A foot wound that will not heal is one of the most urgent problems we treat — and one of the most treatable when caught early. Because diabetes can dull the nerves that warn you of injury, a small blister or sore can quietly become a serious infection. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, we provide prompt, same-week diabetic wound care to help you heal and stay on your feet.
Why a diabetic foot wound is an emergency
Diabetes can damage the nerves that let you feel an injury (neuropathy) and reduce the blood flow that heals one. That combination lets a minor sore become an ulcer, and an ulcer become a deep infection. Early, expert wound care is the single most important step in preventing hospitalization and amputation — most diabetic amputations begin with a wound that could have been treated.
See us right away if you notice:
- A sore, blister or callus that is not healing
- Redness, warmth, swelling or drainage
- A bad odor, or any black or darkened tissue
- Increasing pain — or new numbness
- Any wound in someone with diabetes, neuropathy or poor circulation
If you have any of these, call us today at (810) 206-1402. Do not wait for it to get worse.
How we treat diabetic wounds at Balance Foot & Ankle
Your care is thorough and individualized. We assess the wound and your circulation, gently remove dead tissue (debridement) to help healing, control infection, and — critically — offload pressure from the wound with padding, special footwear or a removable boot so it can actually close. We use advanced dressings, track your progress closely, and coordinate with your primary-care and vascular teams when needed.
Preventing the next wound
Healing the wound is only half the job. We help you prevent the next one with daily foot-check coaching, properly fitted diabetic shoes and custom orthotics that offload high-pressure spots, nerve-protection strategies for neuropathy, and regular protective foot exams.
Diabetic wound care in Howell & Livingston County
Our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River Ave serves Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville and Pinckney, with same-week and urgent appointments for new and existing patients.
- Visit our Howell podiatry office — hours & directions
- Diabetic neuropathy & nerve protection
- Book an urgent wound-care visit
Worried about a wound that will not heal? Call (810) 206-1402 — we see urgent diabetic foot problems quickly.
What causes diabetic foot ulcers?
Most diabetic ulcers form where three problems meet: neuropathy, so you cannot feel a rub or pressure point; reduced circulation, so wounds heal slowly; and repeated pressure or minor trauma — often from a shoe, a thick callus, or a small object inside the shoe. A spot that would be a harmless blister for someone else can break down and stay open. Identifying your personal risk factors — your footwear, your pressure points, your blood-sugar control — is a core part of how we both heal the current wound and prevent the next one.
What to expect at your first wound-care visit in Howell
At your first visit we examine the wound and check the blood flow and sensation in your feet, then measure and photograph the wound so we can track healing objectively. We gently debride dead tissue, apply the right dressing, and set up offloading so pressure stays off the area. You will leave knowing exactly what is happening, what to do at home, and how often to come in. Many patients feel real relief simply from having a clear, expert plan instead of worrying alone.
How long does a diabetic foot wound take to heal?
It depends on the wound’s size and depth, your circulation and blood sugar, and — more than anything — how consistently pressure is kept off it. Many straightforward ulcers improve over several weeks with proper offloading and care; deeper or infected wounds take longer and need close monitoring. Keeping every appointment and staying off the foot exactly as directed are the two biggest factors within your control, and they make a real difference in the outcome.
Why choose Balance Foot & Ankle for diabetic foot care
Diabetic limb care is central to what we do. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS and our team pair board-certified surgical training with the everyday wound care and prevention that keep most patients far away from the operating room. We coordinate closely with your diabetes and primary-care providers and make urgent foot problems easy to be seen for — because when it comes to a diabetic wound, time genuinely matters.
Diabetic wound care: frequently asked questions
How quickly should a diabetic foot wound be seen?
Within 24 to 48 hours — and the same day if you see redness, drainage, odor or darkened tissue. We keep same-week and urgent slots open at our Howell office because diabetic wounds can worsen fast.
Will I lose my foot if I have a diabetic ulcer?
Most diabetic foot wounds heal with prompt, expert care. Early treatment is exactly what prevents the infections that lead to amputation, so the most important thing you can do is be seen quickly rather than wait.
Does Medicare cover diabetic wound care and diabetic shoes?
Yes. Medicare and most insurance plans cover medically necessary wound care and therapeutic diabetic shoes when criteria are met. We verify your benefits and handle the paperwork.
Can I treat a diabetic foot wound at home?
No. A diabetic foot wound needs professional assessment — home treatment risks a hidden infection. Until your visit, keep weight off the area, keep it clean and covered, and do not cut calluses yourself.
What does “offloading” a wound mean?
Offloading means taking pressure off the wound with a special shoe, removable boot or padding so it can actually heal. It is one of the most important parts of diabetic wound care.