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Board Certified Podiatrists | Expert Foot & Ankle Care
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Diabetic Foot Care & Nerve Treatment in Michigan

Quick Answer

Diabetic foot disease is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation in the United States. Our Howell office runs a structured diabetic limb-preservation program: quarterly foot exams, neuropathy testing, vascular screening, covered diabetic shoes and custom insoles, and fast-track wound care with vascular-surgeon co-management. The goal is to catch ulcers before they happen and keep you walking.

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Video: Diabetic Foot Ulcer — Early Signs, Causes, and Treatment

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★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Board-Certified Michigan Podiatrists

Diabetic Foot Care

Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan

Board-certified podiatric surgeons provide diabetic foot care at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. 4.9★ rated · 1,123+ reviews · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-Certified Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon  ·  Last Updated: April 2026

Diabetic Foot Care & Nerve Treatment in Michigan

Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Last updated April 2026

Diabetes affects more than 37 million Americans, and foot complications are among the most serious risks. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists provide comprehensive diabetic foot care — from routine preventive exams to advanced wound healing and neuropathy management — helping you protect your feet and your mobility.

Early intervention prevents 85% of diabetes-related amputations. Our team works closely with your primary care physician and endocrinologist to ensure coordinated, whole-patient care at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.

Schedule Your Diabetic Foot Exam Today

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Or call: (810) 206-1402

Diabetic & Nerve Conditions We Treat

Diabetic Foot Exams

Annual comprehensive diabetic foot exams are essential for detecting nerve damage, circulation problems, and skin breakdown before they become emergencies. Our thorough evaluation includes monofilament testing, vascular assessment, and skin/nail inspection — fully covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Numbness, tingling, burning, or shooting pain in your feet caused by nerve damage. We offer multi-modal neuropathy management including MLS laser therapy, nutritional supplementation, custom orthotics for fall prevention, and medication management to slow progression and reduce symptoms.

Diabetic Shoes (Insurance Covered)

Medicare and most insurance plans cover therapeutic shoes and custom inserts for qualifying diabetic patients. We handle the fitting, prescription, and insurance paperwork — ensuring you get properly fitted protective footwear at little to no cost.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers & Wound Care

Open sores on the foot that won’t heal are a medical emergency for diabetic patients. Our advanced wound care protocols include offloading, debridement, bioengineered skin substitutes, and negative pressure wound therapy to promote healing and prevent infection.

Charcot Foot

A serious condition where weakened bones in the foot fracture and collapse, often without significant pain due to neuropathy. Early diagnosis and immobilization are critical to prevent permanent deformity. We use advanced imaging and custom bracing to manage this condition.

PAD & Circulation Screening

Peripheral arterial disease reduces blood flow to your feet, slowing healing and increasing infection risk. Our in-office vascular screening identifies circulation problems early so they can be managed with your cardiologist or vascular surgeon.

Senior Foot Care & Nail Trimming

Routine foot care for seniors who have difficulty reaching their feet or have thickened, difficult-to-trim nails. Our gentle, thorough nail care and skin checks keep your feet healthy and comfortable.

Protect Your Feet. Protect Your Future.

Preventive diabetic foot care can save your limbs and your life.

Become a New Patient →   Call (810) 206-1402

Diabetic Foot Care in Howell: FAQ

Does Medicare cover diabetic foot exams in Howell, MI?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers diabetic foot exams every 6 months for patients with documented diabetic neuropathy at our Howell office. We accept Medicare and handle all billing. Call (810) 206-1402 with your Medicare information to schedule.

What diabetic foot care services are available in Howell?

At our Howell office, we provide: comprehensive diabetic foot exams, ABI vascular testing, monofilament nerve testing, wound care, Medicare-covered diabetic shoe fittings, nail and callus care, and custom orthotics. We coordinate with your endocrinologist and primary care team.

Watch: Diabetic Foot Care 101

See how Dr. Biernacki’s diabetic foot care program prevents the #1 cause of non-traumatic amputation — with comprehensive neuropathy testing, wound surveillance, and offloading strategies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should diabetic patients see a podiatrist?

The American Diabetes Association recommends annual comprehensive foot exams for all diabetic patients. Patients with neuropathy, prior ulcers, or poor circulation should be seen every 1–3 months. Regular podiatry care reduces diabetic amputation rates by up to 85%.

What is a diabetic foot exam and what does it include?

A comprehensive diabetic foot exam includes: monofilament neuropathy testing, Doppler vascular assessment, skin and nail inspection, orthopedic assessment of foot deformities, wound evaluation, and footwear review. The exam takes 20–30 minutes and is covered by Medicare annually.

What are the warning signs of a diabetic foot emergency?

Seek immediate care for: any new wound or blister, redness or warmth (infection), swelling in one foot (Charcot arthropathy), drainage or odor from a wound, numbness that has changed, or a wound that hasn’t healed in 2 weeks. Diabetic foot infections progress rapidly and can become limb-threatening within 24–48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a diabetic patient see a podiatrist?+
National guidelines recommend a comprehensive diabetic foot exam at least once per year for every diabetic patient, and every 3 months for patients with neuropathy, prior ulcer, vascular disease, or foot deformity. Our Howell office runs this on a structured recall so nothing falls through the cracks.
Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes and insoles?+
Yes — Medicare Part B covers one pair of qualifying therapeutic diabetic shoes and three pairs of custom insoles per calendar year for qualifying patients, with a physician statement of medical necessity. We handle the paperwork and coordinate fitting in the office. Most commercial insurance plans have comparable benefits.
What is the difference between neuropathy and poor circulation?+
Neuropathy is nerve damage — it causes numbness, burning, tingling, or loss of sensation. Poor circulation is arterial disease — it causes pain with walking, cold feet, and slow wound healing. Many diabetic patients have both. We screen for each at every visit (monofilament, vibration, ABI when indicated) and co-manage circulation problems with vascular surgery.
Why are small cuts on diabetic feet such a big deal?+
A small cut in a foot with neuropathy may not be felt, and a small cut in a foot with reduced circulation may not heal. Those two factors together can turn a minor injury into a full-thickness ulcer in days. Early attention — same-week — is how amputations are prevented. Call us immediately for any diabetic foot injury.
What should I do if I see a new ulcer, blister, or wound on my foot?+
Call the office the same day. Do not self-treat with over-the-counter medications, do not soak it, and do not cut anything off. Keep weight off the area if possible. Our diabetic foot urgent slots typically accommodate same-week or next-day visits so the wound is offloaded and dressed properly before it deepens.

Still have questions? Call us — we can usually fit you in within the week.

Call (810) 206-1402

Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Foot Care Essentials

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links to products we recommend. If you purchase through these links, Balance Foot & Ankle may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we use with our patients.

Daily prevention is the single most important intervention for diabetic patients. These four tools are what we send home with every new diabetic patient at Balance Foot & Ankle.

Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream

Ceramide + urea formula — keeps diabetic skin supple and prevents cracking (the #1 entry point for infection).

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MediPeds Diabetic Crew Socks (8-pack)

Non-binding top band, seamless toe, moisture-wicking — the gold standard diabetic sock.

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Vive Long-Handle Foot Inspection Mirror

Daily foot inspection is non-negotiable for diabetics — this mirror lets you check soles without bending.

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Monofilament Neuropathy Test Kit

Home screening tool — catches early loss of protective sensation between podiatry visits.

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Affiliate disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we actually prescribe to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.

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