heel Pain.
- Medical Weight LossGout can be diagnosed through examination, a blood test, or by analyzing joint fluid. While gout is treatable, it is not curable. The approach of treatment includes decreasing the amount of uric acid in the blood as well as controlling the joint pain. Lowering uric acid levels in the blood can prevent or lessen painful attacks and reduce the risk of gout complications such as kidney stones. Anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids may be prescribed to help with the joint pain. A podiatrist may also recommend lifestyle changes that can help decrease symptoms. These include weight loss, decreasing alcohol consumption, and diet modification.
- Pediatric CareIn all three Tower Podiatry locations, we have state of the art in-office complete X-ray machines which provide radiology results within minutes. These x-ray facilities are easily accessible for adults, pediatrics, and patients with disabilities. X-ray images are reviewed and discussed with patients to identify a foot ailment along with the proper course of treatment.
- Kidney Stones
- Diabetes Care
- UltrasoundThe injected area will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic (Lidocaine). The blood with its PRP will be injected into the area directly or with the aid of ultrasound or x-ray.
- MRIThe diagnosis can often be made by your doctor with a physical exam. In many instances, an MRI or ultrasound will be performed to determine the extent of damage to the tendon. A simple assessment of tendon strength can be performed by standing on the “tip of toes” on each foot. The affected foot may feel weak and painful in cases of tendinitis.
- Radiology
- X-Rays
- OrthopedicsOur world renowned surgeons have expertise in Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Bunions and Hammertoes, Sports Medicine, and Diabetic Wounds and Limb Salvage, amongst other clinical diagnoses. The doctors at Tower Podiatry have privileges at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in West Los Angeles, the Marina del Rey Hospital, Providence Tarzana and Santa Monica Medical Centers, as well as numerous local Surgery Centers.
- ArthroscopyDr. Hassid’s involvement in the community stems from his passion for teaching and educating the public about foot and ankle ailments. He has been involved with multiple events such as radio interviews, local foot screenings, newspaper articles, health fairs, and public lectures. He has conducted research on multiple imaging modalities to predict risk of ulceration in Diabetics and to prevent future amputations. Dr. Hassid is interested in the full spectrum of foot and ankle practice including trauma, limb salvage, Pediatrics, arthroscopy, laser therapy with emphasis on minimally invasive forefoot and hindfoot reconstructive surgery. Dr. Hassid is always involved with furthering his education by attending courses throughout the year that emphasize learning the newest and most technologically advanced Medical & Surgical treatments of the Foot & Ankle.
- Wound CareDr. Samouhi specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, bunions and hammertoes, plantar warts, orthopedic trauma, pediatric orthopedics, diabetic limb salvage, and wound care. Her other clinical interests include: ingrown nails, shockwave therapy, sports injuries, and PRP injections.
- Pinched NerveA neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes. It brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling or numbness between toes and in the ball of the foot.
- Ankle SurgeryDr. B. David Massaband, DPM, FACFAS is a Diplomate of the Board and Foot and Ankle Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. He is the Director of Tower Podiatry, the Foot & Ankle Institute. He received his undergraduate Degree in Psychobiology at UCLA and his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, an affiliate of UCSF Medical School. Dr. Massaband was previously an attending consultant at the V.A. Loma Linda Medical Center where he also completed his Residency in Podiatric Medicine.
- BunionsBunions develop from abnormal foot structure and mechanics (e.g. excessive pronation), which place an undue load on the first metatarsal. This leads to the supporting soft tissue, such as joint capsules and ligaments to stretch, with the result being gradual deviation of the first metatarsal.
- Arthroscopy
- Ingrown ToenailsThere are several causes of ingrown toenails: a hereditary tendency to form ingrown toenails, improperly cutting the toenails too short or cutting into the side of the nail, as well as improper shoes.
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Skin CancerMelanoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the skin that produce pigmentation (coloration). It can occur on your skin, but also be present in your fingernail or toenail bed. Most cases of melanoma include too much exposure to ultraviolent rays from the sun or tanning beds but can also come from exposure to radiation.
- DermatologyAlthough podiatrists primarily focus on the care of the foot and ankle, there are several common dermatology related issues that can be treated in our office. These include but are not limited to dermatitis, athlete’s foot, melanoma, and warts.
- CornsDiabetes warning signs involving the feet and ankles include the following: Skin color changes, swelling of the foot or ankle, numbness in the feet or toes, pain in the legs, open sores on the feet that are slow to heal, ingrown and fungal toenails, bleeding corns and calluses, dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.
- UlcerA foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15% of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States with a rate of 14-24% of patients requiring an amputation. However, research has shown that development of a foot ulcer is preventable.
- CallusesHammertoes are a contracture of toes as a result of muscle imbalance between tendons on the top and tendons on the bottom of the toe. They can be flexible or rigid in nature. When rigid, it is not possible to straighten the toe by manipulating it. Frequently, hammertoes develop corns on top of the toe as a result of rubbing against the shoe. They may also cause bothersome calluses on the ball of the foot. Although a hammertoe may be present at birth, it usually develops over time due to arthritis or wearing tight pointed shoes.
- EczemaEczema is the type of dermatitis, which is related to dry skin, an immune system dysfunction, skin infection, or a combination of these. Contact dermatitis is a form of dermatitis which results from contact with something that irritates the skin and causes an allergic reaction. Irritants can include but are not limited to plants, perfumes, creams, lotions, and jewelry containing nickel.
- FungusAthlete’s Foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection which occurs most commonly in between the toes but can also affect other areas of the foot. Fungus grows in damp environments, which are commonly found inside your shoe, around bodies of water (pool, lakes, ocean), and the shower. Athlete’s feet specifically occur in people whose feet have become very sweaty while wearing tightfitting shoes, most commonly athletes.
- LesionsWarts are caused by a viral infection of the skin. This occurs as a result of direct contact with the virus. When they occur on the bottom of the foot, these lesions are known as plantar warts. Warts cannot live in any tissue except the skin. Moist, sweaty feet can be a predisposition of the virus.
- Sports MedicineSports injuries are common among athletes. Athletes who partake in sports which require running and jumping are typically at a higher risk of getting injured. Sports such as running, basketball, soccer, football, dance, and gymnastics involve athletes placing a considerable demand of pressure and performance on their feet, and often are subject to injuries to their ankle, feet, or legs.
- Physical TherapyAs limb salvage requires extensive surgical incisions, patients who have these operations need extensive rehabilitation. The amount of bone removed as well as the type of reconstruction performed determine how soon and how much the patient can exercise. Most patients begin muscle strengthening, continuous passive motion (CPM), and range of motion (ROM) exercises as soon as the day after the operation and continue them for the next twelve months. Physical therapy regimes help the patient function independently and accept changes in body image. The assistance of a patient requiring a brace, walker, cane or other medical device will be determined by the doctor on a case by case status.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Ankle SprainThe feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is actually a break in the bone.
- Orthotics and Prosthetic TherapyDr. Massaband has guided his private practice for twenty-five years and specializes in complex and reconstructive foot and ankle surgeries, as well as diabetic foot and wound care and limb salvage. His other clinical interests include custom orthotics and prosthetics, bunion and hammertoes, sports medicine, nail and skin conditions, and pediatric orthopedics.
- General PodiatryLimb salvage is a procedure that involves saving a lower extremity from amputation. In podiatry, limb amputations occur often as a result of diabetes, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, cancerous tumor in the bone or muscle, a serious non-healing infection, or a severe crushing injury.
- Ankle InstabilityTreatment and diagnosis of ankle injuries would have to involve a physical examination in which obvious deformities, ankle instability, discoloration, and swelling would be treated. X-rays can help rule out fractures, loose bodies, and/or degenerative joints (arthritis). Other diagnostic tests including Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to isolate and diagnose specific soft tissue injuries.
- Ankle SprainIf painful feet or ankles are preventing you from your daily routine and or sports activities, our team of experts at Tower Podiatry are here to assist. Our team of podiatrists specialize in all aspects of foot and ankle care, and our offices are equipped with the most up to date tools available to help provide relief to most foot and ankle injuries. We provide the least invasive and most advanced treatments available. These treatments are attributed with the following services.
- Bunions ProblemsThe most common symptom associated with bunion deformity is pain on the side of the foot. Shoes will typically aggravate bunions. Stiff leather shoes or shoes with tapered to box are prime offenders. A bunion site will often be slightly swollen and red from constant rubbing and irritation of a shoe.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Flat Feet
- HammertoesCommon digital deformities are underlapping toes, overlapping toes, flexed or contracted toes, and mallet toes. As the deformity becomes more rigid, surgery will likely be required if correction of the deformity is the goal.
- Heel SpursA heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. The spur, visible in an X-ray appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as “heel spur syndrome”.
- Heel Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsAn ingrown toenail is due to the penetration of the edges of the nail plate into the soft tissue of the toe. Ingrown toenails begin with a painful irritation that often becomes infected. The nail margin becomes red and swollen, often demonstrating drainage of pus.
- Plantar FasciitisOne of the main causes of plantar fasciitis is an injury in the plantar fascia. Other common causes include sports, tight shoes, walking barefoot, overstretching, and foot mechanics (such as a being flat-footed or having a higher arch).
- Podiatric DeformitiesFoot deformities in children can be present at birth or develop at a later age and become problematic. Generally, they are congenital in nature with both or one of the parents having had the same or similar condition. Fortunately, these deformities can be treated. The following are some of the most common conditions that children develop...
- Podiatric SurgeryTreatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma and identifying the neuroma early on is important to avoid surgical correction. Suggested treatment may include padding and taping at the ball of the foot, anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections, and custom molded orthotics. When early treatments fail and the neuroma progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary. The procedure, which removes the inflamed and enlarged nerve, can usually be conducted on an outpatient basis, with a recovery time that is often just a few weeks.