Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: How Nerve Damage Affects Your Feet

You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the feet means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Township.

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

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

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

Seamless Diabetic Sock

OS1st FS4 Plantar Fasciitis No Show Socks
Peripheral Neuropathy Home Remedies [Leg & Foot Nerve Pain Treatment]

Watch: Peripheral Neuropathy Home Remedies [Leg & Foot Nerve Pain Treatment] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube

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

Recovery Slide for Indoor Wear

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 Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment - 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 Township

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 Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics.

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

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your neuropathy, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-week evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel

Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)

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Ready to fix this for good?

Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Township. Call (810) 206-1402.

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.

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