If your feet or ankles have been bothering you, you deserve a provider who combines modern techniques with a patient-focused approach. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, brings Mount Sinai training and a full range of surgical and non-surgical services to help you regain comfort and mobility. Click here for more information about Manalapan
Your feet are the foundation of almost every activity you do, from walking and running to standing at work. When you take care of your feet, you reduce the risk of chronic pain, posture problems, and limitations in daily life.
Small issues can quickly become big problems if ignored, especially with conditions like diabetes that complicate healing. By addressing foot problems early, you protect your overall mobility and quality of life.
You’ll find a combination of clinical skill and patient-first care at LMD Podiatry. Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff is board-certified and trained at Mount Sinai, so you’re getting expertise that reflects high academic and clinical standards.
The practice emphasizes state-of-the-art diagnostics, same-day appointments when possible, and a friendly environment where your concerns are listened to. Whether you need pediatric care, diabetic foot care, or surgical intervention, the team focuses on personalized plans that fit your lifestyle.
If you experience persistent foot pain, recurrent ankle sprains, numbness, or wounds that won’t heal, podiatric care can help. Athletes, people with diabetes, older adults, and children with congenital foot issues all commonly benefit from specialized foot and ankle care.
You don’t need to wait until pain is unbearable to seek help—early assessment often means easier, faster treatment and better long-term outcomes.
You’ll find treatment options for a wide array of foot and ankle conditions at LMD Podiatry. Below is a summary of common problems and the typical approaches taken.
| Condition | Typical Symptoms | Typical Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis | Heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning | Stretching, orthotics, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, PRP, shockwave therapy |
| Bunions (hallux valgus) | Bump at base of big toe, pain, shoe fit issues | Conservative care with padding and orthotics; surgical correction if severe |
| Achilles tendinitis/tendinopathy | Pain at back of heel, stiffness | Activity modification, eccentric loading exercises, PRP, surgery if rupture or refractory |
| Diabetic foot ulcers | Non-healing wounds, risk of infection | Offloading, wound debridement, antibiotics, specialized wound care |
| Ingrown toenails | Localized pain, redness, infection | Conservative soaking and nail care; partial nail avulsion if recurrent |
| Hammertoes | Toe deformities, corns, pain with shoes | Shoe modifications, splints, surgical correction for rigid deformities |
| Ankle sprains & instability | Pain, swelling, recurrent giving way | Bracing, rehab, ligament repair or reconstruction if chronic |
| Pediatric foot disorders | Flat feet, in-toeing, heel pain | Observation, orthotics, physical therapy, surgery in select cases |
Each condition listed here has multiple treatment options, and your provider will guide you toward the one that best matches your goals and situation.
You’ll appreciate accurate diagnosis because it leads to more effective treatment. LMD Podiatry uses modern diagnostic tools to pinpoint the problem and guide therapy.
Common diagnostic methods include physical exam, weight-bearing X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, gait analysis, and, when necessary, MRI referrals. These tests help confirm soft tissue or bone involvement and measure deformities for surgical planning.
When facing a foot or ankle problem, you’ll often be offered both non-surgical and surgical options. Non-surgical measures commonly include medications, physical therapy, custom orthotics, injections, and activity modification. Surgery is generally reserved for cases that don’t respond to conservative care or when deformity or structural damage requires correction.
Surgery can be highly effective for many conditions like bunions, hammertoes, severe neuromas, or tendon ruptures. Recovery varies by procedure but typically includes a period of limited weight-bearing, physical therapy, and gradual return to activities. Your podiatrist will explain benefits, risks, and expected recovery so you can decide confidently.
You’ll want to address pediatric foot issues early to prevent future problems. LMD Podiatry treats children for congenital deformities, flat feet, heel pain (Sever’s disease), and gait abnormalities.
The approach is gentle and family-centered, with a focus on conservative measures when possible and surgical correction only when clearly beneficial. Early guidance can improve your child’s function and comfort as they grow.
If you have diabetes, you must be proactive about foot health because even small injuries can escalate. LMD Podiatry provides comprehensive diabetic foot care including routine exams, risk stratification, wound care, and offloading strategies.
You’ll be taught daily foot inspection, proper shoe selection, and prompt reporting of any wounds or changes. Timely podiatric intervention reduces the risk of complications such as infections, hospitalizations, and amputations.
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek a podiatrist. Plantar fasciitis typically causes sharp pain with your first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
You’ll likely start with stretching, orthotics, and activity modification. If symptoms persist, imaging and targeted therapies like corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or shockwave therapy may be recommended. Surgery is an option in refractory cases, but it’s usually considered only after extensive conservative care.
Bunions can limit your shoe choices and cause ongoing discomfort. You’ll be assessed for the severity of the deformity, and non-surgical measures like wider shoes, splints, and orthotics are often tried first.
If conservative care doesn’t relieve symptoms, surgery can realign the joint and relieve pain. Recovery can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the specific procedure, and Dr. Dabakaroff will explain the expected timeline for your case.
Achilles tendinitis and ruptures affect many active people and older adults alike. You’ll notice posterior heel pain or a sudden inability to push off if the tendon ruptures.
Non-surgical management for tendinitis includes eccentric exercises, activity modification, and injections like PRP in persistent cases. Ruptures often require surgical repair to restore strength, especially for active patients, and recovery includes immobilization followed by rehabilitation.
For patients with wounds—especially diabetes-related ulcers—your podiatrist will focus on limb preservation. You’ll receive wound debridement, infection control, offloading strategies, and coordination with other specialists when needed.
The goal is to promote healing while preventing further tissue loss. LMD Podiatry’s approach emphasizes both local wound care and systemic factors like glucose control and vascular status.
You’ll likely benefit from shoe recommendations or custom orthotics if your biomechanics are contributing to pain or deformity. Custom orthotics are designed to support your unique foot shape and gait, often reducing pain and improving function.
The practice can evaluate your footwear and recommend protective shoes, inserts, or performance footwear for athletes. Proper shoes can significantly reduce recurrence of many common foot problems.
If you’re an athlete, you need targeted care that helps you return to sport safely. LMD Podiatry treats sprains, stress fractures, tendon injuries, and overuse conditions with sport-specific rehab and performance-focused treatment plans.
You’ll be guided through graded return-to-play protocols, bracing if needed, and prevention strategies to reduce future injury risk.
You’ll be greeted in a friendly environment and asked detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and activity level. The podiatrist will perform a focused physical exam and may order diagnostic imaging or functional testing.
After diagnosis, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that outlines both immediate steps and longer-term options. If possible, same-day appointments or same-day imaging can speed up your path to relief.
If you need timely care, same-day appointments are often available to assess urgent problems like sprains, acute pain, or wounds. You’ll appreciate fast access because early treatment often leads to better outcomes.
Call the office to check availability and tell the staff about the urgency so they can make appropriate arrangements.
For follow-ups or initial discussions where a physical exam is not mandatory, telemedicine can be a convenient option. You’ll be able to review your symptoms, go over imaging results, and discuss treatment options from home.
Telemedicine is especially useful for post-operative checks, wound monitoring with photos, and medication reviews.
If surgery becomes necessary, you’ll receive a clear preoperative plan that covers fasting, medications, arrival time, and post-op expectations. You’ll also discuss anesthesia options, potential risks, and expected recovery.
Arranging transportation and a support person for the first 24–48 hours after surgery is important, as you may have restricted mobility and will need assistance at home.
Recovery varies among procedures, but you’ll generally go through phases: immobilization or limited weight-bearing, gentle motion and physical therapy, and gradual strengthening and return to activities. For minor procedures like ingrown toenail removal, recovery might be days to a couple of weeks. For bunion surgery or tendon repairs, full recovery could be several months.
The provider will tailor the timeline to your condition, health status, and goals to help you return safely to the activities you love.
You’ll be offered multi-modal pain control that might include NSAIDs, prescription medications for short-term relief, nerve blocks for surgery, and non-pharmacologic methods like ice and elevation. For chronic pain, the team may incorporate physical therapy, orthotics, and regenerative therapies like PRP.
Pain control is individualized to balance comfort with safety and promote healing without overuse of narcotics.
You’ll reduce your risk of future problems by maintaining a few key habits: wearing supportive footwear, keeping a healthy weight, stretching and strengthening the feet and ankles, and inspecting your feet regularly. For those with diabetes, daily foot checks and rapid reporting of changes are critical.
Regular podiatric check-ups can catch problems early and prevent progression to more serious conditions.
Seek prompt care if you have redness, swelling, drainage, fever with a foot wound, sudden severe pain, or inability to bear weight. Early evaluation prevents complications and often leads to simpler, more effective treatments.
If you’re unsure about the urgency, a quick call to the office can help you decide whether same-day evaluation is recommended.
You’ll want to check with your insurer regarding podiatry coverage, as many plans cover medically necessary visits and diagnostic tests. The office can help verify benefits and discuss payment options for services not covered by insurance.
If you’re concerned about cost, ask about alternatives and payment plans so you can pursue necessary care without undue financial stress.
You’ll likely have several questions before your visit. Below are common concerns and straightforward answers to help you prepare.
You’ll want to bring a list of medications, medical records or prior imaging, and comfortable shoes that allow for a quick inspection of your feet. If you have a wound, bring any dressings or photos that track its progression.
Wearing shorts or pants that can be rolled above the knee makes the exam easier. If you have diabetes, bring your glucose readings and current diabetes management plan.
After surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions about wound care, activity limits, and signs of complications. Follow-up appointments will monitor healing and adjust your rehab plan as needed.
Adhering to the post-op plan—rest, elevation, wound care, and therapy—helps you achieve the best outcome and lowers the chance of setbacks.
You’ll want someone who listens, explains options clearly, and uses evidence-based treatments tailored to your lifestyle. Board certification, specialized training like Mount Sinai residency, and experience with both surgical and conservative care are strong indicators of quality.
Ask about outcomes, recovery expectations, and treatment alternatives during your consultation to make an informed choice.
Bring a list of questions so you leave the appointment informed and confident. Useful questions include: What is the exact diagnosis? What are my treatment options and expected outcomes? What are the risks and recovery timelines for surgery? Are there non-surgical alternatives? Will I need custom orthotics?
A thoughtful conversation helps you set realistic goals and participate actively in your care.
| Treatment | What it does | Typical timeframe to improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Custom orthotics | Support arches, correct biomechanical issues, reduce pressure | Weeks to months for full benefit with consistent use |
| Corticosteroid injections | Reduce localized inflammation and pain | Days to weeks; may provide lasting relief or temporary benefit |
| PRP (platelet-rich plasma) | Stimulates tissue healing using your own blood components | Several weeks to months for tissue remodeling |
| Shockwave therapy | Stimulates healing and reduces pain in chronic conditions | 4–12 weeks after a course of treatments |
| Surgical correction (e.g., bunionectomy) | Restores alignment, removes painful deformity | Several weeks to months; full recovery depends on procedure |
| Debridement & wound care | Removes dead tissue and promotes wound healing | Immediate effect on wound bed; healing depends on size and health status |
These treatments are often combined to match your specific diagnosis and goals.
You’ll benefit from coordinated care that often involves other specialists when necessary. LMD Podiatry works with endocrinologists, infectious disease specialists, vascular surgeons, and physical therapists to create comprehensive care plans.
Coordination ensures that systemic issues affecting foot health—like diabetes or poor circulation—are managed alongside local treatments.
You’ll find an environment designed to make your visit straightforward and comfortable. From prompt scheduling to clear explanations and supportive staff, the aim is to make your care as stress-free as possible.
Same-day appointments and state-of-the-art diagnostics help reduce wait times and get you started on treatment quickly.
If you’re ready to schedule a consultation or have a question about services, call LMD Podiatry at 954-680-7133. You’ll be able to discuss appointment availability, ask about what to bring, and determine whether same-day evaluation is appropriate for your needs.
The staff can also help verify insurance benefits and explain payment options before your visit.
You don’t need to accept ongoing foot or ankle pain as part of life. With experienced, board-certified care and modern diagnostics, many conditions can be effectively treated, improving your comfort and function.
If you’ve been putting off care, making a single call to 954-680-7133 to schedule an evaluation can be the first step toward pain relief and better mobility. Your feet support everything you do—getting them the attention they deserve is an investment in your overall wellbeing.
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.
