Podiatry focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. When your feet hurt or limit your activity, podiatric care restores function and helps prevent future problems so you can get back to your normal routine. Click here for more information about South Bay
Podiatrists combine medical, surgical, and biomechanical approaches to treat everything from routine issues like ingrown toenails to complex surgeries for chronic deformities. Your overall mobility, balance, and quality of life often depend on healthy feet.
LMD Podiatry is led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, who completed advanced training at Mount Sinai. She offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions across a broad spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. The practice emphasizes a friendly environment and state-of-the-art diagnostics.
You can call for a consultation or same-day appointment at 954-680-7133 to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with Dr. Dabakaroff and her team.
The services you may need are grouped into clinical evaluation, conservative treatments, surgical interventions, and chronic-condition management. Each step is tailored to your age, activity level, medical history, and goals for recovery.
Treatments often start conservatively and progress to surgical options only when necessary. You’ll be part of each decision, with clear explanations of risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
A thorough diagnostic workup is the foundation of effective care. Your visit typically includes a medical history, physical exam, gait and biomechanical assessment, and imaging when needed.
LMD Podiatry uses advanced diagnostics, which may include digital X-rays, ultrasound, and specialized measurements to accurately identify the cause of your pain.
You’ll typically see one or more of these tests during your evaluation:
These tests help determine whether conservative care will suffice or if a surgical plan is needed.
You’ll encounter a range of conditions that podiatrists commonly treat. Recognizing the major categories can help you understand what to expect if you seek care.
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe and cause pain, shoe-fitting problems, and progressive deformity. Early treatment focuses on symptom relief and slowing progression.
When conservative measures like padding, footwear changes, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory treatments fail, surgical correction can realign the toe and relieve pain.
Achilles tendon problems often result from overuse or sudden increases in activity. You might feel stiffness, pain with walking or running, or notice swelling behind the heel.
Treatment can include physical therapy, eccentric strengthening, immobilization, injection therapies, and, when necessary, surgical repair for tears or severe degeneration.
Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain at the heel, especially with first steps in the morning. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain and usually responds to conservative therapy.
Your treatment plan may include stretching, night splints, customized orthotics, shockwave therapy, and targeted injections. Most cases improve with early, consistent care.
If you have diabetes, foot care becomes a critical part of your overall health plan. Peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation increase the risk of ulcers, infection, and, in severe cases, limb-threatening complications.
LMD Podiatry offers comprehensive diabetic foot management including regular screenings, wound care, offloading devices, vascular assessments, and coordination with your diabetes care team.
Children have unique foot conditions that require age-appropriate evaluation. Common issues include flat feet, in-toeing, heel pain (Sever’s disease), and congenital deformities.
Early assessment helps guide non-surgical treatments like orthotics, stretching programs, and activity modifications. Surgery is rarely required in children and carefully considered only when conservative options fail.
Relief from painful ingrown toenails can often be achieved in-office with partial nail avulsion or preventative measures. Warts (plantar warts) and fungal infections also respond well to targeted therapies.
You’ll be guided on proper nail care, topical or procedural treatments, and follow-up to prevent recurrence.
If you’re active or an athlete, sports-related foot and ankle injuries like sprains, stress fractures, and tendon strains are common. Effective care helps you return to activity safely.
Treatment combines acute injury management, rehabilitation, biomechanical correction, and sport-specific strategies to reduce reinjury risk.
Most foot and ankle problems begin with conservative therapy. These options are low-risk and often very effective, especially when initiated early.
Custom or prefabricated orthotics can correct biomechanical issues that contribute to foot pain. Bracing supports healing and stability for tendon problems, sprains, and post-operative protection.
Orthotics are designed to fit your anatomy and activity level, improving alignment and reducing stress on injured structures.
You’ll often work with targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Physical therapy accelerates recovery, reduces pain, and helps prevent recurrence by addressing underlying biomechanical faults.
Therapists may use modalities like manual therapy, taping, gait retraining, and therapeutic exercise programs tailored to your goals.
Corticosteroid injections provide short-term relief for inflammatory conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Regenerative options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other biologics may be used to promote healing in chronic tendon injuries.
These treatments are chosen based on your diagnosis, overall health, and treatment goals, with a clear discussion of expected benefits and limitations.
Simple changes in footwear or activity modification can significantly reduce symptoms. You’ll be advised on proper shoe features, heel height, and supportive options specific to your condition.
Activity modification helps protect injured tissues while you strengthen and rehabilitate.
Surgery is considered when conservative care fails or when structural problems require correction for long-term function and pain relief. Procedures are tailored to your diagnosis and lifestyle.
Common procedures include bunion correction, tendon repair or reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy, fracture fixation, fusion for severe arthritis, and nerve decompression. Pediatric procedures are selected carefully to preserve growth.
You’ll receive a clear explanation of the procedure, recovery timeline, risks, and expected outcomes during informed consent.
LMD Podiatry emphasizes state-of-the-art surgical techniques that may be less invasive and promote faster recovery. Advances like arthroscopy, percutaneous corrections, and refined fixation methods reduce tissue trauma and pain.
Your surgeon’s training at institutions like Mount Sinai contributes to familiarity with modern surgical approaches and evidence-based practices.
Recovery varies by procedure but includes pain control, wound care, activity restrictions, and a graduated rehabilitation plan. Many patients benefit from physical therapy and follow-up to ensure functional restoration.
Your team will give clear instructions, milestones for recovery, and warning signs that require immediate attention.
Same-day appointments reduce the time you spend in pain and anxiety while waiting for diagnosis and treatment. They provide timely evaluation and quick initiation of therapy, which can prevent worsening of many conditions.
If you’re experiencing sudden worsening of symptoms, rapid access to care can make the difference between conservative recovery and the need for more invasive interventions. Call 954-680-7133 to check availability for same-day care.
You’ll find a friendly, patient-centered environment designed to make visits efficient and comfortable. The staff focuses on clear communication, accessible scheduling, and personalized care plans.
The practice integrates modern diagnostics and thoughtful follow-up so you leave each visit knowing your next steps and feel supported through recovery.
When you come for your first visit, bring your ID, insurance card, a list of current medications, recent diagnostic imaging (if any), and notes about your symptoms. Comfortable shoes that allow easy examination help too.
Having these items saves time and helps your provider quickly understand your situation and craft an effective treatment plan.
Your visit usually starts with a focused history and physical exam, followed by diagnostics as needed. Treatment options are discussed with clear choices, and you’ll receive a written plan or prescriptions before you leave.
Follow-up appointments or referrals are scheduled promptly to ensure continuity of care.
Advanced technology improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. LMD Podiatry uses modern imaging and assessment tools to guide your care.
These tools help create targeted plans that improve your chances of a successful outcome.
| Approach | Typical Indications | Benefits | Recovery Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (orthotics, PT, injections) | Early-stage tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, mild bunions, neuropathic pain control | Low risk, minimal downtime, cost-effective | May require weeks to months of therapy; not always definitive |
| Surgical (bunionectomy, tendon repair, arthroscopy) | Structural deformities, failed conservative care, severe fractures | Definitive correction, long-term pain relief | Requires postop care, variable recovery times, surgical risks |
This table helps you weigh options and understand why a stepwise approach is often used.
If you have diabetes, foot care is not optional. Routine screenings and early treatment of issues reduce the risk of ulcers, infections, and amputations.
You should have regular foot checks that include sensation testing, skin inspection, and vascular assessment. LMD Podiatry coordinates with your primary care and endocrinology teams for holistic care.
Custom footwear, patient education, and prompt wound care are essential parts of preventing complications.
Ulcer care involves debridement, offloading pressure, infection control, and close monitoring. Advanced wound care techniques and collaboration with vascular specialists can save limbs.
Your podiatrist will tailor a plan to address circulation, infection, and biomechanics to promote healing.
Children’s feet change rapidly with growth, and early intervention prevents long-term issues. LMD Podiatry assesses growth patterns, alignment, and gait to determine needed care.
You’ll be guided on exercises, orthotics, and shoe advice; surgery is considered only when necessary and timed appropriately with growth.
Proper shoes protect your feet and reduce injury risk. You’ll get practical advice on shoe selection, sock materials, and activity-appropriate footwear.
Simple preventive measures—trimming nails properly, moisturizing dry skin, and checking for changes—help you catch problems early.
| Task | Frequency | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect feet | Daily | Detect cuts, wounds, redness early |
| Wash and dry feet | Daily | Prevent fungal infections |
| Trim nails properly | Every 4–6 weeks | Prevent ingrown toenails |
| Moisturize skin (not between toes) | Daily | Prevent cracking and fissures |
| Wear appropriate shoes | As needed | Reduce stress and prevent deformity |
Following this checklist makes routine foot care manageable and effective.
Certain signs require prompt evaluation:
If you experience any of these, contact LMD Podiatry for guidance or seek emergency care as appropriate.
Insurance coverage varies by plan and by service. You’ll be informed about in-network status, deductible responsibilities, and estimated costs for common procedures.
The office staff can verify benefits before major treatments and discuss payment options, financing, or sliding-scale programs if available.
When selecting a provider, consider credentials, training, patient reviews, and whether their approach matches your preferences. Board-certification and advanced training, such as Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff’s Mount Sinai experience, are valuable markers of quality.
You also want a doctor who listens, explains options clearly, and coordinates care with other specialists when needed.
You’ll likely have specific questions; here are answers to common ones.
Recovery depends on the condition and chosen treatment. Many non-surgical plans show improvement in weeks to months; surgical recovery ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on complexity.
Yes, when properly prescribed. Orthotics can correct biomechanical issues and prevent recurrent injury. Custom devices often work best when conservative care has not fully resolved symptoms.
Coverage depends on your plan and diagnosis. The office will help verify benefits and provide cost estimates before surgery.
Some minor injuries improve with rest and conservative care, but persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated to avoid chronic problems or worsening deformity.
Successful outcomes depend on proper aftercare—following activity restrictions, attending rehab, and using supportive devices as recommended.
You’ll be given a tailored plan to reduce recurrence risk, including strengthening exercises, footwear recommendations, and periodic check-ups.
You’ll be an active participant in decisions about your care. Good results come from realistic expectations, adherence to treatment, and open communication with your care team.
Dr. Dabakaroff and the LMD Podiatry staff aim to provide clear explanations and collaborative planning for the best possible outcome.
If you need prompt foot and ankle care, you can contact LMD Podiatry to schedule an appointment or request a same-day consultation at 954-680-7133. The team is ready to discuss your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
You deserve foot and ankle care that’s accurate, compassionate, and efficient. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff with Mount Sinai training, offers the full spectrum of services—from pediatric and diabetic care to advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments. State-of-the-art diagnostics and same-day appointments make it easier for you to get timely care in a friendly environment.
If foot pain, persistent discomfort, or a chronic condition is limiting your life, calling 954-680-7133 is a practical next step toward relief and improved mobility.
Make a short list of your symptoms, any previous interventions, and your goals for treatment before you call. This helps the staff prioritize your needs and schedule the most appropriate appointment type.
You’ll likely leave your first visit with a clear diagnosis, a recommended plan, and a timeline for improvement—so you can confidently move toward healthier, pain-free 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.
