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

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment —Trusted Michigan Podiatrist

Are you struggling with foot or ankle pain? At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our board-certified Michigan podiatrists provide expert evaluation and treatment for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and ankle injuries.

With advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care, we help you relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent long-term complications.

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• Board-Certified Podiatrists

• Diabetic Foot Doctor Near You

• Serving Howell & Bloomfield Hills

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer? What It Means and How to Treat It

• A diabetic foot ulcer is a sore on the bottom of your foot that occurs at some point in almost 25% of all diabetic patients throughout their life.
• The most common site for a diabetic ulcer is on your foot.
• Many of these people become hospitalized due to an infection or an ulcer, or related complications.
• Diabetes and blood flow disease has been called the number one cause of foot or leg amputation in the United States.
• Some patients who develop a full ulcer, if untreated, can progress to amputation. Those people with diabetes who do receive amputation are almost always preceded by diabetic foot ulceration.
• Research has shown that working with a podiatrist is one of the single best things to prevent your foot.

Causes of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer:

• if you have diabetes, there is a strong chance that you can sometimes develop a foot ulcer throughout your life if you do not take the right precautions.
• Studies do show that certain populations and backgrounds are more likely to develop an ulcer. The single most common demographic is older men. This includes Native Americans, Hispanic, and African-American populations.
• Patients who are advanced diabetics who need to use insulin are at the highest risk of developing a full ulcer. This is especially true if you have diabetes-related issues such as kidney, eye, and heart disease.
• A diabetic foot ulcer is also strongly correlated to both being overweight and using alcohol.
• The two biggest associated health conditions to being a diabetic are smoking and the use of alcohol.
• Diabetic foot ulcers almost always start diabetic foot infections

Hard skin can develop in pressure areas of the foot. This can lead to an ulcer with cracks and fissures.

Protect Your Feet: Expert Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care Explained

https://youtu.be/EsQdGpuA9eA

Do you have Diabetic foot pain? This may be the start of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer. We go over the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Early Signs, Causes & BEST Home Treatments

How to treat a diabetic foot ulcer:
0:00 What is a diabetic foot ulcer?
0:53 Diabetic foot ulcer causes
1:08 Diabetic foot ulcer beginnings
2:55 Diabetic foot ulcer infection treatment
3:17 Diabetic foot ulcer stages
3:47 Diabetic foot ulcer podiatrist and diabetic foot ulcer doctors
4:27 Diabetic foot ulcer early signs
4:44 Infected diabetic foot ulcer treatment
5:10 Diabetic foot ulcer treatment at home
5:45 Diabetic foot ulcer total contact cast
6:30 Diabetic foot ulcer shoes
6:45 Diabetic foot ulcer orthotics
7:20 Diabetic foot ulcer exercises and Diabetic foot ulcer stretches
9:08 Early stage diabetic foot ulcer
9:53 Diabetic foot ulcer Home Treatment
10:10 Diabetic foot ulcer Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic Foot Care Prevention

Most Diabetic foot ulcers are formed due to a combination of numerous factors: the most common of these is the lack of feeling in your foot, poor blood flow down to your foot, foot deformities, constant rubbing or pressure, as well as how long if it had diabetes. Most diabetic patients with foot ulcers first begin to lose sensation in their feet. This is a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This is then combined with rising blood sugar levels that can sometimes be well over 200. The tricky thing about diabetes is that you do not feel the wound coming on, so the patient is usually not aware of the formation of the diabetic foot ulcer. This is the perfect time to see your podiatrist as a week and check for the lack of sensation and show you strategies to be aware of this.

Diabetic toe sores are the most common type of diabetic foot ulcer.

The second thing that can be done is the valuation of your foot care. You must make sure that you are wearing the right things every day. Things as simple as the stitching in your sock or the stitching on the inside of your shoe can easily cause a diabetic foot ulcer to develop.

How to make a wound heal faster?

• Studies showed that seeing a foot-in-wound specialist such as a podiatrist is one of the single most effective things you can do. Don’t worry.
• The single best thing you can do is evaluate and make sure that you are doing nothing wrong. For example, I mean that some people are usually missing one essential criterion that is necessary to healing.
• The four basics are evaluating your blood flow to make sure you have excellent blood flow, making sure your blood sugar is low and under control, making sure that you are not putting any pressure on your foot, and finally making sure that you don’t have an infection.
• This means looking out for the basics.
• The single biggest mistake in treating foot ulcers is relying on products.
• The biggest waste of time is focusing only on expensive products such as stem cells or expensive creams.
• Sure they are helpful in a comprehensive treatment plan, but we see tons of people doing everything wrong, but then trying to apply an expensive cream and hoping for magical results.
• The true way to heal a diabetic foot ulcer is to make sure you have the four basics in place.
• If you can do these four things well, you are almost guaranteed to heal your wound, but easier said than done!
• Don’t fall into the commercialized trap of buying better and more expensive products and not doing the cheap, easy, and proven basics to be affected by hard science.

How to Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer:

Great blood flow:

• See your podiatrist get your blood flow evaluating. This is called your arterial brachial index. This is an easy screening test that can be performed and is usually the first test order.
• Some patients who develop a full ulcer, if untreated, can progress to amputation. Those people with diabetes who do receive amputation are almost always preceded by diabetic foot ulceration.
• Your podiatrist will check your blood flow to your dorsalis pedis and your posterior tibialis arteries. If your blood flow is reasonable, this is the single biggest criterion in your foot ulcer. If you have some blockage, if you are a smoker, if you are a long-term diabetic, your podiatrist will work with a vascular surgeon to optimize your blood flow.
• This is a crucial and essential step. In our opinion, this is the single biggest thing that can be done for most patients with chronic nonhealing ulcers.

Get your diabetes under control:

• This is another area where your podiatrist and primary care doctor can work together in terms of optimizing your healing rate. We often have patients with ulcers, and saying all my blood sugar is normal at 200, this is not normal! If your blood sugar is anything over 120 on average, this will severely compromise your healing ability.
• It is 100% necessary to get your blood sugar as normal as possible to have any chance of healing your ulcer. Don’t fall for the gimmicks. Care products will not work if you do not have blood flow and blood sugar averages over 120. These are the single biggest and easiest things you can do to correct the underlying reasons for why you have an ulcer.

Make sure you don’t have an infection:

• This is an area where your podiatrist can work with an infectious disease doctor. If you have any redness around your wound or drainage from the center of your wound, you likely have an infection of the current. In the short term, it is essential to start taking antibiotics and to get antibiotic medication onto this site. This can be life-threatening if allowed to continue for lengthy periods of time without improving.
• If you have redness or drainage developing around your ulcer, don’t waste any time, this is the single most urgent thing you can do, don’t be someone who loses their leg because they waited one or two days too long.

Take the pressure off the diabetic foot ulcer:

• Once you meet the first three criteria for wound healing, this is where podiatrists will really get you to close up your wound as quickly as possible. If you have great blood flow if your diabetes is well-controlled, and if you don’t have an infection, the next best thing is to take pressure off the wound site.
• Once you meet all four of these criteria, the wound rapidly can close for you. That may sound simple when I write it like this, but harder said than done! Most people with foot ulcers have had a hard time staying off of it and are not in the world’s best physical condition. For example, you can’t just hop around 1 foot for a month or two until the wound heals, and it’s usually not an option to just lay in bed for a month or two.
• This is where special equipment like offloading orthotics, good shoe gear, ankle-foot braces, diabetic shoes, and diabetic inserts. Once you’re able to offload the level, most of our patients have pretty rapid healing. In our clinic, patients a day with rooms on their feet, and if we get their feet offloaded and meet the four criteria, I outlined, almost every patient reaches rapid.

     

Diabetes Foot Ulcer Treatment & Tips

https://youtu.be/XoMoUzdM1-w

Do you have diabetes & diabetic foot pain? We go over the BEST Diabetic Foot Treatment: Manage Diabetic Foot Symptoms & Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers!

0:00 Diabetic Foot Treatment
0:46 Diabetic Foot Podiatrist
1:00 Diabetic Foot Symptoms
1:15 Diabetic Foot Exam
1:35 Diabetic Foot Soaks
2:00 How to soak diabetic feet
2:25 Diabetic foot self assessment at home
2:40 Diabetic Foot Infection
2:55 Diabetic foot socks
3:18 Diabetic foot shoes
3:50 Best Diabetic slippers
4:10 Best Diabetic Shoes
4:35 How to fit a diabetic shoe
4:50 Diabetic foot orthotics
5:05 Diabetes and poor blow flow
5:50 Diabetic foot nerve pain
6:21 Diabetic Foot Peripheral Neuropathy
6:35 Diabetic foot ulcer prevention
6:50 Diabetic foot home remedies and home diabetic foot prevention

Podiatrist & Foot Doctor Treatment

• Toenail Fungus Treatment (Oral or Laser)
• Toenail Trimming.
• Orthotics Fitting.
• Ingrown Toenails.
• Infected Ingrown Toenails.
• Podiatrist pedicure or medical pedicure.
• Trimming of Corns, Trimming of Calluses, and Treatment of Pressure Blisters.
• Diabetic Foot Care & Diabetic Foot Wounds.
• Athletes Foot, Dry Skin, Eczema.
• Foot & Ankle Ulcer Care.
• Infection and Abscess Care.
• Staph Infections in the Toe or Foot Treatment.
• Treatment of Plantar Warts for Your Toes and Feet.
• Foot & Ankle Injections (Steroid or Natural Solutions.)
• Management of Foot & Ankle Fractures (Walking Boots for broken toes or broken feet).
• Heel Pain (Heel Spur or Plantar Fasciitis).
• Custom Orthotics for children and adults (In the office).
• Over the Counter Orthotics for children and adults.
• Podiatrist medical pedicure.
• Extra-Depth Shoes for Patients with Diabetes.
• Diabetic Shoes.
• Gout Treatment.
• Prescription (Refills).
• Telehealth appointments.
• Shockwave therapy (AKA ESWT or EPAT therapy)
• Cold laser therapy (In the office).
• MLS laser therapy (Multi-Wave Locked System laser therapy).
• Laser for peripheral neuropathy (In-Office).
• Senior Toenail Cutting & Toenail Trimming Services.

Top-Rated Products Recommended for Diabetes Foot Ulcer Treatment

Trusted Solutions To Soothe, Protect, and Support Your Feet

Best Products

Finding the best products for managing peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot pain can make a world of difference in your daily comfort and mobility.

Best Orthotics

When it comes to managing foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or diabetic neuropathy, the best orthotics can offer crucial support and relief. 

Best Shoes

Choosing the best shoes for foot conditions like neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet is essential for pain relief and long-term foot health.

Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist

Choosing the right podiatrist can make all the difference in preventing serious diabetic foot complications. Here’s why patients trust Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist:

• Board-Certified Expertise: Our doctors are highly trained in diabetic foot management and advanced wound care.
• Comprehensive, Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your medical history, risk factors, and lifestyle.
• Advanced Treatment Options: From non-surgical wound care to minimally invasive procedures, we provide effective solutions that promote healing and prevent recurrence.
• Preventive Focus: Education, custom orthotics, and ongoing monitoring help protect your feet and mobility long-term.
• Compassionate Patient Support: We listen, guide, and answer every question so you feel confident in your care.

Your foot health is our priority. With Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, you’re not just treating a wound—you’re protecting your independence and mobility for years to come.

Walk This Way: Trusted Foot & Ankle Information

Learn what’s hurting and how to fix it.

Athlete’s Foot

Ball of Foot

Achilles Tendon

Bunion

Big Toe

Callus

Foot Fungus

Gout

Ingrown

Orthotics

Outside of Foot Pain

Sports Podiatrist

Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield Hills?

Our experienced podiatric surgeons combine precision, care, and innovation to deliver successful outcomes in flatfoot reconstruction. With modern facilities, patient education, and compassionate care, we’ve become the trusted choice for foot and ankle surgery in Southeast Michigan. We’re committed to restoring your stride—comfortably and confidently.

Book Your Podiatrist Visit Now

Our board-certified podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care.

Meet Our Experienced Diabetic Foot Doctors

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle care for patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term mobility.

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Dr. Carl Jay,
DPM

Dr. Jay delivers trusted general podiatric care, helping patients manage foot and ankle pain, injuries, and chronic conditions with personalized treatment plans.

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Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Dr. Gutkin offers attentive foot and ankle care for a wide range of conditions, emphasizing preventive care and patient education to support healthy, active lifestyles.

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Diabetes Foot Ulcer Treatment FAQ

What is diabetic foot treatment?

Diabetic foot treatment is specialized care for wounds, infections, nerve damage, and circulation issues caused by diabetes, aimed at preventing serious complications like ulcers or amputations.

Why is diabetic foot care important?

People with diabetes are at higher risk for foot problems due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, which can make even small injuries turn serious quickly.

What are common diabetic foot problems?

Common issues include ulcers, infections, calluses, corns, fungal nails, cracked skin, and reduced sensation in the feet.

How often should I see a podiatrist for diabetic foot care?

Most patients benefit from a foot exam every 2–3 months, but those with active problems or ulcers should see a podiatrist more frequently.

What treatments are offered at Balance Foot & Ankle?

We provide wound care, pressure offloading, nail and callus care, infection management, circulation testing, diabetic footwear, and patient education.

Can diabetic foot problems be prevented?

Yes. Daily self-checks, proper foot hygiene, wearing supportive shoes, and controlling blood sugar levels can greatly reduce your risk.

When should I seek urgent foot care?

Seek immediate attention if you notice an open sore, signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, foul odor), sudden pain, or color changes in the skin.

Do you offer custom diabetic shoes and orthotics?

Yes. We provide custom diabetic shoes and insoles to relieve pressure points, improve stability, and protect your feet from injury.

Take Action Today—Protect Your Feet and Ankles

Don’t let foot or ankle pain slow you down. Schedule your evaluation with our board-certified Michigan podiatrists today and get personalized, expert care designed to relieve pain, speed recovery, and prevent long-term complications.

Book Your Appointment Now Call Now for Urgent Visit

Clinical References

1. Armstrong DG et al. Diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence. New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;376(24):2367-2375.
2. Lipsky BA et al. IDSA clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2012;54(12):e132-e173.
3. Boulton AJM et al. Comprehensive foot examination and risk assessment. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1679-1685.