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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
National Diabetes Month: The Complete Foot Protection Guide relates to diabetic foot care — typically caused by reduced circulation + neuropathy. Most patients improve in ongoing daily inspection with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Diabetic Foot & Circulation Screening →
National Diabetes Month: The Complete Foot Protection Guide
Diabetes and Your Feet: Why This Month Matters
November is National Diabetes Month. As a podiatrist, this is the most important awareness month on my calendar – because diabetic foot complications are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations in the United States. With proper foot care and the right products, most of these outcomes are preventable.
Why Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes causes two primary foot problems: peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that reduces sensation) and peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow that impairs healing). Together, these create a dangerous combination: you cannot feel injuries when they occur, and your body cannot heal them effectively when they do. A small blister can become a limb-threatening wound in days.
The Diabetic Foot Daily Inspection Protocol
Every person with diabetes should inspect their feet every single day. Use a mirror or have a family member check areas you cannot see. Look for: blisters, cuts, scrapes, redness, warm spots, swelling, or any changes in skin color. Any wound that has not started healing within 24-48 hours needs professional evaluation immediately.
Foot Products That Protect Diabetic Feet
Gold #1: PowerStep Pinnacle – [AFFILIATE LINK – PowerStep Pinnacle] – Proper arch support reduces abnormal pressure points in diabetic feet. High-pressure areas under the ball of foot and heel are common ulceration sites in neuropathic patients. PowerStep’s deep heel cup and arch support redistribute pressure more evenly. FSA and HSA eligible.
Silver #2: Curex WorkPro – [AFFILIATE LINK – Curex WorkPro] – Good for diabetic patients who stand all day at work. The three arch height options allow customization to the specific foot deformities common in long-term diabetes.
Also essential: diabetic socks (seamless toe seams, non-constricting top), a daily foot cream for neuropathic dry skin (urea-based), and diabetic shoes if prescribed by your physician (Medicare/insurance covered for qualifying patients).
When to See a Podiatrist as a Diabetic Patient
Every diabetic patient should have a podiatry evaluation at least annually. Diabetics with peripheral neuropathy or vascular disease should be seen every 3 months. Any wound, ulcer, or infection should be seen same-day or next-day – do not wait.
The Michigan Diabetes Connection
Michigan has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the Midwest. Our clinic partners with area endocrinologists including Dr. Grunberger’s team to provide coordinated diabetic foot care. Call us today for your annual diabetic foot exam.
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Diabetes Month Foot Protection: The November Action Items Every Diabetic Patient Should Complete
November’s American Diabetes Month highlights the preventive interventions that make the largest difference in diabetic outcomes — and diabetic foot care is among the highest-yield areas for preventive action. The statistics are stark: diabetes accounts for more than 60% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations in the United States; most amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer; most foot ulcers are preventable with appropriate surveillance, protective footwear, and patient education. The November action items for every Michigan diabetic patient are concrete and immediately actionable. First: schedule a comprehensive diabetic foot examination if one has not been completed in the past 12 months. Second: inspect your footwear — the inside of every shoe worn regularly should be felt for seams, foreign objects, and areas of abnormal wear that indicate pressure points on the foot. Third: inspect your feet daily, using a mirror for the plantar surface, looking for redness, callus buildup, blisters, and any wounds — however small.
The November timing of Diabetes Month coincides with shoe season — the transition to closed-toe winter footwear increases the time diabetic feet spend in potentially pressure-creating environments without visual inspection. Diabetic patients whose summer sandal habits allowed easy foot inspection must re-establish the daily barefoot inspection routine as winter boots become the norm. The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill benefit for diabetic patients provides one pair of extra-depth shoes and three pairs of custom inserts per calendar year — and November and December are the final opportunity to use the current year’s benefit before it expires. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, we screen all diabetic patients for therapeutic shoe benefit eligibility at every visit and process the Certificate of Medical Necessity in-office for qualifying patients. Schedule your diabetes month foot evaluation today — preventive care costs far less than the complications it prevents.
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
- Diabetic Foot Care Daily Routine
- Neuropathy Exercises for Feet
- Neuropathy in Feet: Relief Guide
- PAD & Foot Symptoms: Circulation Warning Signs
- 12 Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Diabetic Foot Care
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
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 — 30% commission (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
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
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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Clinical References
- Roddy E, et al. “Prevalence of symptomatic foot osteoarthritis.” Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2015;74(1):156-163.
- Turner DE, et al. “Effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the foot.” Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2008;59(10):1484-1494.
- Frecklington M, et al. “Footwear interventions for foot and ankle arthritis.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;(9):CD012453.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Essentials
Diabetic-Approved Walking Shoe
Orthofeet Sprint — seamless, extra-depth, designed for neuropathic feet.
Seamless Diabetic Sock
OS1st FS4 — non-binding, moisture-wicking, protects fragile diabetic skin.
Recovery Slide for Indoor Wear
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 Hills
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-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day 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 Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
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- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
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- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
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- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
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- Strong menthol scent at first
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
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