Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Diabetic foot care near Hartland reduces amputation risk by up to 85% with regular podiatric monitoring — and the 10-gram monofilament neuropathy test result determines how frequently visits are needed and what preventive footwear is medically necessary. Call (810) 206-1402 — diabetic foot care in Hartland.
Diabetic Foot Care close to Hartland
Hartland residents with diabetes have a close specialist option for comprehensive foot care at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell — just 10 minutes east on M-59. Diabetic foot care is one of the most important preventive health services for people with diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral artery disease (circulation problems) — both common diabetes complications — dramatically increase the risk of foot wounds, infections, and amputations. Annual podiatric exams are the standard of care and are covered by Medicare.
In our Howell clinic, we provide the full spectrum of diabetic foot services: annual diabetic foot exams with monofilament sensory testing, vascular screening, nail and callus care for patients who can’t safely do it at home, therapeutic diabetic shoe fitting (Medicare Part B covers one pair per calendar year with qualifying documentation), custom prescription orthotics for diabetic foot protection, and same-day wound evaluation for any new sore or ulcer. Learn more about our diabetic foot care program.
Key takeaway: A painless foot wound in a diabetic patient is a medical emergency — not something to watch and see. Neuropathy means you may not feel the wound forming or worsening. Any new wound, sore, or blister should be evaluated same-day. We provide urgent same-day appointments for Hartland patients.
What to expect at your appointment
Your annual diabetic foot exam takes 30–45 minutes. We perform complete sensory testing (5.07 monofilament, 128 Hz tuning fork), pedal pulse assessment, skin and nail inspection, callus risk grading, and shoe fit evaluation. Everything is documented in the format required for Medicare billing — Hartland patients receive the full Medicare annual benefit at no additional cost.
Therapeutic diabetic shoe fitting is provided in-office. We carry qualifying footwear and custom orthotics (A5500/A5501 under Medicare). For patients with active ulcers or wounds, we provide in-office wound care and coordinate with wound care specialists and vascular surgeons when needed. Same-day appointments for any diabetic foot concern — call (810) 206-1402.
⚠️ When to see a podiatrist promptly:
- Any new sore, blister, or wound — same-day evaluation, do not wait
- One foot suddenly more swollen than the other — Charcot fracture must be ruled out
- Redness spreading from a wound on your foot
- Dark tissue or color change in any toe
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Hartland patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM manages diabetic foot conditions from routine annual care through complex wound management. Our Howell office is just 10 minutes from Hartland — the most convenient specialist destination for Livingston County diabetic patients.
We are in-network with Medicare Part B, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and most commercial plans. We handle all Medicare documentation for therapeutic footwear, orthotics, and annual exams. 4.9★ | 1,100+ reviews.
Insurance & scheduling for Hartland patients
We accept Medicare and most commercial insurance. From Hartland: M-59 east approximately 10 minutes to 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell MI 48843.
American Diabetes Association: Diabetic Foot Care
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Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
Doctor Answer
What does diabetic foot care include and why is it so important?
Diabetic foot care involves regular podiatric evaluations, careful nail and callus management, neuropathy and vascular screening, wound surveillance, and patient education to prevent ulcers and serious infections. Elevated blood sugar impairs circulation and nerve function, making even minor injuries dangerous. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive diabetic foot care in Hartland, MI, protecting patients from complications including hospitalization and amputation.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.