In a recent study published by Harvard Medical School, 80% of Americans at some point in their lives experience lower back pain. It's the fifth most common reason for visiting a doctor, one of the top reasons people miss work, and the most common cause of work-related disability in people under age 45. Outside of trauma, research suggests that more than half of those suffering are caused by improper biomechanics of the feet. This is also true with knee and hip pain.

Poor alignment between the feet and legs can effect the kinetic chain all the way up to the spine. This in turn causes an increase of stress on the joints and surrounding structures which can lead to tendonitis, muscle pain & cramps, meniscus damage, and arthritis. This can be magnified more so in the active and overweight populations. Studies have shown that over 90% those surveyed found improvement or total relief of lower back, hip, knee, and foot pain by correcting the abnormality in our foundation (our feet).

How is this done? By corrective Custom Orthotics (insoles). Custom Orthotics correct the biomechanical deformity by properly supporting the feet into a neutral position, improving alignment between the feet and legs, reducing stress from the feet up to the lower back, creating better posture, and improving your gait (walking ).
We are now starting to see a flood of Pressure Plate devices in shoe stores and clinics stating that this is the best way to fit custom orthotics. Unfortunately this is not true. Pressure plates do not capture the contour of the feet, and so the technician has to guess the arch height, length & width, making your orthotic anything but custom.

The latest and most accurate technology in designing Custom Orthotics is by Infrared Digital Scanning. This captures true foot contours & arch height measurements in order to produce the most superior custom orthotic in medicine. The digital cast combined with the practitioner's prescription is electronically transmitted to the lab where technicians decode, analyze and evaluate every order prior to orthotic fabrication.

Pain is the body's way of warning you something is wrong. If you ignore your pain, the condition causing it could become worse. Relief is closer than you think. Why live with pain if you don't have to?

661-288-2321 • www.curefeet.com

Dr. Tony Avakian

Owner: Dr. Tony Avakian

How did you determine the name of your business?
Most people think that podiatrists only specialize on the feet, but our scope actually covers from the knees to the feet. I wanted a name that gave a more broad description.

What inspired you to go into this business?
I had chronic heel pain while playing sports in college and went to various specialists for treatment. I became very frustrated, as I had no relief of my complaint. On my first visit to a podiatrist, however, I walked out after treatment and saw 90 percent improvement. The podiatrist was kind enough to discuss the benefits of his profession. I was a pre-med student and wanted to work in a sports medicine environment. Podiatry seemed like the logical choice. The feet are the foundation for most sports-related activities. Foot problems or disorders can affect the kinetic chain all the way up to the spine.

What's the coolest aspect of your business?
The patients. I love interacting with people and solving problems. The greatest reward is when a patient comes in with pain and walks out with a smile.

What is the most amazing thing about what you offer?
Helping people and giving relief. For example, I have a patient who, after having numerous surgeries for a nerve disorder in his leg and foot, was told he could never run or play basketball again. After regular treatment in our facility, for the first time in 10 years he recently went out with me and played competitive basketball for two hours. He now plays on a weekly basis!

What does the future hold for your company?
I've expanded to two other locations: Beverly Hills and North Hollywood.

What is unique about your business?
We offer in-house physical therapy; most podiatric offices do not offer this. We are one of the few podiatry facilities in the country that offers Infrared Digital Scanning of the feet - very cutting-edge technology. Pressure plates are a thing of the past.

What's one thing that someone out of the loop would never guess?
I'm a golf junkie!

For more information, call Valencia Foot & Ankle Center at 288-2321 or visit www.curefeet.com.