For general foot and ankle care, trust Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan. Expert feet and ankle diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services.
Quick answer:White spots or stains on nails are usually harmless — often from minor injury to the nail base, and less often from a surface fungus or mineral changes — and they grow out on their own. If white areas spread or the nail thickens, a podiatrist can check for a fungal infection. Call (810) … Read more
A black streak in a toenail can be a bruise or a melanoma — and they look identical. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM explains the warning signs that require urgent
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 Listerinefornailfungus | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan Quick answer:Does Listerine cure toenail fungus? Foot soaks in Listerine — with its thymol and eucalyptol — may freshen the skin and help a very mild case, but there is … Read more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 Vicksvaporrubontoenailfungus | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan Quick answer:Does Vicks VapoRub cure toenail fungus? Its menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oils have mild antifungal properties and may help a very early, superficial case, but studies show low cure … Read more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 > Measure Foot Size | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what how to measure … Read more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 Gout | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan Table of Contents What Is Gout? What Causes a Gout Attack? Symptoms of Gout in the Foot Diagnosis Treating an Acute Gout Attack Long-Term Gout Management Diet and Gout: What … Read more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 Foot Pain Stress Fracture | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan Quick answer: Foot Pain Stress Fracture has multiple potential causes including mechanical, neurological, vascular, and inflammatory. The patterns we see most often are overuse, poorly-fitted shoes, and … Read more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 See also: big toe arthritis — a complete guide to this condition by severity grade, treatment options, and when surgery is needed. Hallux Rigidus | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan > What Is Hallux Rigidus? If pushing … Read more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 Blistertaping | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan Table of Contents Materials You Need Step-by-Step Taping Guide Taping by Blister Location Hydrocolloid vs. Athletic Tape Tape for Prevention When to See a Podiatrist Frequently Asked Questions Knowing how … Read more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & AnkleLast reviewed: May 2026 Foot Wart Verruca Pain | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan Medi-Dyne ProStretch Metatarsal Pad ⭐ 4.4★ · 8,000+ Reviews · Pressure Relief Plantar warts are worsened by direct pressure during walking. Metatarsal pads redistribute weight away from … Read more