What does a podiatrist treat?

Podiatrists specialize in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They diagnose and treat heel pain, bunions and hammertoes, tendon injuries, nerve conditions (Morton's neuroma, neuropathy), toenail disorders, skin conditions (warts, calluses, ulcers), fractures, sports injuries, diabetic foot complications, ankle instability, and perform foot and ankle surgery. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM AACFAS serve Howell, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding Michigan communities.

How often should a healthy person see a podiatrist?

Annual foot exams are beneficial if you are over 60, are an active runner or athlete, have diabetes, have a family history of foot problems, or notice any changes in foot shape, nail appearance, or skin texture. Preventive visits catch problems early — before bunions require surgery or a small nail issue becomes an infection.

Can foot problems cause knee, hip, or back pain?

Yes — the foot is the foundation of the kinetic chain. Overpronation causes the tibia to internally rotate, increasing stress on the knee and altering hip alignment. High arches transmit shock poorly, overloading the ankle and knee. Custom orthotics that correct foot mechanics frequently improve knee, hip, and back symptoms — one of the most underappreciated benefits of podiatric care.

When should I see a podiatrist versus an orthopedic surgeon?

Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg — making them the most experienced providers for most foot and ankle conditions. For foot and ankle surgery, a DPM with high case volume is appropriate. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle procedures. Call (810) 206-1402.

Foods That Cause Foot Pain 2026 | Podiatrist

You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what foods that cause foot pain means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

foods-that-cause-foot-pain - Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers)

Last reviewed May 11, 2026 · (810) 206-1402

Watch: How to Cure Plantar Fasciitis in One Week? [FAST Heel Pain Relief!] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube

Foods That Cause Foot Pain (Inflammatory Triggers)

Quick answer: Diet affects inflammation, which affects foot pain. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM explains the connection.

Watch: Foot & ankle health tips from Dr. Biernacki

The Connection

Inflammatory foods worsen many foot conditions. Anti-inflammatory eating helps reduce pain.

What to Try

Mediterranean-style eating, omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, and limited refined sugar all help.

Schedule

For comprehensive foot care, call (810) 206-1402.

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Ready to fix this for good?

Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.

NCBI: Dietary Factors & Foot & Joint Pain

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

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

Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402

Learn about our foot skin treatment → | Book online →

Same-Week Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Three board-certified podiatric surgeons. 1,123+ five-star reviews. Most insurance accepted.

Book Your Appointment → ☎ (810) 206-1402

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Foods That Cause Foot Pain (Inflammatory Triggers)

The Connection

What to Try

Schedule

Ready to fix this for good?

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Same-Week Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Our Podiatry Services Locations in Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell, MI

Balance Foot & Ankle, Bloomfield, MI

Balance Foot & Ankle \u2014 Howell

Balance Foot & Ankle \u2014 Bloomfield Hills