If your feet or ankles are causing trouble, you deserve focused care from a specialist who understands both common issues and complex conditions. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff with Mount Sinai training, provides advanced foot and ankle care for people of all ages. You’ll find both surgical and non-surgical solutions, same-day appointments, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and a friendly environment that prioritizes your foot health. Click here for more information about The Hammocks
Your feet support your entire body every day, and small problems can quickly become bigger ones if left untreated. When you address pain early, you reduce the risk of chronic issues, improve mobility, and protect your overall health. Whether you’re managing diabetes, raising an active child, or rehabilitating after an injury, timely podiatric care helps you stay active and comfortable.
LMD Podiatry combines clinical expertise with a patient-focused approach. Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff is board-certified and trained at Mount Sinai, bringing advanced knowledge of foot and ankle pathology, surgical techniques, and conservative treatments. You’ll notice the difference in how she evaluates your condition, explains options, and creates a personalized plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
If you have ongoing pain, changes in foot appearance, difficulty walking, wounds that won’t heal, or decreased sensation, you should consult a podiatrist. You’ll also benefit from podiatric care if you’re an athlete, diabetic, or parent concerned about your child’s foot development.
You’ll find a wide range of services at LMD Podiatry meant to address acute injuries, chronic conditions, and preventive care. Below is a quick overview before we dig into details.
| Area of Care | Common Conditions Treated | Typical Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Foot Care | In-toeing, flat feet, gait issues, juvenile bunions | Encourage healthy development, correct gait, prevent future problems |
| Diabetic Foot Care | Neuropathy, ulcers, poor circulation | Prevent complications, wound care, education |
| Sports Medicine | Achilles injuries, sprains, stress fractures | Return to activity safely, pain control, performance optimization |
| Deformities | Bunions, hammertoes | Reduce pain, correct alignment, restore function |
| Soft Tissue Conditions | Plantar fasciitis, tendonitis | Relieve pain, restore mobility, prevent recurrence |
| Nail & Skin Problems | Ingrown nails, warts, fungal infections | Relief, cosmetic improvement, infection control |
| Surgical Care | Corrective foot and ankle surgery | Lasting correction when conservative care fails |
| Diagnostics | X-ray, ultrasound, biomechanical analysis | Accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment plans |
You want the best start for your child’s foot development. Kids’ feet change rapidly, and early issues can affect posture and activity later on. At LMD Podiatry, pediatric assessment includes growth and gait evaluation, orthotics if needed, and management of pediatric-specific problems.
Common pediatric concerns:
You’ll be guided through treatment options and receive clear instructions for at-home care, stretching, and activity modification.
If you have diabetes, you must be proactive about your foot health. Diabetes increases your risk of neuropathy, poor circulation, and non-healing wounds that can lead to severe complications. LMD Podiatry prioritizes diabetic foot care with focused exams, wound care, and education to help you prevent problems.
Key components of diabetic foot care:
When you follow a consistent preventive plan, you lower the chance of ulcers and more serious outcomes.
Achilles tendon problems are common, especially if you’ve increased activity, changed footwear, or have tight calf muscles. You might notice stiffness, pain behind the heel, or swelling. Early treatment improves recovery and helps you return to activities faster.
Non-surgical options you’ll likely try first:
If conservative care doesn’t resolve your symptoms, surgical options are available to repair or reconstruct the tendon depending on the injury.
Bunions can cause chronic pain and difficulty fitting shoes. You’ll benefit from an accurate assessment of the deformity and a treatment plan that matches your goals. Non-surgical measures often help significantly, and surgical correction is available when needed.
Non-surgical treatments you might use:
Surgical options vary by the severity of the deformity. Dr. Dabakaroff can explain procedures, recovery timelines, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
You’ll find reliable care for many other conditions, including:
Each condition has specific diagnostic pathways and treatment algorithms designed to return you to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Accurate diagnosis shapes the best treatment plan. LMD Podiatry uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to evaluate your condition quickly and effectively. You’ll appreciate a thorough workup that may include:
These tools help Dr. Dabakaroff pinpoint the root cause of your pain and provide targeted treatment.
You want to know what to expect whether you’re considering conservative care or surgery. Below is a table that compares common treatment paths for a few conditions.
| Condition | Typical Non-Surgical Options | Typical Surgical Options | Recovery Expectations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunions | Shoes, pads, orthotics, injections | Osteotomy, bunionectomy | Non-surgical: symptom relief; Surgical: 6-12 weeks limited weight-bearing, several months full recovery |
| Achilles Tendonitis | Eccentric exercises, bracing, PT, injections | Tendon repair, debridement | Non-surgical: weeks-months of therapy; Surgical: 8-12 weeks, gradual return to activity |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Stretching, orthotics, night splints, injections, shockwave therapy | Plantar fascia release | Non-surgical: weeks to months; Surgical: several weeks recovery, often outpatient |
| Diabetic Ulcer | Offloading, debridement, wound care | Surgical debridement, reconstructive procedures | Non-surgical: variable; Surgical: depends on procedure complexity |
You’ll get individualized recommendations based on your condition severity, activity goals, and general health.
Your initial appointment is about listening, examining, and planning. You’ll find the process efficient but thorough.
Typical first-visit steps:
If you need urgent attention, same-day appointments are available so you don’t have to wait for care.
When pain or an acute injury strikes, you need prompt care. LMD Podiatry offers same-day appointments to provide timely evaluation and early treatment. You’ll avoid prolonged discomfort and reduce the risk of worsening conditions when you seek care promptly.
If surgery becomes necessary, you’ll want a clear plan and realistic expectations. Surgery is tailored to your needs, and Dr. Dabakaroff will review the type of procedure, anesthesia options, risks, benefits, and recovery timeline.
General surgical prep and recovery notes:
You’ll receive written instructions and support from the clinical team to make recovery as smooth as possible.
Footwear and orthotics play a major role in managing many foot conditions. You’ll often see big improvements with proper shoes and devices.
Orthotic options:
Shoe guidelines:
If needed, LMD Podiatry will help you select or customize orthotics to match your specific foot mechanics.
Keeping your feet healthy is largely within your control. Small daily habits make a big difference.
Simple preventive tips:
These habits help you avoid preventable problems and maintain mobility.
You’ll want clarity on costs and coverage. LMD Podiatry typically accepts a variety of insurance plans and offers transparent billing practices. It’s best to call in advance to confirm coverage for specific procedures or services. The office can also discuss payment options for uninsured services and estimates for surgical procedures.
For appointments and insurance questions, call 954-680-7133.
You’ll find a friendly and professional environment designed to make your visit comfortable. Staff members focus on patient education and clear communication. Same-day diagnostics and treatment options mean you’ll often leave with a plan to start healing right away.
What patients often appreciate:
You probably have questions about symptoms, treatment options, and what happens if you delay care. Below are common Q&A that many patients find helpful.
Q: How do I know if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis or something else? A: Plantar fasciitis typically causes sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after resting. A detailed history, exam, and occasionally imaging help differentiate it from heel spurs, stress fractures, or nerve-related pain.
Q: Are injections safe for foot pain? A: Injections like corticosteroids can provide targeted relief for many conditions but are used judiciously due to potential side effects. Dr. Dabakaroff will discuss risks and benefits for your case.
Q: How long will custom orthotics take? A: Custom orthotics often require a biomechanical assessment and cast or digital scan; you can expect a manufacturing period of 2–4 weeks, with follow-ups to adjust fit.
Q: What should I do for a diabetic foot ulcer? A: Seek care immediately. You’ll likely need wound debridement, offloading, infection control, and close follow-up to prevent complications.
Q: Can bunions be treated without surgery? A: Many people get significant relief from conservative measures, but surgery is recommended when pain severely impacts daily life or conservative care fails to provide relief.
Q: Do you treat children? A: Yes. LMD Podiatry offers pediatric care for a range of developmental, structural, and injury-related issues.
Some situations require prompt evaluation to avoid complications. You should seek immediate care if you experience:
Same-day appointments are available, and you’ll be evaluated quickly to determine urgent interventions.
Recovery varies widely by condition and treatment. Below is a general guide to help set expectations.
| Condition/Treatment | Initial Recovery Phase | Timeline to Return to Normal Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Mild plantar fasciitis (conservative) | Weeks of stretching, orthotics | 6–12 weeks, variable |
| Plantar fasciitis (surgical release) | 2–6 weeks limited activity | 6–12 weeks for many activities |
| Achilles tendonitis (conservative) | 4–8 weeks rehab | 3–6 months for full sports return |
| Achilles repair (rupture) | Immobilization 6–8 weeks | 4–6 months for many activities, up to a year for full strength |
| Bunion conservative | Immediate symptom relief possible | Ongoing management; surgery if needed |
| Bunion surgery | Protected weight-bearing, stitches removed 2 weeks | 6–12 weeks to resume many activities, months for full recovery |
These are general estimates. Dr. Dabakaroff will provide a personalized timeline based on your health and procedure.
You’ll want to arrive prepared to make the most of your visit.
Bring:
This helps the clinical team quickly assess your needs and design an effective care plan.
While specifics vary, many patients report improved pain, better mobility, and relief after following treatment plans. You’ll likely notice that clear communication, timely diagnostics, and a combination of conservative and surgical options lead to the best outcomes.
If you’re ready to address your foot or ankle problem, scheduling an appointment is straightforward. LMD Podiatry offers same-day visits and efficient access to diagnostics so you’ll begin treatment without unnecessary delays.
Phone: 954-680-7133
You can call to schedule your consultation and ask any questions about insurance, appointment times, or what to expect at your first visit.
You don’t have to live with persistent foot or ankle pain. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff, offers a comprehensive approach that blends compassionate patient care with advanced diagnostics and targeted treatments. Whether you’re dealing with pediatric concerns, diabetic complications, sports injuries, bunions, Achilles issues, or routine foot care, you’ll receive an individualized plan designed to restore comfort and function.
If your feet are limiting your life, reach out for an evaluation. Early treatment improves outcomes and helps you stay active and comfortable. Call 954-680-7133 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier 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.
