✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

The Diabetic Patient’s Complete Guide to Foot Health — Everything in One Place

The Most Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Care Guide for Michigan Patients

If you have diabetes, your feet are your most vulnerable asset. This guide covers everything you need to know — from daily care to supplements to shoes to treatments — all in one place. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, we’ve built Michigan’s most comprehensive diabetic foot care program around these principles. Call (810) 206-1402. Our Bloomfield Hills office shares a building with the Grunberger Diabetes Institute for coordinated diabetic care.

Section 1: Understanding the Risk

Diabetes causes foot complications through two main pathways: peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage reducing sensation) and peripheral arterial disease (reduced blood flow). Together, they create feet that can’t feel injury and can’t heal it efficiently. The result: a wound that would heal in days for a non-diabetic can become limb-threatening in a diabetic. Michigan’s above-average diabetes rate means thousands of local patients face this risk daily.

Section 2: Your Daily Foot Care Routine

Inspect both feet daily using a mirror for the sole. Wash in lukewarm water, dry completely especially between toes. Apply urea-based cream to heels (not between toes). Change into clean diabetic socks. Check inside shoes before wearing. See our complete diabetic foot care routine.

Section 3: Choosing the Right Shoes

Extra depth, wide toe box, seamless interior, removable insole, stable sole. Never wear pointed-toe shoes, high heels, or flip-flops. Medicare Therapeutic Shoes are covered annually for qualifying patients. See our complete guide to Medicare diabetic shoes.

Section 4: Supplements That Support Foot Health

Alpha-lipoic acid (Nutricost ALA 600mg), B-Complex with methyl-B12 (especially for Metformin users), Vitamin D3 (critical for Michigan residents), Magnesium Glycinate, Fish Oil. See our complete diabetic supplement guide.

Section 5: Nail & Skin Care

Trim straight across, never too short. Moisturize daily with urea cream. See a podiatrist for nail care if you have neuropathy or poor vision. Professional nail care may be Medicare-covered.

Section 6: When to Call Us Immediately

Any skin break, wound, or infection. Any sudden warmth and swelling in one foot (possible Charcot). Any redness spreading from a wound. Any black discoloration. Any new numbness, burning, or tingling. Call (810) 206-1402 same day — don’t wait.

Section 7: Our Treatments

MLS laser therapy for neuropathy pain and wound healing. 3D custom orthotics for pressure redistribution. Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program. Professional nail and wound care. Home visits throughout Livingston and Oakland Counties.

Section 8: The Grunberger Diabetes Institute Partnership

Our Bloomfield Hills office shares a building with the Grunberger Diabetes Institute — Dr. George Grunberger’s nationally recognized diabetes center. For Oakland County patients, this means your endocrinologist and your podiatrist are steps apart, creating coordinated care unavailable at virtually any other Michigan practice.

Section 9: Insurance & Medicare

Medicare covers annual foot exams, Medicare Therapeutic Shoes (annually), custom orthotics, and home visits for qualifying patients. We verify all benefits before your appointment. Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted.

Book Your Appointment

Call (810) 206-1402 or book online at michiganfootdoctors.com. Howell (serving Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills (serving Oakland County). Same-day appointments for diabetic foot emergencies. Home visits available throughout southeastern Michigan.

Professional Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle’s Comprehensive Services

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive comprehensive podiatric care across the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists provide conservative and surgical treatment for all foot and ankle pathology — from plantar fasciitis, bunions, and nail disorders to complex reconstructive surgery, diabetic foot care, and sports injuries. Our clinical approach prioritizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment selection, and honest communication with patients about realistic outcomes.

Related Treatment Guides

• Diabetic Foot Care
• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment

We serve patients in Livingston and Oakland counties from two convenient Michigan locations: our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River (serving Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Howell, and all of Livingston County) and our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 (serving Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and all of Oakland County). Both offices offer in-office X-ray, same-week new patient appointments, and a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Michigan insurance plans. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

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.

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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.

$24.99

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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

Buy on Amazon

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.

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

Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for diabetic foot care

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.

Drew Moonwalker Diabetic Shoe Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Medicare-covered diabetic footwear

Check Price on Amazon

Diabetic Compression Socks Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Daily protection + circulation

Check Price on Amazon

Hibiclens Antiseptic Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Wound prep + paronychia care

Check Price on Amazon

Magnifying Mirror with Light Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Daily foot inspection

Check Price on Amazon

Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)

If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.

#1

⭐ Editor’s Pick — #1 Orthotic

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PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Best For: #1 OTC Orthotic — Plantar Fasciitis + Overpronation

★★★★★ 4.5 (28,341+ reviews)

Amazon’s ChoicePrimeAPMA-Accepted

Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.

✓ PROS

• Lateral wedge corrects pronation
• Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
• Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
• Trim-to-fit any shoe
• Used by 10,000+ podiatrists

✗ CONS

• Trim-to-size required
• 5-7 day break-in for some

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.

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#2

⭐ Best Premium Orthotic

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CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Best For: Premium German-Engineered Orthotic

★★★★★ 4.4 (4,000+ reviews)

Prime

3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.

✓ PROS

• 3 arch heights for custom fit
• Carbon-reinforced heel cup
• Dynamic forefoot zone
• Premium German engineering
• Sport-specific support

✗ CONS

• Pricier than PowerStep
• 7-10 day break-in

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: Choose your arch height from a wet-foot test (low/med/high). Wrong arch = re-injury. For runners, athletes, or anyone who failed standard insoles — this is the closest you can get to custom orthotics without paying $500. The carbon heel is what professional athletes use.

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#3

⭐ Best Topical Pain Relief

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Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Best For: Topical Pain Relief — Plantar Fasciitis + Tendonitis

★★★★★ 4.6 (5,500+ reviews)

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Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.

✓ PROS

• Menthol-based natural formula
• No greasy residue
• Safe for diabetics
• Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
• Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze

✗ CONS

• Pricier than Biofreeze
• Strong menthol scent at first

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Tom’s Verdict: Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.

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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.