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✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

The True Cost of Skipping Diabetic Foot Exams — A Preventable Tragedy

The most dangerous statement a diabetic patient can make is: “My feet feel fine.”

Peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage caused by chronically elevated blood sugar — affects over 50% of people with long-term diabetes. It doesn’t just cause pain. More dangerously, it causes the absence of pain. You can’t feel the callus forming. You can’t feel the wound that opened. By the time you do feel something, the infection has already set in.

Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Diabetic Foot & Circulation Screening →

What You’re Missing When You Skip Your Exam

What We CheckWhat We FindWhy It Matters
Neuropathy testingWhich areas have lost protective sensationIdentifies which areas need extra protection
Vascular assessmentBlood flow adequacy to feetPoor circulation = wounds don’t heal
Skin inspectionCalluses, pre-ulcerative lesions, early woundsCatch problems before they open
Nail assessmentFungal infection, ingrown risk, thicknessInfected nails → portal for serious infection
Footwear reviewWhether your shoes are creating pressure pointsWrong shoes + neuropathy = wounds

The Medicare-Covered Benefits You’re Leaving on the Table

Medicare covers an extensive range of diabetic foot care that most patients don’t know about:

  • Annual diabetic foot exam: $0 copay in most cases
  • Therapeutic footwear: 1 pair of shoes + 3 pairs of custom inserts annually — typically $0–$25 copay
  • Routine foot care (nail trimming, callus treatment) every 60 days for qualifying patients
  • Wound care if issues develop

These benefits are available to virtually every Medicare beneficiary with diabetes. If you’re not using them, you’re paying more (in time, money, and risk) than you need to.

The Diabetic Foot Monitoring Kit

Between-Visit Self-Monitoring:
• Foot inspection mirror for seeing the bottom of your feet: $10–$15
• Diabetic moisturizer for daily application: $12
• Diabetic socks with proper fit: $15–$25
• Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid (nerve support): $12/month
• Nutricost B-Complex (nerve health): $10/month
• Non-negotiable rule: Never go barefoot. Not even to the bathroom at night.

Don’t wait for symptoms that neuropathy may prevent you from feeling. Schedule your annual diabetic foot exam today — it’s covered, it’s fast, and it could save your foot.

⚡ Advanced Technology at Balance Foot & Ankle
✅ 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 Hills

Don’t Wait Until It’s Worse

Early treatment costs less and works better. Call us today.

📞 (810) 206-1402

Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave  |  Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208

Clinical Foot Care Beyond Products: Michigan’s Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients using foot care products — wound care supplies, topical treatments, foot supplements, compression garments, orthotics, or stretching devices — as part of their foot health routine benefit from occasional clinical evaluation to ensure the products they are using are appropriate for their specific condition and that no developing pathology requires professional intervention. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our clinical evaluation confirms the diagnosis, assesses whether current product-based management is adequate, and identifies cases where professional treatment would produce better outcomes than continued self-management.

For Michigan patients managing chronic conditions — diabetic foot care, neuropathy management, post-surgical recovery, or persistent tendinopathy — regular podiatric check-ins at appropriate intervals ensure that small changes are caught before they become significant complications. The right interval varies by condition and risk level: high-risk diabetic patients benefit from quarterly visits; stable patients using products for minor chronic conditions may need only annual check-ins. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we help patients identify the appropriate visit frequency for their specific situation. Livingston and Oakland County patients can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Patients throughout Livingston and Oakland counties trust Balance Foot & Ankle for both clinical podiatric care and evidence-based guidance on foot health products and self-care strategies. Our two Michigan locations — Howell at 4330 E Grand River and Bloomfield Hills at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 — are easily accessible from throughout the region, with ample parking and same-week scheduling for new patients. Whether you need a comprehensive evaluation, a product recommendation, or a specific podiatric procedure, our team is ready to help. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule.

Michigan patients can access expert diabetic foot care in Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrists serve Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.


Related Patient Guides

Medical References & Sources

Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Diabetic Foot Care

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These are products I personally use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.

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Due for Your Diabetic Foot Exam?

Regular diabetic foot exams prevent the complications that lead to hospitalization and amputation. Our podiatrists provide thorough exams covered by most insurance plans including Medicare.

Clinical References

  1. Boulton AJ, et al. Comprehensive foot examination and risk assessment. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1679-1685.
  2. Singh N, et al. Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. JAMA. 2005;293(2):217-228.
  3. Armstrong DG, et al. Diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(24):2367-2375.

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

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(810) 206-1402

Recommended Products for Peripheral Neuropathy
Products personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. All available on Amazon.
Topical menthol and arnica formula that helps with neuropathic tingling and burning.
Best for: Burning, tingling, nerve pain
Graduated compression improves blood flow to feet, supporting nerve health.
Best for: Diabetic neuropathy, circulation support
Cushioned insole protects numb feet from pressure injuries.
Best for: Daily foot protection
These products work best with professional treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Tom for a personalized treatment plan.
Complete Recovery Protocol
Dr. Tom's Neuropathy Care Kit
Our recommended daily care products for peripheral neuropathy management.
~$18
~$25
~$35
Kit Total: ~$78 $110+ for comparable products
All available on Amazon with free Prime shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a podiatrist help with neuropathy?
Yes. Podiatrists specialize in foot neuropathy management including nerve testing, diabetic foot monitoring, custom orthotics for protection, and therapies like MLS laser treatment to improve nerve function.
What does neuropathy in feet feel like?
Peripheral neuropathy typically causes tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp shooting pain in the feet. Symptoms often start in the toes and progress upward. Some patients describe it as walking on pins and needles.
Is foot neuropathy reversible?
It depends on the cause. Neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects may be reversible. Diabetic neuropathy is typically managed rather than reversed, but early treatment can slow progression and reduce symptoms significantly.

Recommended Products from Dr. Tom

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.