If you live in The Crossings and need expert foot and ankle care, LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, delivers comprehensive, modern treatment options. With Mount Sinai training and a focus on both surgical and non-surgical solutions, this practice emphasizes patient-centered care, same-day appointments, and state-of-the-art diagnostics so you can get timely, effective help. Click here for more information about The Crossings
Your feet are the foundation of nearly every movement you make, and problems there can affect your balance, gait, posture, and overall quality of life. Ignoring foot pain may lead to chronic conditions, reduced mobility, and secondary issues in your knees, hips, and back, so getting specialist care early is often the smartest choice.
You want a podiatrist with training, experience, and a patient-first approach. Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff is board-certified and trained at Mount Sinai, combining surgical expertise with compassionate, conservative care when appropriate. The practice focuses on clear communication, same-day consults, and modern diagnostic tools that let you understand your condition and treatment choices.
You may be surprised how many distinct problems a podiatrist can address. Below is a helpful breakdown of common conditions treated at LMD Podiatry and what they typically involve.
| Condition | Typical Symptoms | Typical Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar Fasciitis | Heel pain, worst in morning or after rest | Stretching, orthotics, shockwave therapy, injections |
| Bunions (Hallux Valgus) | Prominent big toe joint, shoe pain | Conservative care, footwear, orthotics, surgical correction |
| Hammertoes | Bent toes, corns, calluses | Toe splints, padding, surgical correction |
| Achilles Tendonitis | Pain at back of heel, stiffness | Eccentric strengthening, orthotics, PRP, surgery if severe |
| Ingrown Toenails | Painful nail edge, infection | Partial nail avulsion, nail care education |
| Toenail Fungus | Discoloration, thickened nails | Topical/ oral antifungals, laser therapy |
| Diabetic Foot Problems | Numbness, ulcers, infection | Offloading, wound care, regular foot checks |
| Warts (Plantar) | Painful lesions, rough surface | Cryotherapy, topical treatments, surgical removal |
| Fractures & Sprains | Localized swelling, bruising, tenderness | Immobilization, surgery for displaced fractures |
| Peripheral Neuropathy | Numbness, tingling, burning | Neuropathy management, orthotics, medication |
| Charcot Foot | Red, warm, swollen foot, progressive deformity | Offloading, bracing, surgery for advanced deformity |
You should expect modern diagnostics that pinpoint the problem quickly and guide treatment. LMD Podiatry uses X-rays, ultrasound, and digital imaging to evaluate bone alignment, tendon injuries, and soft-tissue problems. Gait analysis and pressure mapping can reveal biomechanical issues that contribute to recurring pain. Accurate diagnosis helps you avoid unnecessary procedures and get targeted care.
Many foot and ankle conditions respond well to conservative care, and you’ll often start here before considering surgery. Non-surgical approaches include:
These treatments are often effective, reduce recovery time, and carry less risk than operative options.
If conservative care doesn’t bring relief, surgery may be the next step. Surgeries at LMD Podiatry are tailored to your condition and lifestyle. Common procedures include bunion correction, hammertoe repair, tendon repairs, fracture fixation, and arthroscopy for joint problems. Many procedures are minimally invasive or outpatient, allowing for faster recovery. Dr. Dabakaroff’s surgical training at Mount Sinai ensures you’re in experienced hands.
Children’s feet are still developing, so early assessment can prevent lifelong problems. You might bring your child in for flat feet, toe walking, in-toeing, growing pains, or sports injuries. Treatment ranges from observation and guided stretching to orthotics or corrective procedures when necessary. You’ll appreciate explanations that help you understand normal development versus patterns that require intervention.
If you have diabetes, you need specialized foot care because neuropathy and poor circulation increase your risk of ulcers and infection. The podiatry team will evaluate nerve function, vascular status, and skin integrity at each visit. You’ll get personalized strategies for glucose-related foot protection, including footwear recommendations, callus removal, wound debridement, and offloading devices when ulcers are present. Regular podiatric follow-up can prevent amputations and hospitalizations.
You’re probably active and want to stay that way. Podiatrists treat stress fractures, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, sprains, and biomechanical issues that limit performance. Treatment plans often include gait analysis, strengthening exercises, custom orthotics, and return-to-sport protocols that minimize re-injury risk.
These everyday problems are common but annoying and sometimes painful. For ingrown toenails you can expect in-office partial nail avulsion procedures that provide lasting relief. For fungal nails, treatment options include topical and oral medications, as well as procedural approaches like debridement and laser therapy. Plantar warts can be treated with cryotherapy, topical agents, or removal when stubborn.
When you visit, the team will gather your medical history, understand your symptoms, and perform a focused physical exam. Imaging may be ordered the same day if needed. Dr. Dabakaroff will explain the diagnosis and present both conservative and surgical options, including what to expect from recovery and costs. If you need urgent care, same-day appointments help you get started right away.
You’ll get the most from your consultation if you bring:
This preparation helps the provider make faster, more accurate treatment decisions.
If you’re recommended for surgery, you’ll get a clear timeline of preoperative steps, the procedure itself, and expected recovery.
Understanding each phase reduces your anxiety and increases the likelihood of a smooth recovery.
Your recovery depends on the procedure. For soft-tissue repairs you may be walking in a protective shoe within days; for more complex reconstructions you might need immobilization and a longer rehab period. You’ll receive instructions for wound care, signs of infection to watch for, and a physical therapy plan when needed. Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and adjustment of treatment.
Keeping your feet healthy reduces the need for interventions. Practical tips you can use every day include:
These habits preserve foot mechanics and comfort.
Shoes can be therapeutic. You should look for shoes with:
A podiatrist can advise on therapeutic footwear and custom orthotics tailored to your biomechanics.
You may be unsure whether you need custom orthotics or OTC insoles. Over-the-counter insoles can help mild conditions, but custom orthotics are molded to your foot and designed for specific biomechanical corrections. If you have chronic pain, recurrent injuries, or complex deformities, custom orthotics are worth considering.
Gait analysis helps identify abnormal foot motion that creates pain or injury. With pressure mapping and observational analysis, your provider can prescribe orthotics, shoe changes, or targeted exercises to correct dysfunctional patterns. This is often a game-changer for people with recurrent plantar fasciitis or Achilles problems.
If you have a foot ulcer, timely and expert wound care is essential. Wound management includes debridement, infection control, appropriate dressings, and offloading devices like total contact casts or specialized boots. The goal is to reduce pressure, promote healing, and prevent reinjury.
You should seek urgent podiatric care if you experience:
Prompt care reduces complications and speeds recovery.
LMD Podiatry focuses on accessibility and clear communication. You can call 954-680-7133 for consultations and same-day appointments in many cases. The office prioritizes getting you answers quickly, offering same-day imaging when indicated and personalized treatment plans that consider your lifestyle and goals.
You’ll want clarity about costs and insurance. The practice typically works with major insurance plans and offers transparent billing. Call ahead to verify your coverage, ask about co-pays or prior authorization needs, and confirm appointment availability. Same-day appointment options mean you don’t have to wait when you need care urgently.
For some follow-up visits or initial triage, telehealth may be an option to discuss symptoms, review images, or adjust care plans without an in-person visit. Ask the office whether your situation is appropriate for virtual care.
You may fall into a group that needs tailored care:
A podiatrist will create a plan that fits your unique needs.
You probably hear conflicting advice. Let’s clear up common myths:
Understanding the reality helps you make informed choices.
Below are answers to common questions you may have.
Q: How soon can I get an appointment? A: Many patients are able to get same-day or next-day appointments depending on availability; call 954-680-7133 to check.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist? A: Referrals depend on your insurance plan; often you can self-refer. Check with your insurer and the office staff.
Q: Will my insurance cover orthotics? A: Coverage varies—some plans cover custom orthotics with a prescription and proper documentation. Verify with your insurer and the office.
Q: Are foot surgeries painful? A: Pain is managed with modern anesthesia and post-op pain control. You’ll receive clear instructions for managing discomfort.
Q: How long until I can walk after foot surgery? A: That depends on the procedure. Some surgeries allow partial weight-bearing immediately in a protective boot, while others may require crutches for a few weeks.
Q: Can plantar fasciitis be cured without surgery? A: Yes. Many cases improve with stretching, orthotics, physical therapy, and other conservative measures.
Q: What should I do if I have a diabetic foot ulcer? A: Seek prompt podiatric care. Early debridement, offloading, and infection control significantly improve healing.
Q: Are injections safe? A: Corticosteroid and PRP injections are commonly used; risks and benefits will be discussed prior to treatment.
Q: How long do custom orthotics last? A: Typically 2–5 years depending on usage and materials; they may need adjustments over time.
Q: What if I’m afraid of surgery? A: Your podiatrist will explain all options and often try conservative measures first. If surgery is recommended, you’ll get a clear plan and reassurance about safety.
You should not delay seeking care if you notice:
Prompt assessment helps prevent complications.
You can manage many issues at home while waiting for care:
These measures can ease symptoms but shouldn’t replace professional evaluation when serious problems are present.
If you undergo treatment, a structured rehab plan will help you return safely. Typical components include:
Your podiatrist and physical therapist will coordinate to reduce re-injury risk.
These examples reflect common pathways and outcomes when you access timely podiatric care.
If you’re ready to get an assessment, call LMD Podiatry at 954-680-7133. The team offers same-day consultations in many cases, clear explanations of treatment options, and personalized follow-up. Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff’s Mount Sinai training and board certification mean you’re consulting an experienced specialist who balances surgical skill with conservative care.
You deserve foot and ankle care that listens to your goals, uses modern diagnostics, and offers practical, evidence-based solutions. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition like plantar fasciitis, a diabetic foot concern, a sports injury, or simply stubborn toenail or bunion problems, LMD Podiatry aims to provide fast, effective care with compassionate support. Call 954-680-7133 for a consultation and to learn how the practice can help you get back to comfortably moving through your daily life.
If you have specific symptoms or questions you’d like to address now, tell me what you’re experiencing and I’ll guide you through next steps or the questions to ask at your appointment.
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.
