If you live in Richmond West and you’re managing foot or ankle pain, you have access to specialized care that’s designed around your lifestyle and needs. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff with Mount Sinai training, provides both surgical and non-surgical solutions for a broad range of conditions. The practice uses state-of-the-art diagnostics and offers same-day appointments in a friendly setting, so you can get timely answers and a clear plan to restore your comfort and mobility. Click here for more information about Richmond West
You’ll want to know who’s treating you, and at LMD Podiatry you’ll be under the care of Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff. She is board-certified and trained at Mount Sinai, bringing evidence-based approaches to both conservative and surgical foot and ankle care. The practice emphasizes patient-centered communication, ensuring you understand your diagnosis, the pros and cons of treatment options, and the recovery process.
Dr. Dabakaroff’s training and certification mean you’re getting care that follows current best practices. The team at LMD Podiatry aims to combine technical expertise with compassion, so you leave each visit feeling heard and with a practical path forward.
Choosing a local podiatrist keeps follow-up appointments convenient and lets you access same-day attention for urgent problems. You’ll benefit from a practice that understands the community and has the equipment to perform modern diagnostic tests and procedures. LMD Podiatry emphasizes a friendly environment and timely access, which is especially important when an untreated foot issue can affect your mobility, work, and daily life.
You can expect a wide range of services, from routine foot care and preventive education to advanced surgical procedures. The practice treats pediatric conditions, diabetic foot problems, common overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis, and structural issues like bunions. Diagnostics may include digital X-rays, ultrasound, and comprehensive physical exams. Same-day appointments help if you need quick evaluation or immediate care.
Below are the most frequent conditions you might bring to a podiatrist. For each, you’ll see a brief description and the typical direction of care so you understand what treatment might look like.
A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of your big toe when the joint drifts out of alignment. You might notice widening of the forefoot, persistent soreness, or rubbing against shoes. Non-surgical measures include wider shoes, protective pads, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory strategies. If the bunion interferes with daily function or causes persistent pain, surgical correction can realign the joint and reduce deformity.
Achilles tendonitis presents as pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially with activity. Early care focuses on rest, activity modification, physical therapy, stretching programs, and sometimes immobilization. If the tendon partially or fully ruptures, surgery may be recommended depending on your activity level and the extent of the injury. Rehabilitation after repair focuses on gradual loading and return-to-activity planning.
Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain, often worst with the first steps after sleeping or prolonged sitting. Treatment commonly includes stretching, night splints, orthotics, corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in selected cases, and structured physical therapy. Many people improve with a combination of conservative care, though persistent cases may be evaluated for advanced interventions.
If you have diabetes, you know foot care is essential. Diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation in your feet and increase the risk of ulcers and infection. LMD Podiatry offers diabetic foot exams, wound care, offloading strategies, and education to help prevent complications. You’ll receive individualized guidance for daily inspection, footwear choices, and blood sugar-related risk management.
Children present unique foot issues such as flatfoot, in-toeing, out-toeing, ingrown nails, and growth-related pain. Pediatric exams focus on development, gait analysis, and noninvasive interventions when possible. Early assessment prevents long-term problems and helps guide when conservative measures or orthotics are appropriate.
Ingrown toenails can be intensely painful and lead to infection. Treatment options vary from conservative nail care, antibiotics, and topical measures to partial or complete nail surgery if the problem is recurrent. You’ll be advised on proper trimming, footwear, and when minor office procedures are beneficial.
Repetitive stress or acute trauma can cause fractures or sprains. Diagnosis typically uses imaging and clinical exams. Management ranges from rest and immobilization to surgical fixation for displaced fractures. Your treatment plan will focus on proper bone healing, early functional recovery, and prevention of recurrence.
Hammertoes cause abnormal toe bending and can lead to corns, calluses, and pain. Non-surgical care includes footwear modifications, splints, and orthotics. Surgical correction may be offered when deformities are stiff or painful and disrupt your activities.
Arthritis in the ankle or subtalar joints can cause persistent pain and limit motion. Conservative care includes medications, bracing, injections, and activity modification. For severe arthritis or instability that doesn’t respond to conservative methods, surgical options like arthroscopy, joint-sparing procedures, or fusion may be discussed.
Athletes often experience tendonitis, ligament strains, stress fractures, and joint irritation. Treatment is tailored to your sport, activity level, and goals. Rehabilitation often emphasizes return-to-play protocols, strength and balance training, and biomechanical adjustments to prevent re-injury.
| Condition | Typical non-surgical first steps | When surgery may be considered |
|---|---|---|
| Bunions | Wider shoes, orthotics, pads, NSAIDs | When pain/ deformity limit function or footwear |
| Achilles tendonitis | Rest, stretching, PT, heel lifts | Chronic tears or full rupture |
| Plantar fasciitis | Stretching, orthotics, night splints, PT | Persistent, disabling pain after months of care |
| Diabetic foot issues | Regular exams, wound care, offloading | Advanced infection, non-healing ulcers |
| Ingrown toenails | Conservative nail care, antibiotics | Recurrent or infected nails requiring partial nail removal |
| Fractures/sprains | Immobilization, RICE, imaging | Displaced fractures, instability needing fixation |
| Hammertoes | Splints, shoe modifications | Rigid deformities interfering with activity |
| Ankle arthritis | Bracing, injections, meds | Severe pain limiting ADLs; arthrodesis or joint replacement options |
You’ll often start with a focused history and physical exam. The clinician will ask about pain patterns, onset, aggravating and relieving factors, prior treatments, and your activity goals. Expect a careful inspection of foot alignment, strength, range of motion, gait, and any neurologic or vascular signs.
LMD Podiatry uses state-of-the-art diagnostics as needed:
These tools help you and your clinician build a targeted treatment plan rather than guessing at the cause of your pain.
Non-surgical care is the first line for many foot and ankle disorders, and it’s often highly effective. You will usually try conservative options before considering surgery unless the condition requires immediate intervention.
Custom orthotics redistribute pressure, correct abnormal mechanics, and provide support for conditions like plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, and bunions. You’ll be fitted for orthotics that match your lifestyle and footwear needs.
A structured rehabilitation program focuses on stretching, strengthening, balance, and gradual return to activity. For tendon issues or post-injury recovery, therapeutic exercises can dramatically improve function and reduce symptoms.
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation in a targeted area and provide temporary relief. In selected cases, biologic injections like PRP may be considered to support healing. Topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications help with pain management while other treatments take effect.
Injuries, stress fractures, and diabetic ulcers benefit from offloading devices, walking boots, or braces to limit motion and promote healing. You’ll be shown how to use these supports safely and effectively.
If you have an ulcer or infected lesion, you’ll receive debridement, wound dressings, topical and systemic antibiotics when indicated, and a plan for pressure relief to allow healing.
Surgery is recommended when conservative measures fail or when a structural issue requires correction. Dr. Dabakaroff’s training enables a range of surgical interventions tailored to your needs.
Your surgeon will explain the goals of the procedure, potential risks, and what to expect during recovery so you can make an informed decision.
| Goal | Non-surgical approach | Surgical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce pain | Meds, PT, injections, orthotics | Correct structural problem, remove mechanical source |
| Restore alignment | Orthotics, bracing | Osteotomy, soft tissue balancing |
| Improve function | Strengthening, activity modification | Structural reconstruction or stabilization |
| Healing of tears/fractures | Immobilization, PRP sometimes | Repair or fixation when non-op fails or for severe injury |
You’ll be greeted in a friendly environment and asked to provide a medical history and list of concerns. Expect a focused exam and straightforward explanations. If you’re a new patient, bring any previous imaging, a list of medications, and relevant medical records.
During the visit the clinician will:
If your pain flares up or you need prompt evaluation, same-day visits prevent delays that can make conditions worse. You get an early assessment, immediate recommendations for pain control, and scheduling for any needed follow-up or procedures. This timeliness often reduces the risk of complications and shortens the path to recovery.
Preventing problems is as important as treating them. You can take several steps every day to keep your feet healthy.
Small, consistent habits can dramatically reduce your chance of needing more invasive care later.
If you have minor pain or a flare-up, try these practical steps while awaiting professional care:
If symptoms worsen or fail to improve over a few days, schedule an appointment.
When caring for children’s feet, early assessment matters. Young feet are developing, and problems identified early can be managed conservatively.
Pediatric visits focus on gentle evaluation and solutions that allow your child to remain active while ensuring proper growth.
Your feet deserve special attention if you have diabetes. Loss of protective sensation and poor circulation increase the risk of ulcers and serious infections. Regular podiatric care can prevent severe complications.
Timely podiatric care can preserve limb function and reduce the chance of hospitalization or more invasive intervention.
If you and your podiatrist agree that surgery is the best path, you’ll receive a clear recovery plan. Post-op care typically includes:
Recovery timelines vary by procedure: minor soft tissue procedures may allow quick returns to activity, while osteotomies or fusions require longer periods of protection and rehabilitation. Your surgeon will provide realistic timeframes and milestones so you know what to expect.
Some signs mean you should get immediate attention. Don’t wait if you experience:
These situations may require urgent imaging, antibiotics, or surgical intervention.
You’ll want to know how your visit affects your finances. LMD Podiatry accepts many insurance plans; however, coverage varies depending on your policy and the services provided. It’s a good idea to:
The practice can help verify benefits and estimate out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises.
When you’re ready to schedule a consultation or need a same-day appointment, call LMD Podiatry at 954-680-7133. The staff is prepared to answer questions about availability, initial paperwork, and what to bring to your first visit. The practice focuses on providing accessible, compassionate care in a modern setting, so you can get started on a plan that fits your life.
Preparing questions helps you get the most out of your appointment. Consider asking:
Clear communication helps you choose treatments that match your expectations and goals.
A little preparation makes the visit more efficient and effective. Bring:
Being prepared lets your provider focus on diagnosis and treatment rather than gathering details.
Many foot and ankle conditions respond well to early, consistent treatment. By following your recommended plan—whether conservative or post-surgical rehabilitation—you increase your chances of returning to normal activity and reducing future problems. Follow-up visits track progress, adjust interventions, and catch complications early if they arise.
You don’t need to accept persistent foot or ankle pain as part of life. With board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff at LMD Podiatry, you’ll have access to modern diagnostics, thoughtful conservative care, and surgical expertise when needed. The practice emphasizes clear communication, same-day access, and personalized plans that prioritize your mobility and daily comfort.
If you’re ready to address a foot or ankle concern, call 954-680-7133 to schedule a consultation. You’ll get attentive care in a friendly environment that focuses on restoring your function and confidence step by step.
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.
