Quick answer: Balance Problems Falling Seniors Feet Michigan 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 Township practices. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Balance Problems Falling Seniors Feet Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
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Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
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Dr. Tom’s Top Foot Creams
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
- Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks
- Dr. Tom’s Top Foot Creams
- Falls Are the #1 Senior Injury — and Feet Are Often the Culprit
- How Foot Problems Cause Falls
- Our Fall Prevention Approach
- Balance Problems and Falling in Michigan Seniors: The Foot and Ankle Contribution to Fall Risk
- Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
- More Podiatrist-Recommended Seniors Essentials
- Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
- Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Related Conditions
Balance Problems & Falling in Seniors — How Your Feet May Be the Cause
Falls Are the #1 Senior Injury — and Feet Are Often the Culprit
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in adults over 65, frequently resulting in hip fractures, head injuries, and devastating loss of independence. Foot-related problems are among the most common preventable causes of falls. At Balance Foot & Ankle, fall prevention through foot health is one of our most important services for Michigan seniors.
How Foot Problems Cause Falls
Peripheral neuropathy reduces sole sensation — depriving the nervous system of ground-feel information essential for balance. Toe deformities (bunions, hammertoes) change the foot’s base of support. Painful foot conditions cause compensatory gait changes that increase fall risk. Poorly fitting shoes dramatically increase stumbling. Thick or painful toenails change how the foot contacts the ground during walking.
Our Fall Prevention Approach
Neuropathy assessment and management, custom orthotics to improve stability and proprioceptive feedback, footwear evaluation (proper fit, sole grip, heel height), nail care to ensure proper toe-ground contact during walking, treatment of painful conditions altering gait, and coordination with physical therapists for balance training when indicated.
Our Howell office coordinates with Vassallo Medical Group (same road — Grand River Ave) for patients with diabetes, vascular disease, and systemic conditions. Coordinated care for Livingston County patients.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell, MI
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success rate
✅ Magnetotransduction (EMTT) — Deep electromagnetic healing
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ Toenail Fungus Laser
✅ In-Office X-Ray & Ultrasound
✅ Diabetic Shoe Program — Medicare-covered
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Township
Call (810) 206-1402 for a fall prevention foot assessment. Home visits available for seniors who can’t travel to our offices.
Balance Problems and Falling in Michigan Seniors: The Foot and Ankle Contribution to Fall Risk
Falls are the leading cause of injury death in adults over 65 in Michigan, and the foot and ankle system contributes to fall risk through multiple mechanisms that are directly addressable by podiatric intervention. Peripheral neuropathy reduces proprioceptive feedback from the foot — the sense of position and ground surface that the brain uses to maintain balance in real time. Painful foot conditions (plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, bunion pain) cause patients to modify their gait unconsciously — shifting weight to avoid pain and disrupting the normal balance mechanisms. Ankle instability from previous ankle sprains or ligament laxity reduces the ankle’s ability to make the rapid corrective responses needed to prevent falls. Inappropriate footwear — shoes that are too large, slippers without heel cups, smooth-soled shoes on wet floors — is among the most modifiable fall risk factors at the foot level.
At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide fall risk foot assessments for Michigan seniors in coordination with their primary care teams, physical therapists, and geriatric care managers. Our fall risk foot evaluation identifies: peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation using monofilament and vibratory testing; ankle instability using clinical ligament stability testing; inappropriate footwear and footwear modification recommendations; and painful foot conditions whose treatment would directly improve gait mechanics and reduce compensatory fall risk behaviors. Michigan seniors who have fallen in the past year, who feel unsteady on their feet, or whose family members have noticed gait changes should call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for a fall risk foot evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Michigan patients with systemic conditions affecting their feet deserve coordinated care that addresses both the underlying disease and its foot manifestations. Balance Foot & Ankle works collaboratively with endocrinologists, cardiologists, rheumatologists, neurologists, and primary care physicians throughout Livingston and Oakland counties to provide podiatric care that integrates with the patient’s overall treatment plan. When a systemic disease is driving foot complications, managing the foot without optimizing the underlying disease — and managing the underlying disease without addressing the foot complications it produces — produces inferior outcomes. Call us at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a hands-on exam plus imaging when needed at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office, and bring your list of current physicians so we can coordinate your care appropriately.
Related Treatment Guides
- Bunion Treatment
- Diabetic Foot Care & Neuropathy
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
Same-week appointments are available at our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 for Michigan patients with foot conditions related to systemic health issues. Our clinical team is experienced working alongside specialists in endocrinology, cardiology, rheumatology, and neurology to provide podiatric care that integrates with the patient’s complete treatment plan. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your evaluation today.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Seniors Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Foot problems are the #1 preventable cause of falls in adults over 70. Balance Foot & Ankle runs comprehensive senior foot evaluations — balance testing, circulation checks, nail and callus care, and diabetic screening. Medicare covers most services. Let us help you stay mobile and independent at home.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
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 Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
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 Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
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)
Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Clinical foot and ankle services at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
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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.
More questions patients ask
How do foot problems cause falls in seniors?
Foot problems contribute to falls through multiple mechanisms: peripheral neuropathy reduces proprioception (sense of foot position), impairing balance; foot pain causes altered gait and shorter steps; toe deformities (hammer toes, bunions) interfere with normal toe-off mechanics; muscle weakness from neuropathy reduces ankle stability; ill-fitting shoes or slippers can slip off or catch on surfaces; and chronic foot pain leads to reduced activity, weakening balance-maintaining muscles. Podiatric care is one of the most effective and underutilized fall prevention interventions for seniors.
Can treating foot problems reduce fall risk?
Yes — multiple studies confirm that addressing foot problems reduces fall risk in seniors. A 2011 study found that podiatric care reduced falls by 36% in older adults with foot pain. Key interventions that reduce falls: treating painful foot conditions; providing appropriate footwear recommendations; prescribing custom orthotics for improved balance; treating peripheral neuropathy (MLS laser, EMTT); balance exercises targeted to foot and ankle; and removing mechanical barriers (hammer toes, nail problems). Balance Foot & Ankle's podiatric care is part of a comprehensive fall prevention strategy for Michigan seniors.
What type of shoes prevent falls in seniors?
Fall-preventive footwear features for seniors: non-slip rubber outsoles (slip-resistant in wet conditions); heel counter (prevents the shoe from being kicked off); closed-toe design (sandals increase trip risk); secure fastening (Velcro for ease, laces for security); low heel (under 1 inch — higher heels increase fall risk); wide base for stability; and adequate toe clearance. Avoid: slip-on shoes that can fall off, smooth leather soles, high heels, and worn-out shoes with smooth outsoles. Balance Foot & Ankle can evaluate your current footwear and provide specific recommendations — call (810) 206-1402.
Should seniors with neuropathy see a podiatrist about falls?
Yes — absolutely. Peripheral neuropathy is the leading modifiable risk factor for falls in seniors. A podiatrist can: diagnose and quantify neuropathy severity (monofilament testing, vibration); prescribe custom orthotics that improve proprioceptive feedback; recommend MLS laser or EMTT therapy for neuropathy symptom improvement; evaluate circulation (PAD assessment); recommend appropriate footwear; and coordinate with neurologists or primary care for underlying cause management. Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 serves seniors throughout Livingston and Oakland County with comprehensive fall prevention and neuropathy care.
How do foot problems contribute to balance issues and falls in Michigan seniors?
Peripheral neuropathy reducing proprioception, painful deformities altering gait, poor-fitting footwear, reduced ankle range of motion, and weakened intrinsic foot muscles all impair balance in Michigan seniors. Balance Foot & Ankle identifies and treats these treatable foot causes of falls. Call (810) 206-1402.
Can treating foot problems reduce fall risk in Michigan seniors?
Yes. Studies show that treating foot pain, fitting appropriate footwear, providing custom orthotics, and managing neuropathy significantly reduces fall rates in older Michigan adults. Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive foot-focused fall prevention evaluations in both Howell and Bloomfield Township. Call (810) 206-1402.
What footwear does Balance Foot & Ankle recommend for fall prevention in Michigan seniors?
For fall prevention, Balance Foot & Ankle recommends shoes with firm heel counters, non-slip soles, appropriate toe box width, secure closure (laces or velcro), and low heels. We strongly discourage slippers without heels, flip-flops, and loose footwear for Michigan seniors at fall risk. Call (810) 206-1402.
Does peripheral neuropathy cause falls and can Balance Foot & Ankle help?
Yes, peripheral neuropathy reduces the sensation that helps Michigan seniors sense foot position, making falls much more likely. Balance Foot & Ankle manages neuropathy with MLS laser therapy, protective orthotics, appropriate footwear, and balance-focused patient education to reduce fall risk. Call (810) 206-1402.
Should Michigan seniors with balance problems see a podiatrist or a physical therapist?
Both. Balance Foot & Ankle addresses foot-specific causes of balance problems while physical therapists address overall vestibular and musculoskeletal balance deficits. We frequently co-manage Michigan seniors with fall risk, coordinating foot care with PT and primary care to create comprehensive fall prevention programs. Call (810) 206-1402.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.