Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your mobility, balance, and independence. When they hurt, it affects how you walk, exercise, work, and even sleep. Addressing problems early can prevent chronic pain, limit activity restrictions, and reduce the risk of more serious complications, especially if you have diabetes or vascular disease. Click here for more information about Hillsboro Beach
You want care from someone qualified and compassionate, and LMD Podiatry delivers that. Led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, who completed advanced training at Mount Sinai, the practice offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions. You’ll find state-of-the-art diagnostics, same-day appointments when possible, and a friendly environment that prioritizes your foot health. To schedule a consultation, call 954-680-7133.
You’ll find a wide range of services aimed at treating both routine and complex foot and ankle issues. The clinic handles pediatric and adult concerns, sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, wound care, and elective reconstructive surgeries. Services are tailored to your needs and include conservative management, minimally invasive procedures, and open surgical options when necessary.
If your condition requires surgery, you’ll be treated by a surgeon trained in modern podiatric procedures. Surgeries commonly address bunions, hammertoes, severe neuromas, chronic ankle instability, Achilles ruptures, and deformity reconstructions. You’ll receive a clear explanation of the procedure, risks, and recovery timeline so you can make an informed decision.
Most foot and ankle problems begin with conservative treatments, and you’ll have access to tailored non-surgical care. That includes physical therapy, custom orthotics, shoe modifications, immobilization (casts or boots), medication, and advanced injections like corticosteroids or biologic therapies when appropriate.
Children’s feet require special attention because growth plates and developing biomechanics can create problems different from adults. You can get treatment for flat feet, in-toeing, heel pain (such as Sever’s disease), congenital issues, and nail problems in a child-friendly setting.
If you have diabetes, you need specialized foot care. The clinic offers comprehensive diabetic foot exams, nerve and blood-flow assessments, preventive education, and active wound care including debridement and offloading strategies. The goal is to prevent ulcers from progressing and to minimize the risk of infection or amputation.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, you can get targeted care for overuse injuries, acute sprains, stress fractures, and tendon problems. Treatment focuses on getting you back to activity safely with preventive measures to reduce recurrence.
You’ll benefit from modern diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, gait analysis, and sometimes MRI or vascular testing when necessary. These tools help create accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
Understanding common conditions will help you recognize symptoms early and seek timely care. Below are typical diagnoses you might encounter and how they’re generally managed.
A bunion causes a bony bump at the base of your big toe and often leads to pain, redness, and shoe-fitting problems. Conservative care includes wider shoes, padding, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory measures. If pain or deformity limits function, surgical correction (bunionectomy) can realign the joint and relieve symptoms. Expect several weeks of recovery and a plan for gradually returning to normal shoes and activities.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and occurs when the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. You’ll often feel sharp pain with your first steps in the morning. Conservative therapy—stretching, night splints, orthotics, physical therapy, and footwear changes—works well for most people. In recalcitrant cases, steroid injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or surgical plantar fascia release may be discussed.
You might feel pain, stiffness, or swelling in the back of your heel with Achilles tendon problems. Tendinopathy responds to eccentric strengthening, activity modification, and bracing. A complete rupture may require surgical repair or a non-operative protocol that includes immobilization and rehabilitation; your surgeon will help you choose the best option.
Hammertoes are deformities of the lesser toes that cause them to bend abnormally and rub against shoes. Early-stage hammertoes may be managed with toe spacers, footwear changes, and orthotics; advanced or rigid deformities often require surgical correction to restore alignment and relieve pain.
An ingrown toenail can cause localized pain, infection, and drainage. You’ll be treated with conservative measures like soaking and proper trimming, but recurrent or infected nails may need partial or full nail avulsion with matrixectomy to prevent recurrence.
Discolored, thickened nails can be treated with topical or oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail debridement procedures. Treatment choice depends on the severity and your overall health.
Morton’s neuroma creates sharp, burning pain between the toes. You’ll often benefit from shoe adjustments, orthotics, metatarsal pads, injections, or in some cases surgical excision of the neuroma.
Acute injuries require prompt evaluation. X-rays or advanced imaging confirm fractures; treatment ranges from immobilization and casting to surgical fixation for displaced or unstable fractures. Rehabilitation is critical to restore strength and mobility.
Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. You’ll be offered conservative options like orthotics, joint injections, physical therapy, and activity modification. End-stage arthritis may be treated surgically with fusion or joint replacement.
| Condition | Typical non-surgical treatments | When surgery is considered |
|---|---|---|
| Bunions | Wider shoes, orthotics, padding, injections | Severe pain, deformity affecting function |
| Plantar fasciitis | Stretching, night splint, orthotics, PT | Chronic pain >6–12 months despite therapy |
| Achilles tendinopathy | Eccentric exercise, bracing, PT | Rupture or failed rehab, persistent pain |
| Hammertoe | Toe spacers, orthotics, shoe mods | Rigid deformity or persistent pain |
| Ingrown nails | Soaks, antibiotics, nail trimming | Recurrent infections or severe pain |
| Neuroma | Orthotics, injections, steroid/alopecia | Failure of conservative therapy |
| Stress fractures | Rest, boot, activity modification | Nonunion or high-risk fracture patterns |
When you come in, you’ll receive a thorough history and physical exam. The provider will assess alignment, gait, strength, range of motion, skin and nail integrity, and vascular and neurologic status. Imaging may include:
You’ll often start with conservative care aimed at reducing pain, correcting biomechanics, and preventing progression.
Proper shoes can change how forces travel through your foot. You’ll be advised on heel height, toe box width, arch support, and activity-specific footwear. Shoe inserts, rocker soles, and custom or prefabricated orthotics redistribute pressure and improve alignment.
Targeted stretching and strengthening—especially for the plantar fascia, calf muscles, and intrinsic foot muscles—improve pain and function. You’ll be guided through eccentric loading programs for tendon problems and balance exercises for ankle instability.
Custom orthotics are molded to your foot to correct alignment or unload painful areas. Night splints or walking boots immobilize and protect during healing.
Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation for conditions like plantar fasciitis or Morton’s neuroma. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other biologics may be offered for chronic tendon injuries to stimulate healing.
For wounds and ulcers, you’ll receive sharp debridement, dressing changes, topical agents, and devices like total contact casts or special shoes to offload pressure during healing.
When conservative care isn’t enough, the clinic provides surgical options tailored to your problem and goals.
Surgeons realign the bone and soft tissues around the big toe joint. Techniques vary—some are minimally invasive, others use small incisions with screws or plates. Expect a period of protected weight-bearing, swelling control, and gradual return to shoes.
Procedures straighten the toe by releasing or realigning tendons and occasionally fusing a joint. Recovery tends to be weeks to months, with progressive shoe return and wearing protective footwear early on.
For ruptures, the tendon ends are brought back together surgically or treated non-operatively with immobilization and progressive rehab. Recovery includes gradual tensioning and regaining strength over 3–6 months or longer.
Minimally invasive techniques address loose bodies, cartilage injuries, or chronic instability. Ligament reconstructions stabilize an unstable ankle to prevent recurrent sprains.
Surgery to release tension in the plantar fascia is reserved for chronic, severe plantar fasciitis. Post-op rehab focuses on restoring flexibility and strength.
Complex reconstructions, tendon transfers, or soft-tissue procedures may be needed to restore function and protect from recurrent ulcers, particularly in diabetic or neuropathic feet.
If you have diabetes, you’re at higher risk for neuropathy, poor circulation, infection, and ulcers. You’ll need regular foot exams that include:
Timely treatment of wounds is critical. Offloading pressure is often the most important step; the clinic will provide casts, special footwear, or orthoses. You’ll get coordinated care that may involve vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, or endocrinologists when needed.
Children aren’t just small adults—growth plates and developmental stages demand special attention. You’ll have options for:
If you’re active, you’ll appreciate targeted strategies to treat injuries and reduce recurrence:
You’ll get the most from your visit if you come prepared. Bring:
Expect a thorough exam and a plan that may include immediate measures like a splint, prescription, or same-day procedure for issues like ingrown nails or minor debridement.
You’ll be greeted in a friendly environment and taken through:
Recovery varies by condition and procedure. Common post-op guidance includes:
Adopting a few daily habits goes a long way in preventing problems.
Some situations demand immediate attention. Call or seek care if you have:
When selecting a podiatrist, consider these factors:
You’ll want clear information about coverage and costs before committing to treatment. Call the clinic ahead of time for insurance verification and to ask about payment options. LMD Podiatry offers same-day appointments when available; for scheduling or questions about care, call 954-680-7133.
Q: How quickly can I get an appointment? A: LMD Podiatry offers same-day appointments when possible. Call 954-680-7133 to check availability.
Q: Will I need surgery for my bunion or plantar fasciitis? A: Most cases start with conservative care. Surgery is considered when non-surgical measures fail or deformity significantly impacts function.
Q: Is custom orthotics better than over-the-counter insoles? A: Custom orthotics are molded to your foot and can address specific biomechanical problems. Over-the-counter insoles may help mild cases but are less tailored.
Q: What should diabetic patients watch for? A: Inspect feet daily, check for sores, keep nails trimmed, and report any signs of infection or non-healing wounds immediately.
Q: Are injections safe? A: Corticosteroid injections are commonly used and safe when administered appropriately, but potential risks and benefits will be discussed with you.
Q: How long does it take to recover from foot surgery? A: Recovery varies. Simple procedures may allow return to normal shoes in weeks, while more complex reconstructions can take months for full recovery.
Q: Will my insurance cover podiatric surgery? A: Many insurances cover medically necessary podiatric procedures. Verify your plan and pre-authorization requirements with the clinic.
Q: What if I’m afraid of surgery? A: You’ll receive education on alternatives, risks, and expected outcomes. The goal is a shared decision that matches your goals and comfort level.
You’ll be treated in a clinic that follows standard infection control practices. For procedures, sterile technique and post-op wound care instructions reduce infection risk. You’ll be given clear signs to watch for and when to call.
You’ll be part of the decision process. The provider will explain options, expected outcomes, and trade-offs so you can pick what matches your lifestyle and goals. Follow-up is arranged to adjust treatment based on your progress.
If you’re ready to address foot or ankle pain, call LMD Podiatry at 954-680-7133 to schedule a consultation or same-day visit when available. You’ll be evaluated by experienced staff and receive a personalized treatment plan, whether you need conservative care, advanced diagnostics, or surgical management.
You don’t have to accept ongoing foot or ankle pain as the new normal. With experienced care—like that provided by Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff and the LMD Podiatry team—you’ll get a clear diagnosis, practical treatment options, and the support to return to the activities you love. Call 954-680-7133 to learn more and take the next step toward healthier feet.
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.
