Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
The most important clinical decision with Dr Daria Gutkin Podiatrist Southeast Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Most foot and ankle problems respond to conservative care — proper footwear, supportive inserts, activity modification, and targeted stretching — within 4-8 weeks. Persistent pain beyond that window, or any symptom that prevents walking, warrants a podiatric evaluation to rule out fracture, tendon tear, or systemic cause.
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Balance Foot & Ankle — Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Howell & Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
— Board-Certified Podiatrist
Last Updated:
March 2026
This page is for informational purposes only. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gutkin.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM — Podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Daria Gutkin is a board-certified podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle, providing comprehensive foot and ankle care at both the Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Known for her warm, patient-centered approach and clinical thoroughness, Dr. Gutkin is especially valued by patients who want a podiatrist who listens, explains clearly, and builds individualized treatment plans rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Education & Board Certification
Dr. Gutkin earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and completed a surgical residency in foot and ankle surgery. She maintains board certification in podiatric medicine and surgery and stays current with advances in foot and ankle care through active continuing medical education — including current literature on diabetic foot complications, women’s foot health, and pediatric podiatry.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Gutkin provides the full range of general and subspecialty podiatric care, with particular depth in:
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis — Including complex cases that haven’t responded to first-line treatment. Dr. Gutkin uses a biomechanical approach — assessing not just the fascia but the entire kinetic chain — to identify the root cause and build a targeted treatment protocol.
- Women’s foot health — Bunions, neuromas, and stress fractures related to narrow footwear; pregnancy-related foot changes including edema, arch flattening, and plantar fasciitis; and hormonal contributions to tendon laxity and foot deformity progression.
- Diabetic foot care — Comprehensive annual exams, peripheral neuropathy evaluation, vascular screening, wound care, and Medicare-covered therapeutic shoe program. Dr. Gutkin understands that diabetic foot care is preventive medicine — the goal is to detect and address problems before they become hospitalizations.
- Pediatric foot conditions — Flat feet, in-toeing, Sever’s disease, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and gait abnormalities in children and adolescents. Pediatric foot problems are best addressed during growth years, and Dr. Gutkin takes a conservative, development-conscious approach.
- Bunion and hammertoe evaluation and treatment — From early-stage conservative management to surgical correction, with a strong emphasis on patient education about the condition’s natural progression and treatment timing.
- Custom orthotics and biomechanical assessment — 3D-scanned custom orthotics designed for the patient’s specific gait pattern, foot structure, and footwear needs. Dr. Gutkin considers lifestyle and footwear preferences in every orthotic prescription.
- Wound care and skin conditions — Diabetic and non-diabetic wounds, plantar warts, skin lesions, and dermatological foot conditions.
Dr. Gutkin’s Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Gutkin believes effective treatment starts with listening. Before recommending any treatment, she takes time to understand each patient’s daily activities, footwear habits, medical history, and personal goals. A treatment plan that’s technically correct but doesn’t fit the patient’s life won’t work — and Dr. Gutkin designs plans that patients can actually follow.
Her warm, approachable manner is particularly appreciated by patients seeing a podiatrist for the first time, patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, and pediatric patients and their parents. She explains findings in plain language, welcomes questions, and never rushes an appointment.
Office Locations
Dr. Gutkin sees patients at both Balance Foot & Ankle offices:
- Howell office: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 — serving Livingston County, Brighton, Ann Arbor area, and Genesee County
- Bloomfield Hills office: 43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 — serving Oakland County and surrounding communities
When to schedule with a podiatrist:
- Persistent heel or arch pain lasting more than 2 weeks
- Diabetic foot concerns or annual diabetic foot exams
- Ingrown toenails, fungal nails, or skin conditions on the feet
- Sports injuries affecting the foot or ankle
- Bunions, hammertoes, or other structural deformities
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
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Foot Massage Ball
Daily 3-minute roll reduces most forms of foot and heel pain.
Moisture-Wicking Sock
Prevents fungus, blisters, and odor — the basics matter.
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When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Gutkin accepting new patients?
Yes — Dr. Gutkin is accepting new patients at both offices. Same-day and next-day appointments are regularly available. Call (810) 206-1402 or schedule online.
Does Dr. Gutkin see children?
Yes — Dr. Gutkin sees pediatric patients of all ages for flat feet, gait problems, Sever’s disease, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and sports injuries. She has a patient, comfortable approach that works well with children and adolescents, and takes time to explain findings clearly to both the child and parents.
Does Dr. Gutkin perform surgery?
Dr. Gutkin performs in-office procedures including ingrown toenail removal, plantar wart treatment, wound debridement, and cortisone injections. For elective and reconstructive surgical cases (bunion correction, hammertoe surgery, ankle reconstruction), she collaborates closely with Dr. Jay, the practice’s surgical specialist. Most patients who need surgery are co-managed between both physicians.
I have diabetes — is Dr. Gutkin experienced with diabetic foot care?
Yes — diabetic foot care is one of Dr. Gutkin’s primary clinical interests. She performs comprehensive diabetic foot exams, neuropathy screening, vascular assessments, wound care, and therapeutic shoe prescription. She understands that for diabetic patients, podiatric care is genuinely preventive — catching problems early prevents the infections, ulcers, and hospitalizations that happen when foot complications go unnoticed.
What insurance does Dr. Gutkin accept?
Dr. Gutkin and Balance Foot & Ankle accept BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, HAP, Priority Health, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Call with your insurance information and we’ll verify your benefits before your first appointment.
Schedule with Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM
Board-certified podiatrist. Howell & Bloomfield Township. Accepting new patients.
Conditions Treated by Dr. Gutkin
- Bunions — Complete Guide & Treatment Options
- Bunion Surgery at Balance Foot & Ankle
- Custom Orthotics — Cost, Insurance & Process
- Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis Complete Guide
- Toenail Fungus Treatment Guide
Our Podiatry Team
- Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Founder, double-fellowship trained
- Dr. Carl Jay, DPM — Surgical reconstruction & wound care
Book with Dr. Gutkin Today
Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Schedule with Dr. Gutkin — Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Dr. Daria Gutkin sees patients at both Balance Foot & Ankle locations. Cleveland Clinic-trained with expertise in bunion correction, custom orthotics, and laser therapy.
Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave, MI 48843 | Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208, MI 48302
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home care isn’t resolving your your foot or ankle concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Waiting too long before seeking care. Fix: any foot pain lasting more than 4 weeks, or any sudden severe symptom, deserves a professional evaluation rather than more rest.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- Unable to bear weight
- Severe swelling with skin colour change
- Fever with foot pain (possible infection)
- Diabetes plus any new foot symptom
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
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Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
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.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.