Quick answer: Annual Foot Exam Preventive Care affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
The most important clinical decision with Annual Foot Exam Preventive Care isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick Answer
Why Annual Foot Exams Matter — Preventive Podiatric Ca relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Why Annual Foot Exams Matter — Preventive Podiatric Care
The Annual Foot Exam — Why It Matters
Most people visit a dentist annually without question, yet the same individuals often go years without having their feet professionally examined. This gap in preventive care is particularly significant because many serious foot conditions develop gradually and silently — peripheral neuropathy, early vascular insufficiency, structural changes from years of poor footwear, and evolving biomechanical problems can all be identified and addressed in early stages during a routine podiatric evaluation, well before they cause significant pain or require complex treatment.
What a Preventive Podiatric Exam Includes
A comprehensive foot health evaluation assesses multiple systems. Neurological testing uses a monofilament and tuning fork to evaluate protective sensation — the ability to feel pressure and vibration that normally warns of injury. Vascular assessment checks pulses in the foot and ankle and evaluates capillary refill, skin temperature, and hair distribution as indicators of arterial blood flow. Structural assessment identifies deformities, alignment problems, and areas of abnormal pressure. Gait analysis identifies biomechanical patterns that may predispose to overuse injuries. Skin and nail assessment detects early signs of fungal infection, skin cancer, and callus patterns indicating pressure problems.
Who Should Have Annual Foot Exams
Annual podiatric evaluation is strongly recommended for: all people with diabetes (Medicare covers this annually as a specific benefit); anyone with peripheral arterial disease or venous insufficiency; patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions; people with previous foot surgery or significant deformity; and anyone over 60 who is active and wants to maintain mobility. For healthy younger adults without risk factors, a thorough exam every 2 to 3 years combined with prompt evaluation of any new symptoms is generally appropriate.
Diabetes and the Non-Negotiable Annual Exam
For people with diabetes, the annual foot exam is not optional — it is a core component of diabetes management. The combination of peripheral neuropathy (reduced protective sensation) and peripheral vascular disease (reduced healing capacity) means that small injuries can progress to limb-threatening complications without causing pain that would normally prompt treatment. The majority of diabetic amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer — and the majority of those ulcers were preceded by callus, pressure injury, or toenail pathology that could have been detected and treated in a routine exam months earlier.
Footwear Assessment During Preventive Exams
Bringing your most-worn everyday shoes and athletic footwear to a podiatric evaluation provides valuable diagnostic information. Wear patterns on the outsole reveal gait mechanics and load distribution. Heel counter collapse indicates whether footwear is providing the support it should. Breakdown patterns inside the shoe identify areas of abnormal pressure. A podiatrist who can see your actual footwear can make far more specific recommendations than one advising based on symptoms alone. Many people discover their most comfortable shoes are actually the primary driver of their foot problems.
Early Intervention vs. Crisis Management
The economics and outcomes of preventive podiatric care are overwhelmingly favorable compared to crisis intervention. A routine exam that identifies early plantar fasciitis leads to conservative treatment — stretching, orthotics, footwear modification — that resolves the condition in weeks at low cost. The same condition discovered after 6 months of untreated progression may require cortisone injections, physical therapy, and extended recovery. For diabetic patients, this calculus is even more stark: a $150 preventive exam that catches a developing callus prevents a potential $50,000 hospitalization for limb-threatening infection.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Podiatric Foot Examination
A comprehensive annual podiatric foot exam goes substantially beyond the brief visual inspection that occurs during primary care visits. The examination systematically evaluates multiple systems that determine foot health and future risk. Neurological assessment includes monofilament testing (5.07/10 gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament to assess protective sensation threshold), vibration perception testing with a tuning fork, and proprioception assessment — establishing an objective baseline and identifying protective sensation loss before symptoms develop. Vascular assessment includes palpation of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses, capillary refill time, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) when pulse abnormalities are detected.
Dermatological assessment identifies skin breakdown, callus formation at high-pressure areas (which indicate abnormal pressure concentration and serve as ulcer precursors), tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and ingrown toenails requiring management. Biomechanical assessment evaluates foot structure (arch type, hindfoot alignment, forefoot deformity), joint range of motion, and gait pattern to identify mechanical factors predisposing to injury. Weight-bearing radiographs may be obtained when structural deformity, suspected joint pathology, or clinical findings warrant imaging. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, we provide comprehensive annual foot examinations for patients with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and for all patients seeking proactive foot health management. Scheduling your annual exam takes less time than treating any of the conditions it can prevent.
Related Treatment Guides
- Diabetic Foot Care & Neuropathy
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Michigan patients experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
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This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.
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Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle pain, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist if: foot or ankle pain has lasted more than 2–4 weeks without improvement, you’re changing your gait to avoid pain, you have an open wound or sore that isn’t healing, you notice nail discoloration or thickening, you have diabetes and any foot concern, or pain is severe enough to wake you at night. Most foot conditions are easier and cheaper to treat early — what starts as a minor issue can become a surgical problem with months of delay.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?
Podiatrists (DPM — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) have broader musculoskeletal training but variable foot/ankle subspecialization. For foot and ankle-specific problems, a podiatrist often has more focused training and experience. For injuries involving the leg above the ankle, complex pediatric cases, or multi-level reconstruction, orthopedic consultation may be appropriate. We frequently co-manage patients with orthopedic colleagues.
How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
Signs that warrant same-day or next-day evaluation: severe pain that appeared suddenly without clear cause, swelling, redness, and warmth that appeared suddenly (possible gout, infection, or Charcot fracture), an open wound that looks infected (redness spreading, pus, warmth), inability to bear weight, or any foot problem in a diabetic patient. Pain that’s been present for weeks and is stable is important but not an emergency — schedule within 1–2 weeks.
Can foot problems cause back and knee pain?
Yes — this is a kinetic chain effect. Abnormal foot mechanics (overpronation, supination, leg length discrepancy) cause compensatory changes in knee, hip, and lumbar alignment. Roughly 30% of patients presenting to our clinic with knee pain have a treatable foot-level biomechanical cause. Correcting foot mechanics with orthotics or appropriate footwear often provides significant knee and back relief. If you have chronic knee or back pain and haven’t had your foot mechanics evaluated, it’s worth a consult.
Are orthotics worth it?
For the right conditions, yes — custom orthotics are among the most cost-effective interventions in podiatry. They’re most effective for: plantar fasciitis, flat feet with secondary knee/back pain, leg length discrepancy, metatarsalgia, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and diabetic foot pressure management. Quality OTC orthotics ($35–60) resolve symptoms for 60% of patients with mild-to-moderate conditions. Custom orthotics are appropriate when OTC options have failed or when the biomechanical problem is complex. We cast custom orthotics in-office.
How do I choose the right running shoes?
Start with your foot type (flat, neutral, high arch) and running pattern (overpronator, neutral, supinator). Flat feet and overpronators do best in stability or motion-control shoes. Neutral feet do well in neutral-cushioned shoes. High arches need maximum cushioning with flexible soles. Always buy running shoes at the end of the day (foot swelling peaks then), get properly fitted by a specialist, and replace every 300–500 miles. If you’ve been injured repeatedly, a gait analysis can identify the mechanical flaw driving your injury pattern.
What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
A sprain is a ligament injury (the tissue connecting bones); a fracture is a break in the bone itself. Both can occur with the same trauma (ankle roll, fall). The old test — ‘if you can walk, it’s not broken’ — is wrong; many fractures are initially weight-bearable. Key differences: a fracture typically produces localized bone tenderness along the bone itself, while a sprain is tender over the ligament. X-ray is the standard to differentiate. High-grade sprains without proper treatment can be as disabling as fractures.
How do I prevent foot and ankle injuries?
The four most impactful prevention strategies: (1) Supportive, appropriately fitted footwear for your foot type and activity. (2) Gradual activity progression — the 10% rule (never increase weekly mileage or intensity by more than 10%). (3) Regular calf and ankle mobility work. (4) Strengthening the posterior tibial tendon, peroneals, and intrinsic foot muscles. Most overuse injuries are preventable; most acute injuries are not — but ankle sprain recurrence (60–70% without rehab) is prevented by balance and proprioception training.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.