Podiatrist Services for Westchester

About LMD Podiatry and Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff

You’ll find compassionate, evidence-based care at LMD Podiatry, led by board-certified Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff. She combines advanced training from Mount Sinai with a patient-first approach to provide both surgical and non-surgical options tailored to your needs. Click here for more information about Westchester

Dr. Dabakaroff’s training and credentials

You should know that Dr. Dabakaroff completed specialized training at Mount Sinai, which equips her to manage complex foot and ankle conditions. Her board certification indicates she meets rigorous standards in podiatric medicine and surgery.

Clinic philosophy and environment

When you come in, you’ll notice a friendly, professional environment designed to make your visit comfortable and efficient. The team prioritizes clear communication, same-day appointments when possible, and personalized treatment plans that fit your lifestyle.

Experience relief with Custom Orthotics, Shockwave Therapy, Regenerative Medicine and Laser Wart Removal . Contact us!

Services offered at LMD Podiatry

You’ll have access to a broad range of podiatric services, from routine care to advanced surgical procedures. The clinic focuses on accurate diagnosis and offers state-of-the-art treatment modalities to restore your foot health.

Non-surgical treatments you may receive

You’ll often start with conservative approaches before surgery is considered. These methods can relieve pain, restore function, and sometimes eliminate the need for an operation.

• Activity modification and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility.
• Custom orthotics and footwear recommendations to correct mechanics.
• Medications such as topical or oral anti-inflammatories when appropriate.
• Injections (corticosteroid, PRP) for targeted relief of inflammation or tendon issues.
• Shockwave therapy or therapeutic ultrasound for chronic plantar fasciitis and tendon problems.

When non-surgical care is appropriate

If your symptoms are recent or moderate, you’ll likely respond well to conservative care. You and your clinician will track progress; if improvement stalls, you’ll discuss next steps including possible surgery.

Surgical services and what to expect

If surgery becomes the best option for your condition, you’ll receive clear explanations about risks, benefits, and recovery. Dr. Dabakaroff performs both minimally invasive and traditional procedures depending on what’s right for your anatomy and goals.

Preparing for surgical care

You’ll be given pre-op instructions including medication adjustments and fasting guidelines if needed. The clinic will discuss anesthesia options and help you prepare for aftercare, mobility restrictions, and timelines for returning to work or activity.

Pediatric podiatry: caring for children’s feet

If your child has foot or ankle complaints, early evaluation helps prevent long-term issues. The clinic treats common pediatric problems with gentle, age-appropriate approaches.

Common pediatric conditions treated

You’ll find help with conditions such as flat feet, in-toeing, persistent heel pain (Sever’s disease), and toe-walking. Simple interventions, stretching programs, and orthotics can often correct or improve many issues.

Diabetic foot care: why it matters and how you’ll be cared for

If you’re diabetic, your feet deserve extra attention because reduced sensation and circulation increase your risk for ulcers and infection. LMD Podiatry emphasizes preventative care, prompt wound management, and patient education to protect your feet.

What you can do at home

You’ll be taught daily inspection routines, how to trim nails safely, and the importance of wearing properly fitting shoes. Prompt reporting of redness, drainage, or new sores lets the team act before a small problem grows.

Achilles tendonitis and sports-related injuries

If you’re active and experiencing stiffness, pain at the back of your heel, or reduced push-off strength, you may have Achilles tendonitis. The clinic uses activity-specific rehab, loading programs, and adjunct therapies to help you recover.

Treatment options for Achilles problems

You’ll likely start with rest modification, eccentric strengthening exercises, heel lifts, and possibly shockwave or PRP injections for persistent cases. Surgery is reserved for chronic ruptures or tissue degeneration that doesn’t respond to conservative care.

Bunions, hammertoes, and forefoot disorders

If your forefoot hurts or your big toe drifts toward the others, you may be dealing with a bunion. You’ll get a personalized approach that may begin with conservative measures and progress to surgical correction if needed.

Conservative care for bunions and hammertoes

You’ll receive shoe recommendations, padding, orthotics, and activity adjustments to reduce pressure and pain. These steps can often delay or minimize the need for surgery.

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis

If you feel sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning, plantar fasciitis is a common diagnosis. The clinic offers a stepwise protocol to reduce inflammation and restore normal gait.

• Stretching routines and night splints to support healing.
• Orthotics to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Corticosteroid injections when indicated, performed carefully.
• Shockwave therapy for chronic, stubborn cases.

Diagnostic tools and technology you’ll experience

Accurate diagnosis speeds recovery, and you’ll have access to modern diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of your pain. The clinic combines clinical examination with imaging and gait assessment for a full picture.

How diagnostics fit into your visit

You’ll usually undergo a focused history and physical exam first, then targeted imaging if needed. Rapid access to X-rays and ultrasound on-site helps create a treatment plan during the same appointment when possible.

Custom orthotics and footwear recommendations

If your foot mechanics contribute to pain, custom orthotics can provide lasting relief and improved function. You’ll have measurements, scans, or pressure mapping done to design inserts that match your anatomy and activities.

When orthotics help most

You’ll benefit from orthotics for conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, diabetic neuropathy, and certain types of knee or hip pain linked to foot mechanics. The goal is to balance support and comfort for daily life and sports.

Wound care and infection management

If you have a cut, ulcer, or infected toenail, quick treatment protects your foot from worsening problems. The clinic provides debridement, culture-guided antibiotics when needed, and specialized dressings to promote healing.

Steps in wound management you’ll experience

You’ll receive a thorough assessment of the wound, strategies to offload pressure, and a tailored dressing and follow-up schedule. If vascular issues are suspected, referrals will be made so you get comprehensive care.

What to expect at your first appointment

You’ll be guided through a clear, efficient process designed to address your concerns that day when feasible. The staff will review your history, perform a focused exam, and outline immediate next steps.

Documents and information to bring

You should bring a list of medications, previous imaging if available, insurance cards, and any relevant medical records. If you have a specific shoe that causes pain, bring it so the clinician can assess fit and wear patterns.

Same-day appointments and scheduling

You’ll find that LMD Podiatry aims to offer same-day or prompt appointments when your issue is urgent. This helps you get timely care for sudden injuries, painful flare-ups, or wound concerns.

How same-day appointments help you

Quick access prevents small problems from worsening and often reduces the need for emergency room visits. If you need urgent attention, call the clinic to ask about availability and the best time to come in.

Insurance, billing, and payments

You’ll want clarity on costs and coverage before treatment begins, and the clinic staff can help you navigate insurance questions. They can tell you whether your insurer is accepted and what your out-of-pocket responsibilities might be.

Tips for dealing with insurance

You should call your insurer ahead of time to confirm coverage for podiatric services, especially for procedures, imaging, or durable medical equipment like orthotics. If you’re uncertain, speak with the clinic’s administrative team — they can often verify benefits for you.

How the clinic decides between surgery and conservative care

You’ll be part of the decision-making process from day one, with options explained in plain language. The clinician will weigh symptom severity, impact on daily life, progression despite conservative measures, and imaging results before recommending surgery.

Typical treatment timeline before surgery is considered

Most conditions are managed conservatively for a period (often six weeks to several months) unless there’s an acute injury or severe dysfunction. If your symptoms don’t improve with recommended treatments, surgical options are discussed as the next step.

Preparing for surgery and post-operative expectations

If you decide to proceed with surgery, you’ll get a clear pre-op plan including fasting instructions, medication adjustments, and mobility aids you’ll need post-op. Post-operative care includes wound checks, activity restrictions, and a structured rehabilitation plan.

Typical recovery milestones

You’ll usually have a staged recovery: immediate post-op protection (days to weeks), progressive weight-bearing and mobility (weeks), and rehabilitation to regain strength and function (weeks to months). The exact timeline depends on the procedure and your overall health.

Prevention: steps you can take right now

You’ll reduce your risk of many foot problems by taking simple daily steps and choosing appropriate footwear. Prevention is often easier and less costly than treatment.

• Inspect your feet daily for cuts, redness, or swelling.
• Wear shoes that fit well and suit your activity.
• Replace worn-out athletic shoes and choose supportive footwear for long-standing activities.
• Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting too short.
• Keep skin moisturized to prevent cracks, but avoid lotion between toes if you’re prone to fungal infections.
• Maintain a healthy weight and activity routine to reduce pressure on joints and tendons.

Foot-strengthening and flexibility exercises you can do

You’ll benefit from simple exercises that maintain foot and ankle strength and mobility. These are helpful before and after treatment to speed recovery and prevent recurrence.

• Toe curls with a towel to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles.
• Calf stretches (standing or on a step) to relieve and prevent plantar fascia and Achilles strain.
• Balance exercises like single-leg stands to reduce fall risk and improve ankle stability.
• Ankle alphabet to gently restore range of motion after an injury.

How to choose a podiatrist in Westchester

You’ll want to select a clinician with appropriate qualifications, good communication, and a treatment philosophy that matches your needs. Look for board certification, hospital affiliations, and positive patient feedback about outcomes and bedside manner.

Questions to ask before committing

You should ask about the clinician’s experience with your specific problem, expected timelines, non-surgical options, and what to expect for recovery. Don’t hesitate to ask for before-and-after examples or for references from other patients.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You’ll likely have questions about pain, treatment length, and whether surgery is necessary. Here are common queries and straightforward answers.

• How quickly should I see a podiatrist for foot pain? You should make an appointment if pain lasts more than a week, interferes with walking, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or fever. Acute injuries with severe pain or deformity warrant immediate evaluation.

• Will orthotics cure my foot pain? Orthotics can correct biomechanics and relieve pain for many conditions, but they’re not a guaranteed cure for every case. They work best when combined with exercise, shoe changes, and activity modification.

• Is surgery my only option for bunions? No. Many people manage bunions for years with conservative measures. Surgery becomes an option when pain and functional limitation don’t improve with non-surgical care.

• How is diabetic foot care different? You’ll be monitored more closely for neuropathy, circulation, and skin breakdown, and wound care is more aggressive. The goal is to prevent ulcers and infections that can lead to serious complications.

• Can sports injuries be treated without surgery? Many sports injuries improve with rest, rehab, bracing, and targeted therapies. Surgery is reserved for tears, chronic instability, or injuries that don’t respond to conservative care.

Realistic expectations: outcomes and timelines

You’ll get a clear sense of expected outcomes and recovery timelines tailored to your specific diagnosis. The clinic emphasizes measurable goals like reduced pain, improved mobility, and a safe return to activities.

Factors that influence recovery

Your age, general health, adherence to therapy, smoking status, and severity of the condition all influence how quickly you heal. Active participation in rehabilitation and following post-care instructions significantly improve outcomes.

When to seek immediate care

If you’re experiencing severe pain, a visible deformity after an injury, worsening redness and swelling, fever, or a rapidly spreading infection, you should seek urgent attention. Quick treatment can prevent long-term damage or complications.

Testimonials and patient experience

You’ll find that patients often comment on the clinic’s thoroughness, clear explanations, and same-day access to diagnostics. Positive experiences commonly mention compassionate care and improved function after treatment.

Contact and scheduling

If you’re ready to schedule a consultation or have urgent concerns, call the clinic to speak with staff and arrange an appointment that fits your needs. Call us for consultation at 954-680-7133 to discuss your foot and ankle concerns or to request a same-day appointment.

Final thoughts

You don’t have to accept persistent foot or ankle pain as normal many problems are highly treatable with the right care. Whether you need routine foot care, diabetic monitoring, sports medicine expertise, or surgical correction, LMD Podiatry and Dr. Lauren Dabakaroff offer modern diagnostics and compassionate care to help you get back to the activities you love.