Diabetic Foot Care Michigan | Prevent Ulcers & Amputation

Related Conditions

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Diabetic Foot Care Michigan

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputation in the United States. Routine diabetic foot care by a board-certified podiatrist dramatically reduces this risk. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive diabetic foot care in Michigan at our Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township offices — helping patients with diabetes protect their feet, heal wounds, and prevent serious complications.

Why People with Diabetes Need Podiatric Care

Diabetes damages both the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Peripheral neuropathy causes loss of protective sensation — patients cannot feel pressure sores, blisters, or injuries as they develop. Peripheral arterial disease reduces blood flow, impairing the healing of even minor wounds. Together, these complications create a dangerous cycle: undetected wounds fail to heal, become infected, and can progress to osteomyelitis (bone infection) or gangrene requiring amputation.

Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam

At each visit, Dr. Biernacki performs a thorough foot exam that includes monofilament sensation testing to detect neuropathy; ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe pressures to screen for peripheral arterial disease; inspection of skin integrity, nail health, and foot deformity; and gait analysis. Early detection of calluses, pressure areas, and nail pathology prevents these from becoming ulcers.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment

Diabetic foot ulcers require aggressive, multi-disciplinary management. Dr. Biernacki provides sharp débridement to remove necrotic tissue and biofilm, total contact casting or off-loading boots to eliminate plantar pressure (the key driver of ulcer recurrence), topical wound care with appropriate dressings, and coordination with vascular surgery for revascularization when circulation is inadequate. For wounds at high risk of deep infection, oral or IV antibiotics and bone biopsies to rule out osteomyelitis are arranged promptly.

Charcot Foot Management

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a devastating complication of diabetic neuropathy in which bones collapse and fracture without pain, leading to severe foot deformity (“rocker-bottom foot”). Urgent total contact casting in the acute inflammatory phase can halt progression. Chronic Charcot deformity may require custom Charcot restraint orthotic walkers (CROWs) or reconstructive surgery to restore a plantigrade, braceable foot.

Preventive Care for Diabetic Feet

• Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling
• Wear seamless diabetic socks and properly fitted depth-inlay shoes
• Never walk barefoot — even indoors
• Moisturize dry skin but avoid between the toes
• Have toenails trimmed professionally by your podiatrist
• See Dr. Biernacki every 1–3 months (or more frequently with active wounds)

Insurance Coverage for Diabetic Foot Care in Michigan

Medicare and most Michigan commercial insurance plans cover routine diabetic foot exams and wound care when a diagnosis of diabetes with associated complications (neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, or foot deformity) is documented. Therapeutic footwear (shoes and insoles) for qualifying diabetic patients is also a Medicare benefit. Our team handles pre-authorization and insurance verification for all patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule your diabetic foot care appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Brighton, or Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Dr. Biernacki and his team are dedicated to helping diabetic patients in Michigan maintain healthy feet and avoid serious complications.

Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?

Several conditions share symptoms with Diabetic Neuropathy and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Burning radiating into the arch with positive Tinel’s at the medial ankle.
• Peripheral artery disease. Pain with walking that resolves with rest, weak pulses, hair loss on toes.
• Lumbar radiculopathy. Symptoms following a dermatome, often with back pain — MRI of spine, not foot.

If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment.

Most Common Mistake We See

The most common mistake we see is: Stopping B-vitamin supplementation as soon as symptoms improve. Fix: maintain supplementation for 6-18 months alongside strict glucose control.

Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care

More questions patients ask

How often should diabetics check their feet?

Diabetic patients should perform daily self-examinations of both feet, checking for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, and temperature changes. Professional diabetic foot exams should occur at least annually, or every 3-6 months for patients with neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, or history of foot ulcers. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot care programs.

Why do diabetics have foot problems?

Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage reducing sensation), peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow), and impaired immune function. This combination means injuries go unnoticed, heal slowly, and are prone to infection. Approximately 15% of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer, and diabetic foot complications are the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation. Prevention through regular podiatric care is essential.

What are the signs of diabetic neuropathy in feet?

Early signs include tingling, burning, or numbness starting in the toes and progressing upward. Other symptoms include sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, balance problems, and loss of reflexes. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Biernacki at 810-206-1402 for nerve conduction testing and a comprehensive neuropathy management plan.

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.