You probably use your feet every single day without thinking about them until something hurts. When pain, swelling, or restricted movement shows up, it affects your work, exercise, and daily routine. Podiatry is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, and services are available nearby to help you get back on your feet quickly and safely. Click here for more information about Loxahatchee Groves
LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, offers advanced foot and ankle care designed to meet a wide range of needs. With Mount Sinai training and a commitment to both surgical and non-surgical options, this practice emphasizes state-of-the-art diagnostics, same-day appointments, and friendly patient-centered care. You can call for consultation at 954-680-7133.
When you entrust your foot and ankle care to a board-certified podiatrist, you’re choosing someone who has completed rigorous training and demonstrated clinical competency through board certification. This means your treatment follows current standards and evidence-based practices.
Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff’s Mount Sinai training further emphasizes specialized experience in complex foot and ankle conditions, which can be important if you have injuries, chronic problems, or require surgical intervention.
Below is a summary of conditions you might experience, with short explanations so you can tell which symptoms match your situation.
This is a common cause of heel pain, especially first thing in the morning or after periods of rest. It’s caused by inflammation or microtearing of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot.
You’ll notice pain at the back of the ankle and calf, especially with activity. Tendinitis is inflammation from overuse; a rupture is a more serious tear that often requires prompt evaluation.
You may see a bump on the side of your big toe, and you might feel pain or have difficulty fitting shoes. Bunions can progress over time and affect gait.
These deformities cause toe bending and discomfort in shoes. If left untreated, they can cause corns, calluses, and pain.
Ingrown nails can be painful and lead to infection. Proper trimming, nail procedures, and treating infections preserve function and comfort.
If you have diabetes, you’re at higher risk for neuropathy, poor circulation, and foot ulcers. Specialized diabetic foot care is crucial to prevent complications including infection and amputation.
Kids can have flatfoot, toe walking, ingrown nails, or congenital deformities. Early evaluation helps guide growth and development.
Sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, and stress fractures are common among active people. Proper diagnosis and tailored rehabilitation help you return to activity.
Numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet can indicate nerve problems. Managing underlying causes and providing protective strategies is important to prevent injury.
Sharp or burning pain between toes, often worsened by narrow shoes, can mean a nerve irritation or enlargement between the metatarsal heads.
When you come in, the process is straightforward and patient-focused. The goal is to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a clear plan.
You’ll be asked about how long you’ve had symptoms, what makes them better or worse, medical conditions (like diabetes), activity level, and any prior treatments.
The podiatrist will examine foot and ankle alignment, range of motion, gait, skin and nail condition, and palpate structures to localize pain.
To confirm diagnosis, imaging or tests may be necessary. LMD Podiatry uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to determine the best treatment plan.
| Test | Why it’s used | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Evaluate bone structure | Fractures, bone alignment, arthritis, bunion severity |
| Ultrasound | Dynamic soft-tissue imaging | Tendon tears, plantar fasciitis, soft tissue masses |
| MRI | Detailed soft tissue and bone evaluation | Ligament injuries, deep tendon tears, complex pathology |
| Vascular testing (ABI, Doppler) | Assess blood flow | Peripheral arterial disease and circulation issues |
| Nerve conduction / EMG | Evaluate neuropathy | Nerve injury or dysfunction (when indicated) |
Your walking pattern and foot mechanics are assessed to identify factors contributing to pain. This is important for custom orthotics or therapy planning.
Most foot and ankle problems improve with conservative care before surgery is considered. You’ll appreciate clear explanations and stepwise treatment options.
You’ll learn what activities to avoid or modify and how to protect the affected area during healing.
Custom or off-the-shelf orthotics redistribute pressure, improve foot mechanics, and relieve pain. Proper shoes can significantly reduce symptoms from bunions, plantar fasciitis, and neuromas.
Strengthening, stretching (especially for plantar fasciitis and Achilles issues), balance training, and manual techniques accelerate recovery.
Night splints for plantar fasciitis or braces for tendonitis and certain deformities can improve outcomes without surgery.
Corticosteroid injections can reduce local inflammation for conditions like bursitis or Morton’s neuroma. Other options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or regenerative therapies may be discussed depending on your case.
If you have an ulcer or wound, your podiatrist will provide debridement, advanced dressings, offloading techniques, and coordinate care with other specialists. Preventive diabetic foot care includes patient education, nail care, and regular surveillance.
Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments fail or when structural correction is required. You’ll receive candid information about risks, benefits, and recovery timelines.
There are many procedures depending on deformity severity: osteotomy, realignment, and soft tissue balancing. Goals include reducing pain, realigning the toe, and restoring function.
Procedures may release tendons, realign joints, or fusion depending on flexibility and severity.
Partial or complete tears may require direct repair or augmentation. Recovery protocols focus on protecting the repair while gradually restoring strength.
Reserved for severe chronic cases not responding to conservative care. Minimally invasive approaches can reduce recovery time.
For instability, cartilage problems, or loose bodies, arthroscopy offers a less invasive option with quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
Surgical hardware (plates, screws) can restore stability and proper healing for displaced fractures.
Removal of painful nodules, ganglions, or decompression for nerve entrapment is done with precise techniques to preserve function.
Undergoing foot or ankle surgery requires a plan for healing and return to activity. The podiatrist will guide you step-by-step.
You’ll have wound care instructions, activity limits, and possibly immobilization (boots, splints, cast). Pain control and swelling management are priorities.
As healing progresses, you’ll start range-of-motion, strengthening, and gait training. Adherence to rehab affects outcomes and recovery speed.
Recovery varies by procedure and your health, but you can expect:
Your practitioner will give a personalized timeline based on the exact procedure and your overall health.
If you have diabetes, proactive foot care is essential. You’ll want to reduce risk through regular exams, footwear, and immediate attention to any wound or infection.
Routine checks include vascular evaluation, neurological testing, skin and nail care, and risk stratification for ulcer development.
Treatment may include debridement, specialized dressings, total contact casts, or removable walkers to reduce pressure and promote healing.
Managing blood sugar, nutrition, and vascular status is often a team effort. Your podiatrist will coordinate care with endocrinologists, vascular surgeons, or wound specialists as needed.
Kids’ feet change rapidly, so early assessment helps ensure healthy development. You’ll learn whether a condition is typical or needs intervention.
Many young children have flexible flat feet that improve with growth. The podiatrist assesses function and recommends orthotics or monitoring when necessary.
Prompt, gentle treatment prevents complications. Certain congenital deformities may need early intervention for the best outcomes.
If you’re active or an athlete, you’ll benefit from targeted treatments that treat injury and reduce future risk.
Treatment plans focus on strength, flexibility, and sport-specific conditioning to make sure you come back safely.
Biomechanical correction, footwear guidance, and conditioning programs reduce recurrence of tendonitis, stress fractures, and sprains.
You’ll find a patient-centered approach emphasizing clear communication, modern diagnostics, and individualized treatment plans.
When you need prompt evaluation, same-day visits can get you the answers and stabilization you need without long waits.
You’ll be treated in a supportive setting where questions are encouraged and the treatment plan is explained in plain language.
With Mount Sinai training and board certification, Dr. Dabakaroff brings advanced clinical expertise and collaborates with other medical professionals when needed for comprehensive care.
You’ll appreciate a process that includes your values and goals. Whether you want to avoid surgery, return to sport, or manage chronic pain, the plan is tailored to you.
Ask about diagnosis certainty, all treatment options, expected outcomes, recovery time, and costs. If surgery is recommended, ask about experience, complication rates, and rehabilitation plans.
Ask the office about insurance coverage, pre-authorization requirements, and payment options. Understanding these details helps you plan and avoid surprises.
Certain symptoms require immediate evaluation to prevent worsening or permanent damage. If you experience any of the following, you should seek prompt attention:
| Symptom | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sudden severe pain in the foot or ankle | Could be a fracture, tendon rupture, or acute injury |
| Open wound or rapidly spreading redness | May indicate infection that needs immediate care |
| Numbness with new weakness | Possible nerve or circulatory issue requiring evaluation |
| Diabetic foot ulcer or worsening wound | High risk for infection and complications |
| Inability to bear weight after injury | Potential fracture or significant instability |
You don’t have to wait for a problem to begin caring for your feet. Simple steps can prevent many common issues.
This table helps you see what to expect based on common diagnoses.
| Condition | Common symptoms | Typical non-surgical treatments | Surgical options if needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis | Heel pain, worse in morning | Rest, stretching, orthotics, night splints, injections, PT | Plantar fasciotomy, endoscopic release |
| Achilles tendinitis | Posterior heel pain with activity | Ice, heel lifts, eccentric strengthening, bracing | Tendon debridement, repair for chronic tears |
| Bunions | Bony bump on big toe, shoe pain | Wider shoes, orthotics, padding | Osteotomy, soft tissue realignment |
| Morton’s neuroma | Burning pain between toes | Shoe changes, injections, orthotics | Neurectomy, decompression |
| Ingrown toenail | Localized pain, swelling, infection | Soaks, antibiotic if infected, nail lift | Partial or complete nail avulsion |
| Diabetic ulcer | Non-healing foot wound | Offloading, debridement, dressings | Surgical debridement, reconstructive procedures |
| Stress fracture | Localized bone pain with activity | Rest, immobilization, bone stimulation | Internal fixation for displaced fractures |
You’ll want clear answers to common concerns before you book an appointment.
LMD Podiatry offers same-day appointments for urgent issues when available. Calling 954-680-7133 is the fastest way to secure a time.
Referrals depend on your insurance. The office can help you determine whether a referral is necessary and assist with pre-authorizations.
No. Many cases respond well to conservative care like orthotics, shoe modifications, and therapy. Surgery is considered when conservative measures fail or when deformity impairs function.
Bring a list of your medications, relevant medical history, and any prior imaging or records if available. Comfortable shoes and socks are helpful for gait assessment.
Recovery varies by procedure and individual health, but expect to follow a staged return-to-activity plan. Your podiatrist will provide a personalized timeline.
Preparation helps you get the most from the appointment. You’ll feel more confident if you take a few simple steps ahead of time.
Patient-centered care means you’ll be part of the decision-making process and receive explanations that make sense.
You’ll get a stepwise plan with goals, expected timelines, and indicators for success. If surgery is proposed, alternatives, risks, and recovery are clearly discussed.
Follow-up visits, communication with the office, and coordination with other specialists ensure you receive continuous, integrated care.
If you’re near Loxahatchee Groves and need foot or ankle care, you can contact LMD Podiatry for consultation and scheduling. You’ll be able to arrange in-person visits and discuss same-day availability.
Calling is the best way to get an appointment and ask about insurance, directions, and any paperwork needed.
Trust your instincts—if pain persists longer than a week despite rest, or if you have swelling, redness, loss of function, or wounds that don’t heal, you should call. For people with diabetes or circulatory problems, contact a podiatrist at the first sign of skin breakdown or unusual symptoms.
You’ll benefit from incorporating these habits into your routine for ongoing foot comfort.
Your feet support you every day; when they hurt, your life is affected. With board-certified expertise and a commitment to both advanced diagnostics and compassionate care, LMD Podiatry seeks to give you options that match your goals — whether that’s pain relief, return to activity, or long-term foot health. For consultation, same-day appointments, or to talk through your symptoms and options, call 954-680-7133 and schedule a visit with Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff.
If you want, describe your symptoms now and you’ll get guidance on what to mention during your appointment and what immediate steps you can take to feel better.
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.
