Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist

Board Certified Podiatrists

Expert Foot & Ankle Care

Category: Foot Specialist - in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI

Need a trusted foot specialist? Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for all foot conditions.

Does Long Term Care Insurance Cover Assisted Living
DPM Doctor
Foot Expert

Does Long Term Care Insurance Cover Assisted Living?

👉Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Assisted Living? Generally, this can be a helpful option for covering assisted living communities.👈

Using Long-Term Care Insurance to Pay for Assisted Living:
Some long-term care insurance policies include support for seniors who move into assisted living facilities.
Most long-term care plans with assisted living coverage reimburse beneficiaries for costs they’ve already paid out of pocket. Generally, it is accepted that most plans will cover assisted living facilities. Most policies of this type come with a hard cap on the amount they can pay in a year.
This limit is in the $2,500 to $3,000 a year range, leaving seniors with roughly 90% of their assisted living costs unpaid.

While long-term care insurance does not usually offer comprehensive payment coverage for assisted living, the limited support that most policies include can reduce the expense of nonmedical long-term care.
Together with other options, such as Medicaid waivers and reduced fees for residents with limited income, long-term care insurance can help many seniors manage the cost of the care they need.

Paying for Assisted Living
The simplest way for people to pay for assisted living is out of pocket. This arrangement is much like paying rent on a normal apartment, as the person who handles the expense just writes a check every month. The relatively high cost of assisted living makes this difficult for many families. However, even seniors with large retirement incomes may struggle to keep up with the cost.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not pay for the cost of assisted living.

Medicaid may offer some help, though the details of how much help you can get and what services are covered vary between states. In almost all cases, Medicaid coverage for assisted living is significantly less than the total cost, and there are limits to the care provided.

Many states operate a Medicaid assisted living waiver that can pay room and care costs for beneficiaries who would otherwise be placed in a nursing home. Speak with a Medicaid worker for details about how this works in your state.

Get Home Care Assistance in Michigan with Assisting Hands Home Care:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/

👉– Shoes –👈
Our Recommended Shoes:
https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/podiatrist-recommended-shoes/

Our Recommended Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products///

📢See a Physician!📢
See a Physician if you have a health issue. This information is NOT specific to your medical problem.

If in Michigan, consider seeing us:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/

Directions:
https://g.page/r/Ca4Dg-JS_3XPEAE

👉– LINKS –👈
(With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!)

📢Disclaimer:📢 This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel!

This is opinion only:
Do not consider this video as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for the viewer or reader. We strongly urge you to contact your own physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional’s medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video.

Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based information, but this content should definitely not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas.

This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author’s opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.

Read More »
What is the Long Term Care Insurance Cost by Age
DPM Doctor
Foot Expert

What is the Long Term Care Insurance Cost by Age?

👉What is the Long-Term Care Insurance Cost by Age?👈

How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost?
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance estimates annual premiums below based on its 2022 study of different long-term care insurance carriers. These assume that your policy has benefits that grow 3% annually.

Annual Premium Estimates
Status Age Premium
Single Male 55 $2,220
Single Female 55 $3,700
Couple 55 $5,025

The costs of long-term care insurance can vary widely, depending on several key factors. We explore some of these below: Remember that these are only averages based on a pool of data from leading insurance carriers.

Health: Some medical conditions will disqualify you from even being able to purchase a policy, including muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and dementia. That’s because insurers will likely lose money on those policies. Generally, the healthier you are, the less likely you’ll ever need to file a claim, so the lower your premium.

Age: In general, you’ll pay more in long-term care insurance if you take out a policy when you’re older since you’re probably less healthy and closer to needing the assistance the policy covers. This is why American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance recommends you begin shopping for long-term care insurance between the ages of 52 of 64.

Marital status: When combined, premiums tend to be lower for married couples than for individuals paying for a personal policy.
Gender: Because women tend to live longer than men and make claims more frequently than their male counterparts, women tend to pay more for insurance premiums. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance study showed that a single female pays an annual premium of $3,700 on average while a single man that age paid $2,220.
Carrier policies: Each insurance carrier sets rates and underwriting standards. You should gather quotes from different carriers. You can also work with an experienced long-term care insurance agent to gather these and help you understand the differences between insurance policies. They can also help you determine the coverage you need so you don’t over-insure.

Get Home Care Assistance in Michigan with Assisting Hands Home Care:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/

👉– Shoes –👈
Our Recommended Shoes:
https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/podiatrist-recommended-shoes/

Our Recommended Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products///

📢See a Physician!📢
See a Physician if you have a health issue. This information is NOT specific to your medical problem.

If in Michigan, consider seeing us:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/

Directions:
https://g.page/r/Ca4Dg-JS_3XPEAE

👉– LINKS –👈
(With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!)

📢Disclaimer:📢 This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel!

This is opinion only:
Do not consider this video as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for the viewer or reader. We strongly urge you to contact your own physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional’s medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video.

Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based information, but this content should definitely not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas.

This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author’s opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.

Read More »
Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It
DPM Doctor
Foot Expert

Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It? [Interview with Dan Tripp]

👉Is Long-Term Care Insurance Worth It? We interview Insurance specialist Dan Tripp in the Metro Detroit area regarding long-term care insurance.👈

What Are the Odds of needing long term care insurance?
According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance:

“The lifetime probability of becoming disabled in at least two activities of daily living or being cognitively impaired is 68% for people age 65 and older.”

Is long-term care insurance worth it?
It is wise to look at the statistics, but your odds are zero or 100%. So basically, if you need it, it is an amazing deal; if you don’t, it is a horrible deal.

You either will need care, or you will not. If you need care for more than four or five months, you will be glad you have long-term care insurance.

It is worth having if you use it because you would essentially be paying a very small amount for, on average, $5,000 to $6,000 per year.

Should you get long-term care insurance?

Long-term care insurance allows you to maintain your independence and afford quality care.
It also helps reduce the financial and psychological stress a long-term care event can impose on your family. The cons are the cost of the premiums.
Whether you buy insurance or not, you want a plan in place so that you and your family know what to do if you need care.
That plan involves talking to family and friends about their ability to help if and when help is needed.
You may also want to consider alternatives to long-term care insurance, such as making arrangements to live with family or friends or moving into a continuing care community.

Get Home Care Assistance in Michigan with Assisting Hands Home Care:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/

👉– Shoes –👈
Our Recommended Shoes:
https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/podiatrist-recommended-shoes/

Our Recommended Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products///

📢See a Physician!📢
See a Physician if you have a health issue. This information is NOT specific to your medical problem.

If in Michigan, consider seeing us:
https://michiganpersonalcare.com/

Directions:
https://g.page/r/Ca4Dg-JS_3XPEAE

👉– LINKS –👈
(With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!)

📢Disclaimer:📢 This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel!

This is opinion only:
Do not consider this video as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for the viewer or reader. We strongly urge you to contact your physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional’s medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video.

Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based information, but this content should definitely not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas.

This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author’s opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.

Read More »

TWO LOCATIONS, ONE GOAL: YOUR COMFORT

Find Foot and Ankle Expert Service at the Location Nearest You.

Howell

4330 E Grand River, Howell, MI 48843

Bloomfield Hills

43494 Woodward Ave # 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302

Foot & Ankle Treatment FAQs

healthy foot and ankle

You should see a foot and ankle specialist if you experience persistent pain, numbness, nail problems, changes in skin color, difficulty walking, or symptoms that do not improve with rest. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and long-term damage.

Yes. Many foot and ankle conditions can be treated using conservative and non-invasive approaches such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, footwear guidance, medication, and laser therapy. Surgery is usually considered only when other treatments are not effective.

Signs that require prompt evaluation include swelling, redness, open sores, infections, worsening pain, numbness, or changes in toenails. Patients with diabetes should seek care early, as even minor foot issues can progress quickly.

Your first visit includes a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and, if needed, imaging or diagnostic tests. Your podiatrist will explain the diagnosis and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and lifestyle.

Yes. Preventive foot care helps identify early signs of problems before pain develops. Regular checkups are especially important for active individuals, older adults, and patients with diabetes or circulation issues.

Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist provides expert podiatric care at convenient locations in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Appointments are available for both new and returning patients.

First Steps Out of Bed Shouldn't Feel
Like Stepping on Glass.

If you're wincing with your first few steps every morning, or dreading a night out because you know your feet won't cooperate — you already know how much foot pain quietly steals from you.

🌅

The Morning Dread

You brace yourself before your feet hit the floor. The sharp heel pain that greets you every single morning.

👟

The Shoe Problem

Nothing fits comfortably anymore. You've given up heels, your favorite sneakers, and any shoe that looks professional.

😔

The Cancelled Plans

The trip you said no to. The walk you cut short. The grandkids you can't keep up with anymore.

💊

The Painkiller Cycle

Ibuprofen at breakfast. Ice packs at night. Temporary relief — but the pain is always back by morning.

The Life You're Putting on Hold
Is Getting Further Away Every Day.

Chronic foot pain doesn't just hurt — it quietly erodes the experiences that make life worth living. Here's what our patients tell us they've given up:

  • "I used to play 18 holes on Sundays. Now I can't make it past the 3rd hole."
  • 🏃"I signed up for a 5K with my daughter. I had to drop out before race day."
  • 💃"I haven't danced at a family event in three years. The pain just isn't worth it."
  • 🧸"I can't chase my grandkids around the yard. They don't understand why grandma always has to sit."
  • 🧳"We cancelled our trip to Europe. I knew I couldn't walk cobblestones for a week."
  • 💼"I'm on my feet all day for work. By noon, I'm counting the hours until I can sit down."

"If any of this sounds familiar — you don't have to keep living this way."

Advanced Treatment That Actually
Addresses the Root Cause.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, we don't just mask the pain. We diagnose exactly what's driving it — then use the most modern, minimally invasive treatments available to fix it, permanently.

🔴

MLS Laser Therapy

FDA-cleared dual-wavelength laser that penetrates deep tissue to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing at the cellular level. No surgery, no downtime. Patients often feel relief after the very first session.

Learn how it works →

EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Non-invasive acoustic wave technology that triggers your body's own healing response — breaking up scar tissue and stimulating collagen production. 80%+ success rate for chronic plantar fasciitis.

See patient results →
🔬

Minimally Invasive Surgery

When conservative treatments aren't enough, our MIS techniques use pencil-thin instruments through micro-incisions. Faster recovery, less scarring, and back on your feet in days — not months.

Explore procedures →
👟

Custom Orthotics

3D-scanned to your exact foot anatomy. Not the generic insoles from the drugstore — precision-engineered supports that correct the biomechanical issues causing your pain from the ground up.

How orthotics help →
💉

Regenerative Injections

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your body's own growth factors to heal damaged tendons and ligaments from the inside out. A powerful alternative to cortisone that promotes lasting recovery.

About regenerative care →
🦷

Toenail & Skin Conditions

Laser toenail fungus treatment, ingrown nail correction, wart removal, corn and callus care — all handled in our comfortable clinic setting with same-day appointments available.

View all conditions →

Getting Back on Your Feet Is Simpler Than You Think.

We know starting with a new doctor can feel overwhelming. So we've made the path from pain to recovery as clear as three steps.

1

Book Your Appointment

Online in 60 seconds, or call us. Same-day slots are available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills.

2

We Diagnose the Real Problem

Digital X-rays, gait analysis, and Dr. Tom's 15+ years of expertise — we find exactly what's causing your pain.

3

You Get Your Life Back

A personalised treatment plan that works around your schedule and goals — not a generic protocol.

Why Over 1 Million People Trust Dr. Tom

Dr. Tom doesn't just treat patients in the clinic — he's Michigan's most-watched podiatrist online, with a YouTube channel that has helped over a million people understand their foot health. That depth of knowledge comes to every appointment.

1M+
YouTube Views Educating Patients Worldwide
15+
Years of Board-Certified Podiatric Practice
4.9★
Average Google Review Rating (400+ Reviews)
2
Convenient Locations — Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Real Patients. Real Recoveries.

★★★★★
"After years of plantar fasciitis, Dr. Tom had me pain-free in three laser sessions. I genuinely cried when I walked to my mailbox without limping for the first time. Cannot recommend enough."
— Sarah K., Bloomfield Hills
★★★★★
"I was terrified of foot surgery. Dr. Tom explained the minimally invasive procedure step by step. Six weeks later, I walked my daughter down the aisle. Best decision I ever made."
— Robert M., Howell
★★★★★
"Same-day appointment, thorough diagnosis, and a treatment plan that actually worked. I'd been to two other podiatrists before. Wish I'd found Dr. Tom first. Already back on the golf course."
— Jim P., West Bloomfield

You've Waited Long Enough.
Same-Day Appointments Are Available.

Don't let another morning start with that sharp, grinding pain. Our team is ready to see you — often today.

Book My Appointment Now →

Or call us directly: (810) 206-1402