When should I see a podiatrist?

You should see a podiatrist for any persistent foot or ankle pain lasting more than a few days, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, wounds that won't heal, changes in skin color or temperature, or structural deformities. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist serving SE Michigan with same-day appointments available. Call 810-206-1402.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and many others. Contact our office at 810-206-1402 to verify your specific coverage. We also offer affordable self-pay options.

What should I expect at my first podiatry appointment?

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Biernacki including medical history review, physical examination, biomechanical assessment, and any necessary diagnostic imaging (X-rays are available in-office). You'll receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, and same-day treatment when possible. Most initial visits take approximately 30-45 minutes.

What causes thick, discolored toenails?

Thick, yellow-brown, or brittle toenails are most commonly caused by fungal infection (onychomycosis), affecting 10–14% of the population. Other causes include psoriasis, repeated microtrauma from tight shoes, peripheral vascular disease, and age-related changes. A podiatrist can clip a nail sample for lab analysis to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Mild ingrown toenails can sometimes be managed at home by soaking twice daily and placing a small piece of cotton under the corner. If there is pus, significant swelling, or the corner is deeply embedded, see a podiatrist. In-office treatment involves local anesthesia and removal of the offending nail border. For recurrent ingrown nails, phenol matrixectomy permanently prevents regrowth of that nail edge.

Can toenail changes be a sign of a systemic disease?

Yes. Nail pitting and separation suggest psoriasis; spoon-shaped nails suggest iron-deficiency anemia; yellow nails may indicate lymphedema or rheumatoid arthritis; splinter hemorrhages can indicate infective endocarditis. Diabetic patients frequently develop nail thickening from microtrauma and circulation changes. Podiatrists examine nails at every visit with systemic conditions in mind.

When should I see a podiatrist for a toenail problem?

See a podiatrist if a toenail is painful, infected, has changed color or thickness over months, is growing into the skin, or if you have diabetes and notice any nail change. Diabetic patients should never cut ingrown or thickened nails at home. Balance Foot & Ankle provides nail care in Howell and Bloomfield Hills — call (810) 206-1402.

Black Toenails in Runners: Causes, Treatment Preventi

Quick answer: Black Toenails Runners Subungual Hematoma is a common nail condition with multiple causes including trauma, fungal infection, biomechanical pressure, and underlying medical conditions. Treatment depends on the cause: trauma resolves as the nail grows out (6-12 months), fungus needs antifungal therapy, and biomechanical issues need shoe and orthotic correction. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy

Quick Answer

Black Toenails in Runners: Causes, Treatment & Preventi relates to toenail conditions — typically caused by fungal infection or trauma. Most patients improve in 6-12 months for nail regrowth with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.

Medical References

Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
Heel Pain (APMA)
Hallux Valgus (Bunions): Evaluation and Management (PubMed)
Bunions (Mayo Clinic)

This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.

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