Dr. David Soomekh, Foot and Ankle Surgeon

02/20/2026

🚶‍♂️ Pain when you push off to walk? That’s not normal and it’s not something to ignore. Pain in the ball of your foot, under your toes, or in the arch when taking that final step could point to issues like plantar plate injuries, tendon strain, nerve compression, or even early arthritis. Your foot is trying to tell you something, and limping through it only makes things worse.
If every step is starting to feel like a problem, it’s time to get answers (and solutions). Let’s take a look.

02/16/2026

👣 “It feels like there’s a pebble in my shoe… but there’s nothing there.” That could be a classic sign of Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the nerve between the toes (usually the 3rd and 4th). You might feel burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain that gets worse in tight shoes or after standing too long. It’s often mistaken for a simple foot ache, until it gets worse. 👉 If you’ve got mystery pain in the ball of your foot, don’t ignore it. We can help confirm what’s going on and give you options that don’t always involve surgery.

02/11/2026

🦴 Tendons vs ligaments: which one’s actually causing your pain? Tendons connect muscle to bone, while ligaments connect bone to bone and when one of them is irritated, torn, or overstretched, it hurts in very different ways. Tendon pain usually shows up with movement and can feel sharp, especially near joints (think: Achilles tendon). Ligament injuries often happen from twists or trauma, leading to instability, swelling, or that “I can’t trust my ankle” feeling.
👉 Not sure which structure is to blame? We can figure it out and get you on the right track, schedule a visit to get clear answers (and relief).

02/05/2026

02/04/2026

🦶 Big toe won’t bend like it used to? It might be more than just stiffness. Limited motion in the big toe (especially if it’s painful when walking or pushing off) could be a sign of arthritis, specifically a condition called hallux rigidus. Over time, the joint cartilage wears down, leading to stiffness, swelling, and even bone spurs. It’s common, but not something you have to “just live with.”
If your big toe’s giving you trouble, let’s take a look, early treatment can help you avoid surgery and keep you moving pain-free.

02/03/2026

🦾 “Do those metal plates and staples stay in forever?”
In most cases yes, and that’s totally safe. Surgical implants like plates, screws, and staples are designed to stay in your body permanently without causing issues. They help stabilize bones as they heal and often don’t need to be removed unless they’re causing irritation or complications (which is rare). Some procedures even use absorbable materials that dissolve over time.

01/28/2026

From daily walks to long workdays, your feet take a beating, but a few simple stretches and strengthening moves can work wonders.

✔️ Toe curls with a towel for arch strength
✔️ Calf stretches to ease heel tension
✔️ Marble pickups to improve toe control
✔️ Ankle circles for mobility and balance

📣 Consistency is key, but if pain persists, don’t push through it. Expert guidance can get you back on solid footing.

✨ Step into strength. Book your appointment today and give your feet the care they deserve.

01/26/2026

The posterior tibial tendon plays a crucial role in foot alignment and supporting the arch of the foot. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) occurs when the tendon weakens or degenerates, causing the arch to collapse over time. PTTD is commonly referred to as adult-acquired flatfoot because it is a leading cause of flatfoot in adults. While it often affects only one foot, it can develop in both. Without treatment, PTTD is progressive and worsens over time.

The podiatry experts at Foot and Ankle Specialty Group, led by Dr. Soomekh, the best foot and ankle doctor in Los Angeles, are here to help you relieve discomfort from PTTD at our state-of-the-art facility in Beverly Hills.

01/23/2026

Foot & Ankle Specialty Group heals and restores mobility with precision and compassion. Dr. Soomekh and our expert team guide you through every step of your personalized foot and ankle care, from sports medicine to reconstructive surgery, addressing your unique concerns and helping you get back on your feet pain-free and stronger than before.

01/19/2026

Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s natural healing potential to recover from injuries. Stem cell therapy is a key component of regenerative medicine, offering a powerful way to promote tissue repair and regeneration.

Stem cells are unique because they can differentiate into various tissue types, including bone, tendon, ligament, cartilage, muscle, and skin. In some tissues, like bone marrow, stem cells continuously work to repair and replace damaged tissues. Dr. Soomekh’s expertise in stem cell therapy ensures that patients receive state-of-the-art treatment for foot and ankle conditions.

At Foot and Ankle Specialty Group, we embrace the art and science of orthobiologics, which combines the body’s natural ability to heal itself with stem cells and advanced medical technologies to repair and regenerate orthopedic injuries. By definition, orthobiologics refers to the inclusion of biology and biochemistry in the development of bone and soft tissue replacement materials for skeletal and tissue healing.

The use of stem cell therapy in foot and ankle treatments — both in clinical and surgical settings — is rapidly increasing. Physicians and surgeons continually seek better ways to accelerate healing while incorporating less invasive techniques. Over the last several years, Dr. Soomekh has been at the forefront of stem cell therapy for foot and ankle injuries, using it successfully to treat bone healing (fractures and fusions), tendon repair, and wound healing. Stem cell therapy has been extensively studied and utilized for over four decades, with its effectiveness based on the ability of stem cells to enhance the healing of bone and soft tissue at a cellular level.

01/16/2026

🦶 Where is that big toe going? This is a classic case of hallux varus (the opposite of a bunion) usually caused by overcorrection during prior bunion surgery. This lovely patient came to us after their toe started drifting too far the other way. Using absorbable implants, I was able to restore alignment and function, no hardware removal needed. 👉 If your “fix” didn’t feel like a fix, you’re not stuck with it. Second opinions (and clean solutions) are what we do.

01/14/2026

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the body’s inability to properly metabolize certain proteins. This leads to an excess buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperuricemia. This condition causes uric acid crystals to form in the joints, triggering severe pain and inflammation. The prevalence of gout has risen significantly in the U.S., affecting approximately 8.3 million people. If you're experiencing recurring joint pain and swelling, Dr. David J. Soomekh, a leading foot and ankle specialist in Los Angeles, offers expert diagnosis and treatment to help you find relief.