![Diabetic Foot Care 101 [Diabetic Foot Pain: Podiatrist Treatment] | Balance Foot & Ankle](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2021/05/diabetic-foot-care-101-diabetic-foot-pain-podiatrist-treatment.avif)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Diabetic Shoe Fitting in Howell, MI — Livingston County Medicare Shoe Program
Medicare Diabetic Shoes — Right Here in Howell, No Detroit Drive Required
Balance Foot & Ankle at 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 provides the complete Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program for Livingston County diabetic patients. You no longer need to travel to Oakland County or Metro Detroit for quality diabetic shoe fitting — our Howell office carries the same premium therapeutic shoe brands and handles the entire Medicare process from eligibility verification through final fitting. Call (810) 206-1402.
What Medicare Covers for Diabetic Shoes
Under Medicare Part B’s Therapeutic Shoe Program, qualifying diabetic patients receive: one pair of extra-depth therapeutic shoes OR custom-molded shoes per calendar year, plus three pairs of custom inserts OR two pairs of custom-molded inserts. Medicare pays 80%; most supplemental insurance (including Medigap and many Medicare Advantage plans) covers the remaining 20%. Most of our patients pay $0 out of pocket for their diabetic shoes. This benefit resets every January 1 — if you haven’t used it this year, call us now before it expires.
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Diabetic Foot & Circulation Screening →
Who Qualifies
To qualify for the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program, you need: a diabetes diagnosis on Medicare AND at least one of the following conditions — peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation, a history of pre-ulcerative callus, a history of foot ulceration, foot deformity, previous amputation of a foot or part of a foot, or poor circulation. The vast majority of diabetic patients with any foot complications qualify. If you’re not sure, call us — we’ll help determine your eligibility before your appointment.
Our Process at the Howell Office
Step 1: We verify your Medicare eligibility and confirm your qualifying diagnosis with your physician (or Grunberger Diabetes Institute for Bloomfield Hills patients). Step 2: You visit our Howell office for a comprehensive fitting — we assess your foot shape, measure pressure distribution, and evaluate your specific needs (extra-depth vs. custom-molded). Step 3: We order your shoes from our therapeutic footwear suppliers. Step 4: You return in approximately 2–3 weeks for final fitting and dispensing. Step 5: We file the Medicare claim directly — you don’t handle any paperwork. Most patients walk out in their new therapeutic shoes at no cost.
Diabetic Shoe Brands We Carry
Our Howell office carries therapeutic shoe brands specifically approved for the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program, including extra-depth styles from leading therapeutic footwear manufacturers. All shoes feature: extra depth to accommodate custom inserts and foot deformities, wide toe boxes to eliminate pressure on bunions and hammertoes, seamless interiors to prevent friction injuries in neuropathic feet, rigid heel counters for stability, and removable insoles for custom insert placement. Styles are available in men’s and women’s, including athletic, casual, and dress options — you won’t have to sacrifice your style for foot safety.
Custom Inserts Included
The program covers custom inserts designed specifically for your feet. Unlike generic drugstore insoles, these are pressure-mapped to your individual foot shape using our gait analysis technology, designed to redistribute pressure away from high-risk areas (callus locations, previous ulcer sites, bony prominences), and replaced annually through Medicare — ensuring you always have properly fitted inserts as your feet change over time.
Why Therapeutic Shoes Matter for Diabetic Patients
For non-diabetic patients, an ill-fitting shoe is just uncomfortable. For a diabetic patient with neuropathy, an ill-fitting shoe can cause a pressure ulcer that you can’t feel developing. Left untreated (because you can’t feel it), that ulcer can progress to infection, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and in severe cases, amputation. Medicare offers therapeutic shoes precisely because they prevent these catastrophic outcomes — and the program costs Medicare far less than treating even a single serious diabetic foot infection. Don’t leave this benefit on the table.
Livingston County Patients We Serve
Our Howell location serves diabetic patients throughout Livingston County: Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg Township, Whitmore Lake, Gregory, Cohoctah, Tyrone Township, Marion Township, and all surrounding communities. Most patients are within 20–25 minutes of our E Grand River Ave office. Free parking. Accessible facility.
✅ Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program | ✅ Zero Paperwork for You
✅ Most Insurance Accepted | ✅ Same-Day Eligibility Verification
📞 (810) 206-1402 | 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Book Your Diabetic Shoe Fitting
Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule your Medicare diabetic shoe fitting at our Howell, Michigan office. We verify insurance before your appointment — no surprises. Appointments available Monday through Friday with early morning and late afternoon slots available. Don’t miss this year’s benefit — call today.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Essentials
Diabetic-Approved Walking Shoe
Orthofeet Sprint — seamless, extra-depth, designed for neuropathic feet.
Seamless Diabetic Sock
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my benefit if I got shoes elsewhere last year? Yes — the Medicare benefit resets every January 1 regardless of where you got your previous pair. You can receive your new pair at our office even if you used a different provider previously.
Does my physician need to be involved? Yes — Medicare requires a certifying physician who manages your diabetes (PCP, endocrinologist, or internist) to certify your need. We coordinate directly with your physician’s office to obtain the necessary documentation. You don’t need to manage this yourself.
How long does the fitting appointment take? The initial fitting appointment takes approximately 45–60 minutes. The final dispensing appointment (when your shoes arrive) takes about 20–30 minutes.
What if I have very unusual foot shapes (Charcot, severe bunions, amputations)? Custom-molded shoes are available for patients whose feet cannot be fit in off-the-shelf extra-depth shoes. These are fabricated to a cast of your foot and provide superior accommodation for complex foot shapes. Ask about this option when you call.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Medical References & Sources
- American Diabetes Association — Foot Complications
- PubMed Research — Diabetic Foot Care
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Diabetic Foot
📋 Dr. Tom Also Recommends
Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top 10 Insoles & Arch Supports
A podiatrist’s complete clinical guide to the best insoles — custom orthotics, OTC picks, and what actually works for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy & more.
Read the Full Guide →Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Diabetic Foot Care
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
These are products I personally use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
- Dr. Comfort Men’s Paradise Diabetic Shoe — Medicare-covered diabetic shoe with seamless interior — eliminates pressure points that cause diabetic ulcers
- Foundation Wellness DASS Diabetic Socks — 30% commission (Levanta) — non-binding, seamless toe, moisture-wicking diabetic socks protecting neuropathic feet
- Derma Sciences Bordered Gauze Dressings — Non-adherent wound dressing ideal for diabetic foot wound management between podiatry visits
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Insoles
PowerStep is the brand I prescribe most — medical-grade OTC support without the custom orthotic price tag.
- PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles — The OTC orthotic I recommend most — medical-grade arch support at a fraction of custom orthotic cost. Works in most shoes.
- PowerStep Maxx Insoles — For severe arch pain or flat feet — maximum correction and support when Pinnacle isn’t enough.
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
Join 950,000+ Learning About Foot Health
Dr. Tom shares honest medical advice, supplement reviews, and treatment guides you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe on YouTube →Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your Appointment👟 Dr. Tom’s Complete Footwear Library
Podiatrist-Approved Guides for Every Foot Type & Condition
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist
All guides are written and reviewed by licensed podiatrists. Schedule an appointment →
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for diabetic foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Daily inspection prevents amputation
- ✓ Most insurance covers DME
- ✓ Custom orthotics help
Considerations
- ✗ Daily commitment required
- ✗ Slow wound healing
- ✗ Charcot risk if neuropathy
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
Diabetic Compression Socks Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily protection + circulation
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a podiatrist help with neuropathy?
What does neuropathy in feet feel like?
Is foot neuropathy reversible?
Recommended Products from Dr. Tom