You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what chemotherapy neuropathy foot care means and what actually works. Book online or call (810) 206-1402 for a same-week appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Quick answer: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy usually shows up as numbness, tingling or burning in the toes, and it often outlasts treatment. The practical risk is that numb feet stop reporting injuries — so blisters, burns and pressure sores go unnoticed. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.
Dr. Tom’s Top Foot Health Supplements
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Affiliate disclosure: Amazon Associate. Always discuss supplements with your physician before starting.
Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin
Neuropathy support · Nerve repair
PROS
- Active B12 form
- Sublingual absorption
- Neuropathy adjunct
CONS
- Effects take 2-3 months
- Doesn’t replace medical care
Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg
Diabetic neuropathy · Nerve antioxidant
PROS
- Peer-reviewed for neuropathy
- Both fat- and water-soluble
- Clinical doses available
CONS
- Possible blood sugar effect
- GI upset possible
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Diabetic neuropathy · Energy
PROS
- Crosses blood-brain barrier
- Studied for nerve repair
- Pairs with ALA
CONS
- Effects gradual (3+ months)
- Higher cost
Vitamin D3 5000 IU
Bone health · Stress fracture prevention
PROS
- Improves bone density
- Most patients deficient
- Affordable preventive
CONS
- Get blood test first
- Toxicity at very high doses
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
Related Conditions
Quick Answer
Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy & Foot Care — Sup relates to foot neuropathy — typically caused by nerve compression or systemic. Most patients improve in varies by cause with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy & Foot Care — Supporting Cancer Patients in Michigan
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When Cancer Treatment Affects Your Feet
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer treatment. Taxanes, platinums, and vincristine damage the peripheral nerves serving the feet, causing pain and disability that can outlast cancer treatment itself. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide specialized foot care for Michigan cancer patients experiencing CIPN.
Symptoms of CIPN in the Feet
Burning or shooting pain in both feet, numbness and tingling (often “walking on pins”), extreme sensitivity to light touch or temperature, balance problems from impaired sole sensation, weakness in intrinsic foot muscles, and difficulty with movement requiring fine foot coordination.
Foot Safety During Chemotherapy
CIPN numbness means patients may not feel injuries — requiring the same protective approach used for diabetic neuropathy: regular foot inspection, protective footwear, cushioned orthotics for numb soles, and avoidance of bare-foot walking.
REMY Laser and EMTT for CIPN
Emerging evidence supports REMY laser therapy for neuropathic pain reduction and nerve healing support. EMTT provides complementary deep electromagnetic nerve stimulation. Both therapies can significantly improve quality of life and symptom management during and after treatment, even when they can’t reverse nerve damage.
✅ REMY Class IV Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — non-surgical, in-office
✅ 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
We work with oncology teams across Michigan. Call (810) 206-1402. Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Foot Care for Michigan Cancer Patients
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects 30–40% of patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy agents — including platinum compounds (oxaliplatin, cisplatin), taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), vinca alkaloids (vincristine), and bortezomib — and represents one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment. CIPN manifests in the feet as burning pain, tingling, numbness, cold sensitivity, and impaired proprioception that reduces balance and increases fall risk. The severity ranges from mild paresthesia that does not limit function to severe sensory loss that impairs gait and requires dose reduction or discontinuation of chemotherapy. Balance Foot & Ankle provides specialized foot care for Michigan cancer patients experiencing CIPN, working in coordination with oncology teams to optimize foot health during and after chemotherapy.
The podiatric management of CIPN focuses on symptom management and complication prevention rather than cure — CIPN cannot be reversed by podiatric intervention, but its consequences can be significantly mitigated. Key interventions include: comprehensive sensory testing to quantify the degree of protective sensation loss and document change over time; fall risk assessment and footwear recommendations that improve stability for patients with compromised proprioception; skin and wound management protocols for patients with anesthetic feet who cannot detect traumatic injuries; and REMY laser therapy, which emerging evidence supports for partial improvement of CIPN symptoms through its effects on neural mitochondrial function. Michigan oncology patients experiencing foot neuropathy symptoms should discuss podiatric referral with their oncologist, or call Balance Foot & Ankle directly at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a CIPN foot evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Michigan cancer patients experiencing CIPN who are struggling with balance, falls, or the inability to feel the ground beneath their feet should receive both oncological co-management and podiatric care. The fall risk from CIPN is significant and often underappreciated: loss of proprioception (position sense) in the feet is more dangerous for balance than loss of pain sensation, and CIPN-related falls in cancer patients can cause serious injuries that complicate cancer treatment and recovery. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we assess proprioceptive function in cancer patients and recommend specific footwear modifications — rocker soles, wider heel counters, textured insoles that improve tactile feedback — that partially compensate for proprioceptive loss. Michigan oncology patients with CIPN foot symptoms are encouraged to call (810) 206-1402 for a specialized evaluation that addresses both symptom management and fall prevention.
Related Treatment Guides
- Diabetic Foot Care & Neuropathy
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Michigan patients experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule an evaluation at our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River or our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208. Same-week appointments are available for most conditions, and our clinical team brings the diagnostic expertise and treatment options needed to address complex foot and ankle presentations that have not responded to prior care. Don’t continue to defer treatment — early evaluation leads to earlier resolution and prevents the complications that years of untreated conditions can cause.
Medical References & Sources
- NIH NINDS — Peripheral Neuropathy
- American Diabetes Association — Neuropathy
- PubMed Research — Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
👟 Dr. Tom Also Recommends
Podiatrist Recommended Shoes 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top Picks for Every Condition
The right footwear can make or break your recovery. Dr. Tom’s complete guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy, bunions & more — with clinical picks for every foot type.
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Diabetic Foot Care
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Most new patients are seen the same week.
These are products I personally use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
- Dr. Comfort Men’s Paradise Diabetic Shoe — Medicare-covered diabetic shoe with seamless interior — eliminates pressure points that cause diabetic ulcers
- Foundation Wellness DASS Diabetic Socks (Levanta) — non-binding, seamless toe, moisture-wicking diabetic socks protecting neuropathic feet
- Derma Sciences Bordered Gauze Dressings — Non-adherent wound dressing ideal for diabetic foot wound management between podiatry visits
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
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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 Diabetic Essentials
Diabetic-Approved Walking Shoe
Orthofeet Men’s Sprint Walking Shoe, Athletic
- Tie-Less Lacing System eliminates the need to tie laces. Heel strap enables to adjust the grip around the heel. Cushioning sole with a mild Rocker adds spring to your step. Soft, padded fabric interior with no overlays eliminates irritation.
Orthofeet Sprint — seamless, extra-depth, designed for neuropathic feet.
Seamless Diabetic Sock
OS1st FS4 Plantar Fasciitis No Show Socks relieves plantar fasciitis, heel/arch pain and improves circulation
- Provides continuous support of the Plantar Fascia by gently stretching the fascia tissue.
- Compression zones promote circulation, reduce impact vibration, boost recovery and strengthen feet.
- Lightweight, seamless design with extra cushioning provides support while still being comfortable.
- Supports the heel/arch and overall foot structure while stabilizing the tendon for better performance
- Made from high quality materials, the socks are moisture wicking and breathable.
OS1st FS4 — non-binding, moisture-wicking, protects fragile diabetic skin.
Recovery Slide for Indoor Wear
HOKA – Unisex Ora Recovery Slide 3 | Recovery Sandal – Running Lab
- Model ID: 1135061-BTRT
HOKA Ora 3 — protects diabetic feet from barefoot injury at home.
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
One unnoticed blister on a neuropathic foot can become a limb-threatening ulcer in under 14 days. Medicare covers diabetic shoes (A5500) and comprehensive foot exams annually for most diabetic patients with neuropathy or circulation concerns. Balance Foot & Ankle runs a dedicated diabetic limb-preservation program — vascular screening, offloading, ulcer care, and shoe fitting — all in one visit. Schedule your annual diabetic foot exam today.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics.
Same-week appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for diabetic foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Daily inspection prevents amputation
- ✓ Most insurance covers DME
- ✓ Custom orthotics help
Considerations
- ✗ Daily commitment required
- ✗ Slow wound healing
- ✗ Charcot risk if neuropathy
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for diabetic foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Drew Moonwalker Diabetic Shoe Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Medicare-covered diabetic footwear
Diabetic Compression Socks Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily protection + circulation
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Week 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-Week 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-week appointment availability.
Same-week 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)
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