Quick answer:Failed foot surgery evaluation: if pain persists or returns after foot/ankle surgery, assessment includes X-ray or CT (for hardware failure or non-union), MRI (for soft tissue complications), and biomechanical analysis. Revision surgery is often possible and effective. Our DPMs provide second opinions and revision surgical consultations. Call (810) 206-1402.ll (810) 206-1402.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Biernacki discusses what to do when foot surgery hasn’t resolved your pain and how revision care works.
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
The most important clinical decision with Failed Back Foot Michigan Podiatrist isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
When Foot Surgery Doesn’t Bring Relief
Most foot and ankle surgeries succeed — but a meaningful percentage of patients find themselves with persistent pain, limited motion, or new symptoms months after their procedure. This is one of the most frustrating experiences in orthopedic care, and unfortunately, many patients are told to “give it more time” without a clear explanation of why they’re still hurting. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides dedicated revision evaluations for patients with failed or incomplete foot surgery outcomes across Michigan.
Common Reasons Surgery Falls Short
Failed foot surgery outcomes have identifiable causes in the majority of cases. Bunion corrections can relapse due to inadequate bone cut selection, soft-tissue imbalance, or early return to activity. Achilles tendon repairs can develop re-tears, adhesions, or sural nerve irritation. Flatfoot reconstructions can fail if the correction was insufficient or if the posterior tibial tendon wasn’t adequately addressed. Fracture fixations can have malunion, nonunion, or symptomatic hardware. In each case, a fresh systematic evaluation — not just reassurance — is what the patient needs.
What a Revision Evaluation Includes
Dr. Biernacki’s revision consultation begins with a complete history review of the original procedure, followed by weight-bearing digital X-rays to assess alignment, hardware position, and healing status. Diagnostic ultrasound evaluates soft tissue integrity — tendon, plantar fascia, scar tissue. When imaging suggests it, Dr. Biernacki provides referrals for MRI or CT to complete the picture before any revision recommendation is made. The goal is a definitive diagnosis, not speculation.
Non-Surgical and Surgical Revision Options
Many “failed” surgeries can be significantly improved with targeted conservative care: physical therapy for scar tissue mobilization, custom orthotics to redistribute load after imperfect alignment, cortisone or PRP injection for persistent tendon inflammation, or neuroma treatment for post-surgical nerve entrapment. True revision surgery — osteotomy refinement, hardware removal, tendon re-repair — is reserved for structural problems that conservative care cannot address, and Dr. Biernacki presents all options transparently before proceeding.
You Deserve Answers, Not Reassurance
Patients who’ve had disappointing surgical outcomes sometimes feel dismissed by their original surgeon. Dr. Biernacki approaches every revision consultation without ego or conflict — the goal is simply an accurate diagnosis and the best path forward for this specific patient. He welcomes patients from anywhere in Michigan and frequently sees patients who’ve been told nothing more can be done.
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✅ Pros / Benefits
Fresh, unbiased evaluation of prior surgical outcomes with full imaging review
Many ‘failed’ surgeries improved significantly with targeted conservative care
Revision surgery performed when truly indicated — with full transparent discussion
Welcomes second-opinion patients from across Michigan
❌ Cons / Risks
Revision surgery is inherently more complex than primary — realistic timeline expectations required
Some failed outcomes require MRI/CT referral before a definitive plan can be made
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Patients who’ve had surgery and are still hurting deserve a straight answer about why — not just more waiting. Most of the time there’s a clear reason and a clear path forward. I take these cases seriously because these patients have already been through a lot.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after surgery can I get a second opinion?
You can seek a second opinion at any time — even immediately after surgery if you have concerns. Dr. Biernacki provides second opinions without requiring a referral from your original surgeon.
Will Dr. Biernacki communicate with my original surgeon?
With your permission, yes. Coordinated care is always preferable when the original surgeon is open to collaboration. Dr. Biernacki also operates independently when that’s not possible.
What if the hardware from my surgery needs to be removed?
Symptomatic hardware removal is a common, well-tolerated outpatient procedure. Dr. Biernacki evaluates whether hardware removal is likely to resolve symptoms before recommending the procedure.
Is a CT scan needed for revision evaluation?
Sometimes — particularly for malunion or bone position assessment. Dr. Biernacki orders CT or MRI when the clinical picture requires it and provides direct referrals to imaging centers that accept your insurance.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle issues, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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.
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.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
