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Diabetic Foot Care & Exams Michigan
Prevent Complications. Protect Your Feet.
Diabetes affects your feet more than any other body part. Our board-certified Michigan podiatrists provide comprehensive diabetic foot exams, wound care, Medicare-covered diabetic shoes, and education to prevent the serious complications that lead to amputation.
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Diabetic Foot Care & Exams
Michigan Podiatry Specialists
Diabetes affects blood flow and nerve function, making your feet vulnerable to serious complications — including infections that can lead to amputation. Our board-certified Michigan podiatrists provide comprehensive diabetic foot care at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices, helping you protect your feet and your quality of life.
⚠ Diabetes Warning: Up to 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. With proper care, 85% of amputations are preventable. Regular podiatric exams are essential.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Is Critical
Diabetes damages two essential systems your feet depend on: blood circulation and nerve function. Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness and tingling, meaning you may not feel a blister, cut, or wound developing. Peripheral arterial disease reduces blood flow, meaning wounds heal slowly or not at all. Together, these complications create a dangerous cycle that requires specialized diabetic foot care from a board-certified podiatrist.
At Balance Foot & Ankle, our Michigan podiatrists perform comprehensive diabetic foot exams at every visit and develop personalized prevention plans to keep your feet healthy year-round.
Our Diabetic Foot Care Services
Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam
Annual or semi-annual exams checking circulation, nerve function (monofilament test), skin integrity, nail health, and footwear. Medicare and most insurance cover these visits.
Wound Care & Ulcer Treatment
Advanced diabetic wound care including debridement, offloading, and infection management. We use evidence-based protocols to promote healing and prevent amputation.
Medicare-Covered Diabetic Shoes
We prescribe and fit Medicare-covered therapeutic shoes and custom inserts for diabetic patients. Proper footwear dramatically reduces the risk of ulcers and skin breakdown.
Nail & Skin Care
Safe professional toenail trimming, callus removal, and ingrown toenail treatment for diabetic patients. Routine care prevents minor issues from becoming life-threatening infections.
Custom Orthotics & Offloading
Custom orthotics and total contact casting to redistribute pressure away from vulnerable areas, preventing ulcer formation and promoting healing of existing wounds.
Circulation & Neuropathy Evaluation
Vascular assessments and nerve conduction studies to identify diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease early, before complications develop.
Daily Diabetic Foot Care: What Your Podiatrist Recommends
Between podiatry visits, Dr. Tom Biernacki and our team recommend these essential daily diabetic foot care habits:
- Inspect your feet daily — Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet. Look for blisters, cuts, redness, swelling, or any skin changes.
- Wash and dry thoroughly — Wash with lukewarm water (never hot). Dry carefully between the toes where moisture breeds fungus and bacteria.
- Moisturize (not between toes) — Apply lotion to prevent dry, cracked skin. Avoid moisturizing between toes to prevent fungal infections.
- Never walk barefoot — Even indoors. One small wound you can’t feel can become a life-threatening infection.
- Wear proper diabetic footwear — Well-fitting shoes with extra depth and cushioning. Ask us about Medicare-covered diabetic shoes.
- Trim nails straight across — Never cut into corners. If you have neuropathy or poor vision, have a podiatrist trim your nails.
- Control blood sugar — Optimal blood sugar management is the most powerful tool for preventing diabetic foot complications.
FAQs: Diabetic Foot Care in Michigan
Does Medicare cover diabetic foot exams?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers one diabetic foot exam every 6 months for patients with peripheral neuropathy. Additional visits are covered if medically necessary. We accept Medicare and can verify your coverage when you call (810) 206-1402.
How often should a diabetic see a podiatrist?
At minimum, annually. If you have peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, a history of foot ulcers, or foot deformities, we recommend every 3–6 months. High-risk patients may need monthly visits. We work with your primary care doctor and endocrinologist to coordinate your care.
What are warning signs I need to see a podiatrist immediately?
Call us immediately at (810) 206-1402 if you notice: any open wound or sore, increased redness or warmth, black or purple discoloration, foul odor from your foot, fever with foot pain, or any change in sensation. These can escalate rapidly in diabetic patients.
Schedule Your Diabetic Foot Exam Today
Board-certified Michigan podiatrists. Medicare & most insurance accepted. Howell & Bloomfield Hills offices. Same-week appointments.
Book Diabetic Foot ExamOr call (810) 206-1402
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a diabetic patient see a podiatrist?
At minimum annually, but most guidelines recommend every 3-6 months for diabetic patients with neuropathy or poor circulation, and monthly for high-risk patients with a history of foot ulcers or amputation. Early detection prevents 85% of amputations.
What happens during a diabetic foot exam?
A comprehensive diabetic foot exam includes a monofilament nerve test, vibration testing for neuropathy, pulse assessment for circulation, skin and nail inspection, callus evaluation, and footwear assessment. We also check blood pressure at the ankle (ABI) when indicated.
Does Medicare pay for diabetic foot exams?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers one comprehensive diabetic foot exam every 6 months for patients with diabetes-related nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Additional visits are covered when medically necessary. We accept Medicare and handle all billing.
Watch: Diabetic Foot Care Explained by Dr. Tom
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — 950K+ YouTube subscribers · 156M+ video views · Michigan’s most-watched podiatrist.
Medical References
- ADA diabetic foot health — American Diabetes Association
- CDC diabetes foot complications — CDC Diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Related guide: Shoes that rub the back of your heel can trigger blisters, Haglund’s irritation, and retrocalcaneal bursitis. See How to Stop Shoes Rubbing the Back of Your Heel — 7 podiatrist-tested fixes including lacing techniques and heel-lock pads.