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.

Diabetic Foot Wound Care at Home: What Patients Need

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

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Diabetic Foot & Circulation Screening →

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3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140

Howell, MI 48843

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43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

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Same-week appointments available at both locations.

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(810) 206-1402

In Our Clinic

Diabetic neuropathy patients in our clinic often don’t realize they have it until we put a 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament to the plantar foot and they can’t feel it. Many arrive for an unrelated concern — an ingrown toenail, a callus — and we catch the neuropathy on screening. The conversation then shifts: we need to discuss daily foot inspections, appropriate footwear, the urgency of any blister or open area, and the timing of vascular referral if pulses are diminished. Comprehensive diabetic foot exams are covered by Medicare annually. If you have diabetes, we want to see you once a year even if nothing hurts.

More Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Essentials

Diabetic-Approved Walking Shoe

Orthofeet Men's Sprint Walking Shoe, Athletic

Tie-Less Lacing System eliminates the need to tie laces. Heel strap enables to adjust the grip around the heel. Cushioning sole with a mild Rocker adds spring to your step. Soft, padded fabric interior with no overlays eliminates irritation.

Orthofeet Sprint — seamless, extra-depth, designed for neuropathic feet.

Seamless Diabetic Sock

OS1st FS4 Plantar Fasciitis No Show Socks relieves plantar fasciitis, heel/arch pain and improves circulation

Provides continuous support of the Plantar Fascia by gently stretching the fascia tissue.
Compression zones promote circulation, reduce impact vibration, boost recovery and strengthen feet.
Lightweight, seamless design with extra cushioning provides support while still being comfortable.
Supports the heel/arch and overall foot structure while stabilizing the tendon for better performance
Made from high quality materials, the socks are moisture wicking and breathable.

OS1st FS4 — non-binding, moisture-wicking, protects fragile diabetic skin.

Recovery Slide for Indoor Wear

HOKA - Unisex Ora Recovery Slide 3 | Recovery Sandal – Running Lab

Model ID: 1135061-BTRT

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.

Diabetic Foot Exam 2 - Balance Foot & Ankle

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

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Diabetic Foot Care Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.

Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.

Recommended Products for Peripheral Neuropathy

Products personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. All available on Amazon.

Dr. Tom's PickDoctor Hoy's Natural Pain Relief Gel

Topical menthol and arnica formula that helps with neuropathic tingling and burning.

Best for: Burning, tingling, nerve pain

CirculationDASS Medical Compression Socks

Graduated compression improves blood flow to feet, supporting nerve health.

Best for: Diabetic neuropathy, circulation support

ProtectionPowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

Cushioned insole protects numb feet from pressure injuries.

Best for: Daily foot protection

These products work best with professional treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Tom for a personalized treatment plan.

Complete Recovery Protocol

Dr. Tom's Neuropathy Care Kit

Our recommended daily care products for peripheral neuropathy management.

Doctor Hoy's Pain Relief Gel

Nerve pain relief

~$18

DASS Compression Socks 20-30mmHg

Circulation support

~$25

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

Foot protection

~$35

Kit Total: ~$78 $110+ for comparable products

All available on Amazon with free Prime shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a podiatrist help with neuropathy?

Yes. Podiatrists specialize in foot neuropathy management including nerve testing, diabetic foot monitoring, custom orthotics for protection, and therapies like MLS laser treatment to improve nerve function.

What does neuropathy in feet feel like?

Peripheral neuropathy typically causes tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp shooting pain in the feet. Symptoms often start in the toes and progress upward. Some patients describe it as walking on pins and needles.

Is foot neuropathy reversible?

It depends on the cause. Neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects may be reversible. Diabetic neuropathy is typically managed rather than reversed, but early treatment can slow progression and reduce symptoms significantly.

Medical References

Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
Heel Pain (APMA)

This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.

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