If your feet are talking to you with aches, swelling, or numbness, you deserve clear answers and effective care. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff who trained at Mount Sinai, offers comprehensive foot and ankle services for residents of Gulf Stream. You can get both surgical and non-surgical options tailored to your condition, and same-day appointments are available to get you started quickly. Click here for more information about Gulf Stream
Your feet are the foundation of how you move, stand, and enjoy daily life, so small problems can quickly become major limitations. Protecting your foot health helps you stay active, avoid long-term disability, and reduce pain that affects your work and leisure. Paying attention early can prevent complications and reduce the need for more invasive treatments later on.
You’ll be treated by a team under the leadership of Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, a board-certified podiatrist trained at Mount Sinai, which means she combines rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experience. LMD Podiatry emphasizes a friendly environment and patient-centered care, so you can expect explanations in plain language and treatment plans designed with your lifestyle in mind.
LMD Podiatry covers a broad spectrum of foot and ankle services so you can get the right care no matter your age or condition. Services include diagnostic testing, conservative treatments, surgical procedures, pediatric care, diabetic foot management, and urgent same-day visits for acute problems.
When pain or injury is disrupting your day, you can often get seen the same day to prevent worsening and start treatment quickly. Same-day access helps minimize downtime and starts your recovery sooner.
You’ll find both surgical and non-surgical paths to recovery depending on your diagnosis and preferences. The goal is to choose the least invasive effective treatment while prioritizing long-term function.
Below are the conditions most commonly treated in clinic, along with friendly, practical descriptions to help you understand what might be happening with your feet.
If you notice a bony bump at the base of your big toe that makes shoes painful, you may have a bunion. Treatments range from shoe modifications and orthotics to surgical correction when conservative measures fail.
Pain at the bottom of the heel, especially in the morning or after rest, is often plantar fasciitis. You can improve symptoms with stretching programs, orthotics, injections when needed, and shockwave or other therapies.
Pain in the back of the heel or stiffness after activity could indicate Achilles tendonitis, and severe injuries can include partial or full tears. Conservative care like eccentric strengthening and immobilization can help, but surgery may be appropriate for tears.
If you have diabetes, you’re at higher risk for neuropathy, ulcers, infections, and poor circulation that can lead to serious complications. Proactive risk assessment, wound care, and coordinated management are essential to prevent limb-threatening problems.
Children need specialized care for issues like flat feet, in-toeing, or toe-walking, and early assessment often prevents problems as they grow. Treatment is gentle and tailored to developmental needs, with a focus on function and comfort.
An ingrown toenail can be painful and prone to infection, but simple in-office procedures can provide fast relief. Fungal nails and other nail conditions are also addressed with topical or oral therapies when appropriate.
Acute injuries such as broken bones or ankle sprains require timely evaluation to ensure proper healing. Imaging and a clear treatment plan prevent chronic instability and future arthritis.
Nerve compression between toes can cause burning, tingling, or sharp pain that interferes with walking. Conservative measures typically help, and surgical options are available for persistent cases.
Degenerative changes in the joints can cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility, and management is aimed at pain relief and preserving function. Bracing, injections, and in some cases joint-sparing or joint-replacement surgery are options.
Common warts and other skin growths can be stubborn, but there are several in-office approaches to remove or reduce them. Proper diagnosis ensures safe and effective treatment.
| Condition | Typical Non-Surgical Treatment | When Surgery Is Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Bunions | Orthotics, shoe modification, padding, injections | Persistent pain interfering with life or severe deformity |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Stretching, orthotics, night splints, shockwave, injections | Chronic refractory pain despite conservative care |
| Achilles Tendonitis | Eccentric strengthening, immobilization, PRP/injections | Partial/full tendon tear or failed conservative care |
| Diabetic Ulcers | Offloading, wound care, debridement, antibiotic therapy | Non-healing wounds with exposed bone or severe infection |
| Ingrown Toenails | Nail care, topical antibiotics, partial nail avulsion | Recurrent ingrown nails after conservative measures |
| Neuromas | Shoe changes, padding, injections | Persistent pain limiting activity |
| Fractures | Immobilization, casting, physical therapy | Displaced fractures or those that won’t heal properly |
You’ll benefit from accurate diagnosis using modern imaging and functional assessments that guide effective treatment. LMD Podiatry uses a combination of tests and observations to create an individualized plan for your feet.
X-rays provide a clear view of bone alignment, fractures, and joint degeneration, which helps guide decisions about conservative versus surgical care. They’re quick, widely available, and often the first step in diagnosing bone-related problems.
Ultrasound is helpful for evaluating soft tissue structures like tendons, ligaments, and neuromas in real time. It’s also useful for guiding injections precisely to the area of concern.
For complex soft-tissue injuries or when deeper structures are involved, MRI gives detailed images that help confirm a diagnosis and plan surgery if needed. MRI is especially useful for tendon tears, deep infections, and subtle bone injuries.
Analyzing how you walk or where pressure concentrates on your foot helps to create custom orthotics and make shoe recommendations that reduce pain and prevent recurring problems. Functional assessments often include video gait analysis or pressure mapping.
Many foot problems improve with conservative care that focuses on symptom control and correcting mechanical issues. Non-surgical options aim to relieve pain, improve function, and delay or avoid surgery when possible.
Custom orthotics support your foot’s structure and redistribute pressure to relieve pain, often improving conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic wounds. Bracing or specialized footwear can also stabilize unstable joints and speed recovery.
Targeted strengthening and stretching programs correct muscle imbalances and improve function, especially for tendon injuries and plantar fasciitis. You’ll often be given specific exercises to continue at home for long-term benefit.
Anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or biologic injections (like PRP) may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. These treatments are chosen based on your condition, goals, and overall health.
For diabetic ulcers or pressure sores, professional wound care and offloading (reducing pressure on the area) are essential parts of healing. Regular monitoring and tailored dressing choices optimize healing and prevent complications.
Procedures such as percutaneous corrections or limited soft tissue releases can correct certain deformities with less recovery time. Minimally invasive approaches are an option for suitable candidates and can result in quicker rehab.
Surgery can relieve pain and restore function when conservative care isn’t enough, and modern techniques aim to minimize recovery time and improve outcomes. Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff uses Mount Sinai training and evidence-based methods to recommend procedures that match your goals.
If a bunion causes persistent pain or functional limitations, surgical correction realigns the bones and stabilizes the joint. Recovery varies by procedure, but many patients return to lighter activities within weeks and full activity in months with appropriate rehab.
Surgery for tendon ruptures or severe degeneration repairs and reinforces damaged tendons to restore strength and flexibility. Post-operative rehabilitation is critical to regain full function and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Arthroscopy allows for minimally invasive treatment of intra-articular problems such as loose bodies, cartilage issues, or impingement. For advanced arthritis, joint-sparing or joint-replacement procedures may be recommended to reduce pain and improve mobility.
For complex diabetic wounds or infections, surgical debridement and reconstructive techniques can remove infected tissue and promote healing. Coordinated care with vascular specialists may be necessary for patients with poor circulation.
| Question | Non-Surgical | Surgical |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery time | Often quicker initially, may require ongoing management | Longer recovery but can be definitive |
| Risk level | Lower immediate risk | Higher procedure-related risk, but controlled |
| Goal | Symptom control and function improvement | Structural correction or definitive repair |
| Ideal for | Early or moderate conditions | Severe deformity, acute tears, or failed conservative care |
If you have diabetes, your feet require regular attention because neuropathy and poor circulation can lead to ulcers and infections that progress quickly. Proactive care prevents complications and can literally save your limb.
You should have routine foot checks to assess sensation, circulation, and skin condition, with early intervention for any abnormalities. Risk stratification guides how often you need follow-up and what preventive measures to take.
When ulcers appear, specialized wound care and offloading devices reduce pressure and promote healing while minimizing infection risk. Frequent monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan are essential until healing is complete.
Your treatment may involve endocrinologists, vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and wound care nurses to address the systemic factors contributing to foot problems. Integrated care improves outcomes by tackling the root causes, not just the symptoms.
Children’s feet are growing and changing, so many conditions are treated differently than in adults, focusing on development and long-term function. Early evaluation is often reassuring and can prevent the need for more invasive interventions later.
Flat feet, toe-walking, in-toeing, and growth-related pain are common issues that can often be managed with observation, stretching, or orthotics if necessary. Most children respond well to conservative measures, and you’ll receive guidance on shoe choices and activity modifications.
You should seek podiatric evaluation if your child has persistent pain, limps, refuses to put weight on a foot, or shows signs of deformity. Timely assessment catches developmental problems early and allows for less invasive treatments.
Your first appointment will focus on understanding your symptoms, making a diagnosis, and outlining a clear treatment plan that you can follow. The staff will collect your medical history, medications, and any previous imaging you have to provide the best care from the start.
You’ll be asked about the onset, duration, and triggers of your symptoms, as well as any prior treatments and general health issues like diabetes or circulation problems. A thorough history helps narrow down causes and tailor the exam.
The doctor will evaluate your foot and ankle alignment, strength, range of motion, and gait to determine the mechanical contributors to your condition. Simple functional tests often reveal more than imaging alone.
If necessary, the team will order X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment, and labs or cultures may be taken for suspected infections. Advanced testing is used when it will change the course of care.
You’ll receive a clear plan that includes conservative options first whenever reasonable, and the pros and cons of surgical paths when appropriate. The goal is for you to leave the appointment with a concrete next step and a timeline for improvement.
| Item | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| List of current medications | Ensure safe treatment choices and dosing |
| Relevant medical records or imaging | Avoid repeat tests and speed diagnosis |
| Comfortable shoes and socks | So gait can be assessed accurately |
| Insurance information | For scheduling and billing clarity |
| Questions and symptom notes | Helps make the visit efficient and focused |
Bring these items to make your visit smoother and more productive.
Whether your treatment is conservative or surgical, recovery includes specific steps you can take to support healing and regain strength and mobility. Following the plan and attending follow-up appointments optimizes outcomes and reduces the chance of recurrence.
You’ll receive instructions for managing pain, swelling, wound dressings, and signs of infection to watch for during recovery. Proper wound care is especially critical in patients with diabetes or poor circulation.
A graduated rehabilitation program helps restore flexibility, strength, and normal gait patterns after surgery or immobilization. You’ll be guided on when to increase activity and which exercises to do at home.
Switching to supportive footwear, using orthotics, and modifying activities temporarily can protect your recovery and prevent future problems. Long-term changes in footwear can keep your feet comfortable and healthy.
Preventive care is often simple and highly effective, so adopting a few habits can keep your feet in great shape. You’ll find that small, consistent changes make a big difference over time.
Choosing a podiatrist involves looking at credentials, experience with your specific condition, and how comfortable you feel communicating your goals. Board certification and hospital training, such as Mount Sinai, are strong indicators of advanced expertise.
You should ask about the practitioner’s experience with your condition, their approach to conservative care, and what outcomes you realistically can expect. Also ask about appointment availability, same-day options, and how post-operative care is handled.
Making an appointment should be straightforward and the staff can help you navigate insurance and billing questions so you can focus on care. LMD Podiatry offers same-day appointments when available, and the office will help verify benefits and answer billing questions.
You can often get timely visits for urgent issues and same-day appointments to avoid delaying care. Call 954-680-7133 to check availability and secure a slot that fits your schedule.
The office staff will assist in verifying your coverage and explaining out-of-pocket costs so you won’t face surprises. If necessary, they can discuss payment plans or alternatives to manage care responsibly.
If travel or mobility is a challenge, telemedicine offers a convenient way to get an initial evaluation and follow-up care from home. Virtual visits are useful for wound checks, medication reviews, and post-operative guidance when hands-on care is not needed.
Remote visits work well for follow-ups, medication adjustments, and triage of new symptoms to determine whether in-person care is necessary. You should expect clear instructions and a plan for when an in-person evaluation is required.
These common questions and answers help you know what to expect and when to seek more urgent evaluation.
You should seek evaluation if pain interferes with your daily activities, lasts more than a week, or follows an injury. Early assessment can prevent worsening and often leads to simpler treatments.
Custom orthotics can be very helpful when off-the-shelf options fail or when you have structural issues that require personalized support. They are most effective when combined with other therapies like stretching and strengthening.
Bunion surgery aims to relieve pain and restore function so you can return to most activities, though recovery requires time and adherence to rehabilitation. Your surgeon will discuss realistic timelines and activity restrictions based on the specific procedure.
Treatment focuses on offloading pressure, wound care, infection control, and optimizing blood flow and blood sugar management. Coordinated care with other specialists improves healing chances and reduces complications.
Conservative measures like proper nail trimming and protective footwear help, but if the ingrown toenail recurs, a minor in-office procedure to remove part of the nail and prevent regrowth may be the most effective solution. The procedure is commonly performed with local anesthesia and has a short recovery.
Patients typically report relief when their pain is accurately diagnosed and a clear plan is provided, and many value quick access through same-day appointments. The clinic’s friendly environment and patient-focused communication help you stay informed and involved in your care.
You can expect strict infection control protocols in the clinic for any procedure or wound care, including sterilization, appropriate PPE, and best practices aligned with current clinical guidelines. Safety is a priority, especially for at-risk populations like people with diabetes.
If surgery becomes the best option for your condition, you’ll receive clear pre-operative instructions about medications, fasting, and activity restrictions. The team will explain anesthesia choices, expected recovery milestones, and the aftercare plan to give you confidence going into the procedure.
Your long-term foot health depends on regular self-care, appropriate footwear, and periodic professional checks when problems arise. You’ll benefit most by combining preventive habits with prompt evaluation for new symptoms.
If you’re ready to address your foot or ankle concern, call LMD Podiatry at 954-680-7133 to schedule an appointment or to ask questions about services. You’ll be able to discuss same-day appointment options, insurance questions, or specific concerns with the staff who can guide you to the next step.
You don’t have to accept persistent foot pain as part of life, and effective, compassionate care is available that emphasizes restoring your function and comfort. With board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff and the team at LMD Podiatry, you can expect modern diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and the ability to start care quickly—call 954-680-7133 to get started.
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.
