You deserve foot and ankle care that feels personal, skilled, and timely. LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff with Mount Sinai training, offers a wide range of services for patients of all ages in a friendly environment. You can call 954-680-7133 for consultation or same-day appointments to get started on restoring your foot health. Click here for more information about Three Lakes
Your feet and ankles carry your whole body and affect how you move, work, and enjoy life. When pain or dysfunction appears, it can reduce mobility and quality of life quickly. Specialized podiatry provides focused diagnosis and treatments designed specifically for the complexities of the foot and ankle. With a podiatrist who understands pediatric, sports-related, diabetic, and surgical needs, you’ll get care tailored to your condition and lifestyle.
You’ll find that Dr. Dabakaroff brings both advanced training and a patient-centered approach. Trained at Mount Sinai and board-certified, she combines surgical skills with non-surgical therapies to create individualized treatment plans. The practice emphasizes clear communication, friendly service, and state-of-the-art diagnostics so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Your first visit will focus on listening to your history, assessing symptoms, and performing a physical exam. Expect a thorough evaluation that may include imaging, gait assessment, or diagnostic ultrasound depending on your needs. Dr. Dabakaroff will explain findings, discuss treatment options, and outline a plan that fits your goals — whether that means conservative care or surgical referral. You can often get same-day appointments, minimizing delays in starting treatment.
LMD Podiatry provides both surgical and non-surgical solutions across a broad spectrum of conditions. The following table summarizes primary service areas and typical treatments so you can quickly see what relates to your situation.
| Service area | Typical conditions treated | Common treatments |
|---|---|---|
| General foot & ankle care | Ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, fungal nails | Debridement, topical/ oral meds, nail procedures |
| Pediatric podiatry | Pediatric flatfoot, toe walking, ingrown nails in children | Orthotics, stretching plans, conservative care |
| Diabetic foot care | Diabetic ulcers, neuropathy, wound care | Offloading, debridement, wound dressings, education |
| Sports medicine | Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures | PRP (if indicated), rehab, bracing, physical therapy |
| Plantar fasciitis & heel pain | Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs | Night splints, injections, shockwave therapy |
| Bunion & forefoot disorders | Hallux valgus, hammertoes | Conservative padding, custom orthotics, surgical correction |
| Surgical procedures | Complex deformity, chronic tendon issues | Minimally invasive or open surgery, post-op care |
| Diagnostic services | Gait abnormalities, suspected fractures | X-ray, ultrasound, biomechanical assessment |
You’ll often have choices between conservative and surgical options. Conservative treatments aim to relieve symptoms and improve function without surgery, while surgery is reserved for structural problems or when conservative measures fail.
| Factor | Non-surgical care | Surgical care |
|---|---|---|
| Typical aim | Pain relief, function improvement | Structural correction, definitive resolution |
| Recovery time | Days to weeks | Weeks to months (depending on procedure) |
| Risk level | Low | Higher risk, but controlled and managed |
| When recommended | First-line for many conditions | Persistent symptoms, deformity, or specific injuries |
| Examples | Orthotics, injections, physical therapy | Bunion correction, tendon repair, osteotomy |
You’ll work with Dr. Dabakaroff to weigh benefits and risks and choose the path that aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
You should be able to recognize common problems and know when to seek professional help. Below are condition summaries and what treatments generally look like.
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints and often results from plantar fasciitis. You’ll notice stabbing pain with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Treatments frequently include stretching programs, night splints, orthotics, physical therapy, corticosteroid or regenerative injections, and in persistent cases, surgical intervention.
If you experience pain in the back of your heel or stiffness after activity, you may have Achilles tendonitis. Conservative care — eccentric strengthening, activity modification, bracing, and shockwave therapy — is highly effective. Surgical repair is considered for rupture or chronic cases that don’t improve.
Bunions change the alignment of your big toe and can cause pain, rubbing, and difficulty with shoes. Conservative options include wider shoes, padding, orthotics, and activity changes. Surgery corrects alignment and is tailored to the severity of deformity and your activity goals.
You need specialized care if you have diabetes because neuropathy and poor circulation raise the risk of ulcers and infection. The practice provides preventative screenings, offloading strategies, wound debridement, advanced dressings, and coordinated care with your primary physician to reduce the risk of complications.
Children present with unique conditions like flexible flatfoot, in-toeing, or persistent ingrown nails. Early assessment prevents future issues and helps you understand whether conservative management, orthotics, or referral is needed.
An ingrown toenail can become painful and infected quickly. Treatments range from conservative trimming and topical care to partial or full nail removal when necessary, all performed with comfort and sterile technique.
You’ll get focused care for ankle sprains, stress fractures, metatarsalgia, and other sports-related injuries. Treatment emphasizes returning you to activity safely through bracing, physical therapy, activity modification, and, when needed, surgical repair.
You’ll benefit from state-of-the-art diagnostics that give clear answers and guide treatment choices. LMD Podiatry uses tools designed for accuracy and comfort.
Digital X-rays offer clear views of bone alignment, fractures, and deformities with fast results. They’re an essential first-step diagnostic tool for many conditions.
Ultrasound lets your provider see soft tissues — tendons, ligaments, and plantar fascia — in real time. It’s helpful for guiding injections and evaluating tendon tears or bursitis without radiation exposure.
Understanding how you walk or run helps identify mechanical problems that contribute to pain. Custom orthotics or shoe recommendations follow from careful biomechanical testing to correct abnormal forces and improve function.
For diabetic foot wounds, consistent monitoring and photographic documentation track healing progress and guide changes in treatment.
When foot pain strikes, you want care promptly. LMD Podiatry offers same-day appointments to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. Quick access means you can start conservative care sooner, reduce the risk of complications, and get back to normal activities faster.
You’ll find a friendly, professional environment where the team focuses on making visits efficient and comfortable. From helpful front-desk staff to attentive clinical care, the practice prioritizes communication and clear instructions so you know what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
You’ll want clarity about costs and coverage. The office staff assists with insurance verification, pre-authorization for procedures when needed, and transparent billing practices. If you’re uninsured or have high deductibles, discuss payment options or financing to find a workable plan.
You’ll likely ask whether a particular procedure or imaging is covered. The practice checks benefits ahead of time and explains any out-of-pocket costs. For elective cosmetic procedures or certain advanced regenerative therapies, you should expect to discuss payment options.
Keeping feet healthy reduces the chance you’ll need more invasive care. These practical tips cover daily routines and lifestyle changes that protect your foot health.
Restoring function often requires more than a single visit. You’ll get a tailored rehab plan that may include physical therapy, gradual return-to-sport programming, balance exercises, and footwear modifications. If surgery is performed, post-operative follow-up will guide progressive weight-bearing, wound care, and strengthening.
Some signs require prompt medical attention. Contact the office or seek emergency care if you experience severe swelling, uncontrolled pain, deformity after injury, redness with spreading infection, fever, or a diabetic foot wound that isn’t improving. For urgent needs, calling 954-680-7133 will help you access timely care.
You’ll likely have questions, and here are answers to common concerns to help you prepare for your visit.
How quickly can I get an appointment? You can often get same-day appointments; call 954-680-7133 to confirm availability.
Will I need surgery? Many conditions are managed conservatively. Surgery is considered when conservative care fails or when structural correction is required.
Do you treat children? Yes, pediatric podiatry is part of the practice, with tailored evaluations and treatments for young patients.
Is diabetic foot care available? Yes, comprehensive diabetic foot management, wound care, and preventive screening are available.
What should I bring to my first appointment? Bring insurance info, a list of medications, any prior imaging (if available), and comfortable shoes for gait assessment.
You may benefit from custom orthotics if you have structural foot problems, chronic pain, or recurring injury. Orthotics are designed to support your arch, redistribute pressure, and improve alignment. After a biomechanical assessment, Dr. Dabakaroff will recommend the type of orthotic that fits your lifestyle and foot mechanics.
You might be a candidate for injections such as corticosteroids for inflammation or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for certain tendon injuries. These treatments can reduce pain and promote healing when used appropriately. The practice discusses indications, benefits, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
If you undergo surgery, your recovery depends on the procedure. You’ll receive clear instructions on wound care, activity limitations, and follow-up visits. Typical timelines:
You’ll often hear from patients who regained mobility and reduced pain after treatment. Real outcomes reflect the combination of accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, and attention to rehabilitation. Hearing patient experiences can help set realistic expectations for your own care.
Many conditions improve with non-invasive approaches. You should consider conservative strategies when symptoms are mild to moderate or when structural deformity is not advanced. Conservative care is often the first recommended step and may include orthotics, physical therapy, injections, footwear modification, and activity adjustments.
If you play sports or maintain an active lifestyle, you’ll want a plan that returns you to your sport safely. The practice provides sport-specific rehabilitation, bracing, activity modification guidance, and performance-focused strategies to reduce re-injury risk.
You’ll benefit from coordinated care when needed. LMD Podiatry collaborates with primary care physicians, endocrinologists (for diabetes management), orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists to create comprehensive plans and ensure continuity of care.
Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and improve recovery. For outpatient procedures, you’ll typically be given pre-op instructions, guidance on medication adjustments, and post-op care steps. Arrange transportation if you’ll be sedated and follow activity restrictions to optimize healing.
Success looks different depending on your goals. You’ll set measurable objectives with Dr. Dabakaroff, such as reducing pain scores, returning to a sport, healing a wound, or fitting comfortably into shoes. Progress is tracked through follow-up visits and objective assessments.
You should know about appointment scheduling, cancellations, and after-hours contact. The office staff will explain policies during scheduling so you can plan accordingly. For urgent issues outside office hours, follow the provided guidance to reach appropriate care.
You can call 954-680-7133 to schedule your consultation or same-day appointment. When you call, be prepared to describe symptoms, any recent injuries, and your insurance to streamline scheduling. The office will guide you through the intake process and answer any pre-visit questions.
You’ll get focused, expert care for foot and ankle issues from a board-certified podiatrist with advanced training and a compassionate team. With state-of-the-art diagnostics, a friendly environment, and options for same-day appointments, LMD Podiatry helps you return to pain-free activity and better mobility. Whether you need pediatric care, diabetic foot management, sports medicine, or surgical solutions, the practice offers comprehensive services aligned with your needs.
If you’re ready to address that pain or get a professional evaluation, call 954-680-7133 today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward healthier feet and ankles.
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.
