Your feet carry you through every day, and small problems can quickly become big ones if left untreated. This article helps you understand the podiatry services available in Greenacres, what to expect from care, and how LMD Podiatry—led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff—can help you get back on your feet with confidence. You’ll find detailed, practical information about conditions, diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and how to prepare for a visit. Click here for more information about Greenacres
LMD Podiatry provides advanced foot and ankle care with an emphasis on individualized treatment. The practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical solutions and uses modern diagnostic tools to create targeted treatment plans that respect your lifestyle and goals.
Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff is a board-certified podiatrist trained at Mount Sinai, bringing a high level of expertise to her surgical and non-surgical practice. Her background ensures you receive care informed by rigorous training and clinical experience. You can expect a thorough evaluation, clear explanations, and treatment recommendations that match your needs.
Podiatry is more than treating pain; it’s about restoring mobility, preventing future issues, and improving quality of life. Whether you’re managing diabetes, treating a sports injury, or facing a chronic condition like bunions or Achilles tendinopathy, timely professional care helps you avoid complications and return to daily activities faster.
The practice offers a broad range of services designed to cover acute injuries, chronic conditions, pediatric issues, and preventive care. You’ll find state-of-the-art diagnostics, same-day appointments in many cases, and both conservative and surgical treatment options.
Every care plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your foot and ankle. This usually includes a medical history, physical examination, and assessment of how your condition affects your mobility. The goal is to identify root causes and propose options that align with your preferences.
Children’s feet need specialized attention since growth issues can affect future development. You’ll receive age-appropriate evaluations and treatments for conditions like flat feet, in-toeing, heel pain, and toe deformities. Early intervention often prevents more significant problems later on.
If you have diabetes, your feet require extra attention to prevent ulcers, infections, and circulatory complications. Dr. Dabakaroff and the team provide regular foot exams, wound care, education on daily foot management, and coordination with your primary care or endocrinology team to reduce risks.
Active people often experience sprains, strains, stress fractures, and tendon injuries. You’ll receive tailored treatment plans that may include bracing, physical therapy recommendations, injection therapies, and surgical interventions only when necessary to restore athletic function.
LMD Podiatry offers both non-invasive therapies—like custom orthotics, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and medication—and surgical solutions for structural problems or injuries that don’t respond to conservative care. Dr. Dabakaroff’s Mount Sinai training informs her surgical decision-making and techniques.
You can often get same-day or prompt appointments for urgent problems, making it easier to address painful or worsening symptoms quickly. The office atmosphere aims to be supportive and approachable to make your visits less stressful.
Understanding common foot and ankle conditions helps you recognize symptoms and seek care early. Below are several frequent problems with practical details that explain causes, symptoms, and typical treatments.
Achilles tendon issues often begin as stiffness or pain at the back of your heel that worsens with activity. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, and sudden increases in training intensity. Treatment starts with rest, calf-strengthening exercises, heel lifts, and physical therapy; more persistent cases may benefit from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or surgery.
Bunions are a progressive deformity of the big toe joint that causes pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, and changes to foot mechanics. Non-surgical management includes wider shoes, toe spacers, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory measures. If pain limits function, surgical correction reshapes the bones and soft tissues to improve alignment.
Plantar fasciitis produces sharp heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning. Conservative care—stretching, taping, night splints, orthotics, and shockwave therapy—often resolves symptoms. Surgical or minimally invasive procedures are considered for recalcitrant cases.
An ingrown toenail can quickly become infected and painful. Treatments range from conservative nail care and antibiotics to a minor in-office procedure that removes part of the nail and prevents recurrence. Early treatment prevents complications.
Fungal infections thicken, discolor, and distort nails, making them uncomfortable and difficult to treat. Options include topical therapies, prescription oral antifungals, laser therapy, or nail debridement to improve appearance and comfort.
Nerve damage in the feet produces numbness, tingling, burning, or balance issues. While some causes require medical management (like diabetes control), podiatric care focuses on protecting the skin, managing pain, and recommending footwear or orthoses that reduce pressure and risk of injury.
Suspected fractures, sprains, or dislocations often require prompt assessment and imaging. Treatment can range from simple splinting and immobilization to surgical fixation, depending on the bone involved and the injury’s severity.
Wound care is crucial, particularly for people with diabetes or poor circulation. The podiatry team provides debridement, dressing changes, infection control, offloading strategies (to reduce pressure), and collaboration with vascular specialists when needed.
You’ll typically undergo a structured diagnostic process to identify what’s causing your symptoms and to track healing.
A careful exam assesses range of motion, alignment, gait, tendon function, joint stability, and skin/nail condition. This provides immediate clues about structural or functional problems.
X-rays are commonly used to evaluate bone alignment and fractures. Ultrasound can assess soft tissues like tendons and ligaments. MRI may be recommended for complex injuries or to evaluate soft tissue pathology in detail.
If circulation or nerve function is a concern, tests like Doppler ultrasound or nerve conduction studies can help. These identify circulation limitations and neuropathy, guiding treatment choices.
For wounds or infections, cultures and lab tests determine the appropriate antibiotics or identify systemic conditions that might affect healing.
You’ll often start with the least invasive option that has a good chance of success. The practice emphasizes personalized treatments that minimize recovery time and risk.
Non-surgical measures aim to reduce pain, correct mechanics, and allow tissues to heal. Common options include:
These treatments are effective for many conditions and are usually tried before considering surgery.
Surgery is recommended when structural problems or persistent pain limit function and conservative care fails. Procedures can address bunion correction, tendon repair, fracture fixation, arthroscopy for joint issues, and reconstructive surgeries. Recovery plans are tailored to the procedure and your health goals.
When wounds are present, aggressive wound care includes debridement, targeted antibiotics, and pressure relief strategies. The team coordinates care with other specialists when vascular or systemic factors complicate healing.
Knowing what will happen at your first appointment helps reduce anxiety and makes your visit more productive.
You’ll be asked about your symptoms, medical history, medications, previous foot problems, and activity level. Be ready to describe pain patterns, triggers, and any prior treatments.
The clinician will examine your feet, check for deformities, assess gait, and test joint motion and strength. This helps identify contributing factors such as muscle imbalances or biomechanical issues.
If needed, you’ll receive X-rays, ultrasound, or other tests during the visit or be scheduled for them promptly. Many diagnostic tests are available on-site or nearby to speed up diagnosis.
After evaluation, you’ll discuss findings and receive a clear treatment plan with options, expected outcomes, and timeline. The team will explain risks and benefits and coordinate follow-up care.
If surgery is recommended, you’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions to optimize outcomes.
You’ll be guided on medications to stop or continue, necessary medical clearances, and pre-operative labs if required. Smoking cessation and blood sugar control are emphasized to reduce complications.
Post-operative protocols vary by procedure but usually include immobilization, graduated weight bearing, pain control, and physical therapy. The goal is to restore function while protecting healing tissues.
Prevention reduces the chance of recurring problems and supports long-term foot health. These strategies are practical and easy to implement.
Wearing shoes that fit well and support your foot type is one of the most effective preventive steps. Choose shoes with adequate toe room, arch support, and a stable heel cup for regular activities.
Custom orthotics or over-the-counter inserts can correct mechanical issues, redistribute pressure, and prevent repetitive stress injuries. You’ll be assessed for the right type of support based on your gait and foot structure.
Simple exercises for calves, plantar fascia, and intrinsic foot muscles help maintain flexibility and reduce injury risk. Your podiatrist or a physical therapist can create a routine tailored to your needs.
Daily inspection, proper nail trimming, moisture control for dry skin, and treating fungal infections early will keep your feet healthy. For diabetic patients, daily self-exams are especially important to catch issues early.
Reducing excess body weight and modifying high-impact activities temporarily can lessen stress on the feet and prevent pain from recurring.
This table gives you a quick reference to understand typical approaches for common foot problems.
| Condition | Common symptoms | Typical first-line treatments | When surgery is considered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis | Heel pain, worst with first steps | Rest, stretching, orthotics, night splint, shockwave | Persistent pain >6-12 months despite treatment |
| Achilles tendinopathy | Posterior heel pain, stiffness | Activity modification, eccentric loading, heel lifts, PT | Tendon rupture or chronic non-responsive tendinopathy |
| Bunions | Big toe deviation, pain in shoes | Wider shoes, orthotics, padding, activity changes | Severe pain or deformity affecting function |
| Ingrown toenail | Localized pain, swelling, infection | Conservative nail care, antibiotics, partial nail avulsion | Recurrent or infected nails not responding to care |
| Diabetic foot ulcer | Non-healing wound, possible infection | Debridement, offloading, infection control, glycemic optimization | Deep infection, exposed bone, or ischemia needing revascularization |
| Ankle sprain | Pain, swelling, instability | RICE, immobilization, PT, bracing | Chronic instability, repeated sprains, torn ligaments |
Understanding administrative details helps you focus on care rather than logistics.
LMD Podiatry accepts many insurances but policies vary. You should call your insurer or the office to verify coverage for consultations, procedures, imaging, and durable medical equipment like orthotics.
For services not covered by insurance, ask about payment plans, discounts for self-pay, or financing options. The office staff can help estimate costs and discuss options that work for you.
You can often secure same-day or next-day appointments for urgent issues. Call the office to request a prompt visit and describe the urgency so staff can prioritize appropriately.
Being prepared with questions helps you get the most from your appointment. Here are useful questions to consider:
Answering common concerns can guide your next steps.
If pain is severe, follows an injury, or limits your daily activities, you should seek prompt evaluation—often the same day is preferable. For chronic but worsening symptoms, schedule an appointment within a few weeks to prevent progression.
Most cases start with conservative care. Surgery is considered when pain and deformity limit function and non-surgical options have been tried without adequate improvement.
You should inspect your feet daily, maintain strict glycemic control, avoid walking barefoot, and seek professional wound care promptly. Regular podiatry visits help prevent serious complications.
Certain symptoms require immediate attention. If you experience severe swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, signs of a spreading infection (red streaks, fever), sudden loss of function, or an open wound that won’t stop bleeding, seek urgent care or contact the podiatry office right away.
To make appointments efficient and helpful, bring the following:
If you live in Greenacres, scheduling a consultation with LMD Podiatry gives you access to board-certified expertise and a range of services. Call to set up an appointment or request same-day care when needed.
Phone: 954-680-7133
Call the office to ask about appointment availability, insurance verification, and same-day scheduling. The staff is available to guide you through administrative details and help you prioritize care.
You’ll likely notice a few consistent themes when you visit: thorough explanations, a thoughtful approach to both surgical and non-surgical care, and a focus on practical outcomes. The friendly clinic environment is designed to make you feel comfortable while receiving attentive, evidence-based care.
Recovery varies depending on the condition and treatment. Below is a general guide to typical recovery periods—your podiatrist will give a tailored timeline.
| Procedure / Condition | Typical recovery timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative care for plantar fasciitis | Weeks to months | Many improve in 6-12 weeks with consistent therapy |
| Achilles tendonitis (non-surgical) | 6-12 weeks | Progressive rehab critical to prevent recurrence |
| Partial nail avulsion (ingrown nail) | 1-2 weeks | Quick relief; watch for signs of infection |
| Bunion surgery | 6-12 weeks for basic recovery; up to 6 months for full recovery | Weight-bearing varies by procedure |
| Ankle fracture fixation | 6-12 weeks for bone healing; rehab may extend months | Physical therapy often needed for full function |
| Diabetic foot ulcer healing | Variable—weeks to months | Depends on circulation, infection control, and offloading |
If you’re older or have chronic health issues, treatment choices may be influenced by circulation, healing capacity, and overall medical status. The team coordinates care with your primary providers to ensure safety and optimize outcomes.
You should consider a second opinion if you face a major surgery, are unsure about the recommended approach, or your condition isn’t improving as expected. A second opinion helps you feel confident in your choices and can confirm or offer alternatives.
These simplified examples show typical patient journeys to give you realistic expectations.
Your feet are essential to your independence and daily comfort. When you experience persistent pain, functional limits, or signs of infection, professional podiatric care can reduce complications and restore mobility. LMD Podiatry offers a full spectrum of services—from pediatric care to surgical correction—backed by Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff’s board certification and Mount Sinai training.
If you’re ready to schedule a consultation or need prompt care, call 954-680-7133. The team can answer questions about services, scheduling, insurance, and same-day availability to get you the care you need.
Taking action early is one of the best things you can do for your feet. Whether your concern is a nagging heel pain, a painful bunion, a diabetic foot issue, or a sports injury, professional assessment gives you a clear path forward. You deserve care that’s thorough, respectful, and focused on getting you moving comfortably again—call 954-680-7133 to begin.
Board certified in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Dabakaroff completed her training in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Dr. Dabakaroff has been published in textbooks and has done research for various foot conditions. Dr. Dabakaroff brings with her new methods, both surgical and non-surgical, for treating multiple foot and ankle ailments.
At University Foot and Ankle Center, the philosophy is simple. We will provide a friendly, warm, “cutting edge,” “state of the art, ” office for our patients. Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff uses the latest techniques available, and methods to relieve foot, ankle or knee pain without surgery. We provide all testing and diagnostics in our office. Same day appointments are available.
