You deserve clear, practical information about your foot and ankle care, especially when pain or a chronic condition is limiting your everyday life. This guide explains the podiatry services available to you in Tamiami through LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff. You’ll find what to expect, when to seek care, how common problems are treated, and how to prepare for appointments so you can get back to walking, working, and enjoying life.
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Your feet carry you through every day, and in Tamiami’s warm, active environment they often face extra wear. Whether you spend time walking around neighborhood parks, standing at work, or enjoying outdoor activities, your feet take a lot of stress.
Keeping your feet healthy prevents pain, disability, and complications from chronic conditions like diabetes. Because many foot problems worsen when left untreated, timely access to a podiatrist can prevent long-term issues and get you back on your feet faster.
LMD Podiatry is a practice focused on advanced foot and ankle care under the leadership of board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff. Trained at Mount Sinai, Dr. Dabakaroff offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions based on the latest evidence and technologies. The practice emphasizes state-of-the-art diagnostics, same-day appointments when possible, and a friendly, patient-focused environment that prioritizes your foot health.
You’ll find a comprehensive approach that includes pediatric care, diabetic foot management, sports injuries, and corrective surgeries. If you want to consult with the clinic, call 954-680-7133.
Before treatment begins, a thorough evaluation helps determine the root cause of your pain or dysfunction. You’ll experience an assessment that typically includes:
This comprehensive approach helps the podiatrist recommend a personalized treatment plan you can commit to.
You’ll benefit from modern diagnostic tools that identify structural, soft-tissue, and skin-related problems accurately.
Using advanced diagnostics, your care team provides targeted treatments that aim for faster, safer recovery.
You’ll often start with conservative options designed to relieve pain and correct contributing factors without surgery. Common nonsurgical treatments include:
These approaches often resolve symptoms when used consistently, and they can prevent the need for surgical intervention.
If conservative treatments fail or a deformity causes persistent pain or dysfunction, surgical options may be recommended. Dr. Dabakaroff performs both minimally invasive and more complex foot and ankle surgeries depending on your condition.
Common surgical procedures include:
Surgery is planned with modern imaging, preoperative counseling, and clear recovery expectations so you can make an informed choice.
If your child is complaining about foot pain, walking oddly, or has visible deformities, early evaluation helps the most. Common pediatric issues include:
Your child’s treatment will be gentle, age-appropriate, and focused on restoring comfort and normal activity.
If you have diabetes, specialized foot care is essential. You’ll receive preventative screening and aggressive wound management when needed:
Early podiatric involvement reduces the risk of complications such as ulcers and infections that can lead to more severe consequences.
You’ll encounter many foot and ankle conditions that podiatrists treat daily. Below is a helpful table summarizing common issues, symptoms, and typical treatments.
| Condition | Typical Symptoms | Typical Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis | Heel pain, worse in morning or after rest | Stretching, night splints, orthotics, steroid/PRP injections |
| Bunions (hallux valgus) | Bony bump at big toe base, shoe pain | Wider shoes, pads, orthotics, surgical correction |
| Hammertoes | Toe deformity, corns, rubbing in shoes | Toe exercises, splints, padding, surgery if rigid |
| Achilles tendinitis | Posterior heel pain with activity | Eccentric strengthening, heel lifts, modalities, surgery if torn |
| Ingrown toenails | Painful nail edge, swelling, possible infection | Conservative care, partial nail removal, antibiotic care if infected |
| Fungal nails (onychomycosis) | Thickened, discolored, brittle nails | Topical/oral antifungals, laser or debridement |
| Stress fractures | Localized bone pain increasing with activity | Rest, immobilization, sometimes surgery |
| Diabetic ulcers | Non-healing wound, often plantar | Offloading, debridement, infection management, vascular assessment |
| Arthritis | Joint pain, swelling, stiffness | Orthotics, injections, surgical fusion or joint replacement |
| Neuropathy | Numbness, burning, tingling | Offloading, footwear, pain control, referral for systemic management |
If you wake up with stabbing heel pain, plantar fasciitis might be the cause. You’ll often notice pain at the bottom of the heel that’s worse with the first steps in the morning.
Treatment you can expect includes rest modification, stretching (especially calf and plantar fascia stretches), night splints to hold the foot in dorsiflexion, orthotics to correct foot mechanics, and targeted therapies such as ultrasound-guided injections or shockwave therapy. With consistent treatment, many people see significant improvement over weeks to months.
A bunion can make shoes painful and create progressive misalignment of the big toe. If you’ve tried wider shoes and pads without relief, surgical correction may restore alignment and reduce pain.
Hammertoes and rigid toe deformities can rub, cause corns, and lead to limited function. Non-surgical care (padding, splints, footwear change) helps if the toe remains flexible. When the deformity is rigid or functionally limiting, minimally invasive or open surgical correction can improve comfort and restore toe alignment.
Achilles problems present as pain up the back of your heel or an inability to push off when walking or running. Treatment ranges from conservative modalities—rest, eccentric strengthening, heel lifts—to more advanced interventions like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for chronic tendinopathy.
If you experience a sudden pop with severe pain and inability to push off, you may have an Achilles rupture, which often requires surgical repair or structured non-operative management depending on your activity level.
Ingrown toenails can be acute and painful or chronic and recurring. A simple outpatient procedure—partial nail avulsion with matrix ablation—can relieve pain and prevent recurrence.
Fungal nails are common and can be stubborn. You’ll receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan that might include topical agents, oral antifungals when appropriate, or in-office laser/medical debridement. Treatment decisions consider the extent of infection, your health status, and potential medication interactions.
If you’re active or an athlete, you’ll appreciate sports-focused care. Podiatrists treat:
You’ll get sport-specific recovery plans, return-to-play guidance, and preventive strategies including strength work and custom orthotics.
When wounds occur—especially in diabetic or vascular-compromised patients—your podiatrist offers aggressive, evidence-based wound care aimed at healing and preventing limb loss. That care includes infection control, vascular assessments, offloading strategies, and multidisciplinary coordination.
Knowing the flow of an initial visit helps you feel prepared. Your first appointment typically includes:
Below is a simple table outlining a typical visit timeline.
| Step | What Happens | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in and forms | Provide medical history and insurance info | 10–15 minutes |
| Clinical evaluation | History taking and physical exam | 15–30 minutes |
| Diagnostics | X-ray/ultrasound if needed | 10–30 minutes (may be same day) |
| Treatment planning | Discuss options and next steps | 10–20 minutes |
| Scheduling/follow-up | Set up appointments, same-day procedures if needed | 5–10 minutes |
If you need same-day treatment (for example, nail procedure or injections), the team will explain what will happen and obtain your consent.
If your condition is urgent or you prefer to be seen quickly, LMD Podiatry offers same-day appointments when available. You’ll be treated in a friendly, supportive environment where your questions are encouraged and your comfort is prioritized.
To check availability or schedule, call 954-680-7133. Explain your issue and ask about same-day openings or the earliest available time.
You’ll want clear expectations about insurance and cost. The practice typically accepts many major insurance plans and will work with you to verify coverage prior to procedures. If you’re uninsured or prefer private-pay, discuss options and payment plans during scheduling.
Referrals may be required for some insurance plans, so confirm whether you need one from your primary care physician. If you have questions about coverage for specific procedures or imaging, the office staff can help verify benefits and estimate out-of-pocket costs.
Preparing a few items before your visit makes the process smoother:
If you’re scheduled for a procedure, follow the pre-procedure instructions provided by the office regarding medications, food, and transportation.
You can take several simple steps daily to protect your foot health:
You should contact a podiatrist if you experience any of the following:
Timely care often prevents more invasive treatments and speeds recovery.
Q: How quickly can I get an appointment? A: Same-day appointments are offered when available; otherwise you’ll be scheduled for the earliest convenient time. Call 954-680-7133 to check current availability.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist? A: That depends on your insurance. Many plans allow self-referral, but some require a primary care referral. The office staff can help verify your plan’s requirements.
Q: Are podiatric surgeries painful? A: Procedures are performed with appropriate anesthesia and pain control. Postoperative discomfort is managed with medications and stepwise rehabilitation plans. Your surgeon will discuss pain expectations before surgery.
Q: Can orthotics really help my foot pain? A: Custom orthotics often correct biomechanical issues that contribute to pain, improving comfort and reducing recurrence. They’re most effective when combined with exercises and footwear changes.
Q: What about fungal nails — are oral medications safe? A: Oral antifungals are effective for many people but require screening for potential interactions and monitoring of liver function in some cases. Topical options and procedural debridement are alternatives if oral meds are not appropriate.
Q: Is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy available for tendon injuries? A: Some podiatry practices offer biologic injections like PRP for chronic tendon issues. These treatments are discussed based on your condition, evidence, and expected outcomes.
These examples demonstrate how individualized treatment plans lead to better outcomes.
You’ll find that the practice emphasizes communication, education, and follow-up. Your treatment plan is a collaboration: you’ll get clear instructions, exercise programs, and timeline expectations. When surgery is needed, you’ll receive preoperative education, postoperative care, and rehabilitation guidance.
The team coordinates with other providers—primary care, endocrinology, vascular surgery, or orthopedics—so you receive comprehensive care when your condition requires it.
Bring these questions to your appointment to make sure you cover the most important points:
Asking these questions helps you make informed decisions about your care.
Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to modify activities temporarily:
Your provider will give specific instructions tailored to the procedure or condition.
Patients often comment on the combination of clinical skill and caring communication they receive. You’ll likely appreciate a team that listens to your concerns, explains treatment options in plain language, and provides practical guidance for recovery.
If you want firsthand impressions, ask the office about patient testimonials or before-and-after examples related to your condition.
If you’re ready to address your foot or ankle issue, call LMD Podiatry for consultation and appointment scheduling. The office prioritizes patient access and offers same-day appointments when possible.
Phone: 954-680-7133
Bring your questions and your most-used shoes to the appointment so the team can give the most accurate advice and treatment plan.
You don’t have to accept ongoing foot pain or discomfort as part of life. With modern diagnostics, evidence-based nonsurgical options, and skilled surgical techniques when necessary, you can regain comfort and function. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, brings Mount Sinai-level training and a patient-centered approach to the Tamiami community. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healthier feet, call 954-680-7133 to schedule a consultation and get personalized care that fits your needs and lifestyle.
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.
