★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan
Foot Care Essentials For Seniors With Diabetes
Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.
Seniors with Diabetes:
Protect Your Feet and Prevent Complications
Daily care and professional podiatry visits can prevent wounds, infections, and serious complications.
Book a Diabetic Foot Check
(810) 206-1402
Why Daily Foot Care Matters for Seniors With Diabetes
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Diabetes increases risk of neuropathy, poor circulation, and slow-healing wounds -
Small injuries can lead to infections or ulcers if unnoticed -
Early intervention keeps seniors active, safe, and independent
Book Your Senior Diabetic Foot Evaluation
Common Foot Problems in Seniors With Diabetes
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Numbness or tingling due to neuropathy -
Sores, ulcers, or slow-healing wounds -
Thickened, brittle, or fungal nails -
Dry, cracked skin or calluses -
Redness, swelling, or infections -
Difficulty trimming nails safely
Notice any of these issues? Schedule a diabetic foot care visit today.
Safe, Gentle Foot Care for Seniors With Diabetes
Seniors with diabetes often struggle with daily foot care. Our podiatrists provide thorough evaluations, nail care, and preventive strategies to protect your feet and reduce risk.
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Daily foot health education and self-check guidance -
Proper wound prevention and early treatment -
Safe nail trimming, callus care, and skin protection -
Recommendations for diabetic socks, shoes, and orthotics -
Regular podiatry visits for ongoing monitoring
Book Your Diabetic Foot Evaluation
(810) 206-1402
Warning Signs Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore
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Any sudden change in skin color or temperature -
Cracked or infected nails -
Open sores or slow-healing wounds -
Pain, numbness, or tingling -
Redness, swelling, or warmth around feet
Early Care Prevents Serious Complications – Book Now
What to Expect at Your Diabetic Foot Care Appointment
Comprehensive Foot and Nail Exam
Assessment of Circulation, Neuropathy, and Wound Risk
Personalized Care Plan for Daily Foot Maintenance
Education on Proper Socks, Footwear, and Hygiene
Recommendations for Follow-up Visits
Book Your Diabetic Foot Care Consultation
Trusted Footwear Recommendations From Podiatrists
Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM
(Podiatrist, Wound Care, Foot & Ankle Specialist)
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, is a highly respected and experienced podiatrist proudly serving patients in Howell, Michigan, and throughout Oakland County. With a strong commitment to personalized patient care, Dr. Biernacki specializes in diagnosing and treating a many foot and ankle conditions, including chronic foot pain, sports injuries, diabetic foot care, and structural deformities. His practice offers comprehensive services such as routine foot care, advanced wound care, and both non-surgical and surgical solutions for complex issues affecting the lower extremities. Known for his compassionate approach and attention to detail, Dr. Biernacki works closely with each patient to create a customized treatment plan that ensures the best possible outcome.
Dr. Carl Jay DPM
(Podiatric Surgeon & Foot Doctor)
Dr. Carl Jay is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and proud partner at Balance Foot & Ankle. After completing his residency at the Genesys Regional Medical Center program, he took his talents to Texas. There he covered trauma call, treated complex wounds in the Wound Care Center, and cared for a many patients in private practice, from diabetic limb preservation to sports medicine.
Dr. Jay certainly enjoyed practicing in the Lone Star State. (I mean that amazing warm weather and sunshine.)Family brought him back to Michigan.
Now serving the Detroit Metro area, Dr. Jay brings advanced treatment modalities and years of surgical and clinical experience to every patient encounter. He’s passionate about delivering expert, compassionate care that helps people move better and live better.
Over 10,000
Patients Helped
Advanced 3D
Orthotic Scanning
Diabetic Patient Reviews
“I’m a senior living with diabetes, and foot care has always been a worry for me. After visiting Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell, I finally feel at ease. Dr. Tom Biernacki took the time to check my circulation, trim my nails safely, and explain everything in a way I could understand. My feet feel better than they have in years. I’m so grateful for the gentle, thorough care!”
– Lylle, Bloomfield Hills, MI
“As a diabetic, I’ve struggled with numbness and dry skin on my feet. Dr. Carl Jay at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Bloomfield Hills was incredibly patient and compassionate. He spotted an early ulcer that I didn’t even know I had and treated it right away. His quick action likely saved me from a serious infection. Highly recommended for any senior dealing with diabetes.”
– Carolyn, Howell, MI
“I’ve seen many doctors over the years, but the team at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist truly stands out. They understand the unique needs of seniors with diabetes. The podiatrist checked my nerves, trimmed my thick nails painlessly, and gave me tips to prevent future issues. I left feeling cared for, respected, and much more confident about managing my foot health.”
– Mitchel, Howell, MI
Book Your Diabetic Foot Care Consultation
Insurance & Medicare Friendly
Accepts Medicare
Accepts Most Major Insurances
Affordable Options Available
More Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Essentials
Diabetic Compression Sock
Seamless, non-binding — improves circulation without constricting fragile skin.
Diabetic-Safe Lotion
Glycerin + urea hydrate dry cracking feet without irritating neuropathic skin.
Diabetic Foot Mirror
Daily inspection tool — catches ulcers 3-4 weeks earlier than self-exam.
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
Why is daily foot care crucial for seniors with diabetes?
To prevent wounds and infections. Diabetes causes numbness and poor circulation, making professional and daily care essential to stay safe.
What common diabetic foot issues should I watch for?
Numbness, sores, or thickened nails. Also check for dry, cracked skin, calluses, or any redness/swelling.
What are the warning signs of a serious problem?
Open sores, swelling, or sudden temperature change. Any slow-healing wound or infection needs immediate attention.
What service does a podiatrist provide for diabetic feet?
Safe, gentle preventive care. We handle safe nail trimming, callus care, wound prevention, and recommend proper shoes/socks.
What happens at the appointment?
We check circulation and sensation. You receive a thorough foot and nail exam, risk assessment, and a personalized plan for daily maintenance.
Protect Your Feet, Protect Your Health
Daily care and professional podiatry visits keep seniors with diabetes safe, mobile, and independent
Book Online Now
(810) 206-1402
🧦 Dr. Tom’s Pick: DASS Medical Compression Socks
Medical-grade 15-20 mmHg graduated compression. DASS socks are the brand I recommend most to patients with swollen feet, poor circulation, and post-surgery recovery. Graduated compression means tightest at the ankle, gradually releasing up the leg — promoting upward venous blood flow.
View DASS Compression Socks on Amazon →
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Board-certified care at both Michigan locations
Book your visit today
Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
Foot Care Essentials for Seniors with Diabetes
Dr. Biernacki’s complete guide to diabetic foot care for seniors — daily inspection routines, footwear selection, warning signs, and why regular podiatry appointments are non-negotiable for older diabetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What daily foot care routine should seniors with diabetes follow?
Every day: (1) Wash feet in lukewarm water — never hot. (2) Dry completely, especially between toes. (3) Inspect every surface with a mirror or helper. (4) Moisturize — but NOT between toes. (5) Check shoes before putting on (shake out for foreign objects). (6) Wear clean, smooth socks. (7) Never walk barefoot, even at home.
What shoes are safe for seniors with diabetic neuropathy?
Look for: extra-depth design (1/2″ extra room for orthotics and toe clearance), wide toe box (toes don’t touch), smooth interior lining (no friction points), soft leather or breathable upper, firm heel counter, and non-slip sole. Medicare covers therapeutic diabetic shoes annually (A5500 benefit) — our team can prescribe and fit them.
How does aging worsen diabetic foot complications?
Aging reduces skin elasticity, slows wound healing, decreases circulation, and increases neuropathy risk. Arthritic changes create new pressure points. Medications common in seniors (diuretics, anticoagulants, statins) can affect skin fragility and healing. All these factors make podiatric vigilance increasingly important as diabetic seniors age.
Podiatrist-Recommended Products for Diabetic Foot Care
- DASS Medical Compression Socks — graduated compression socks that improve peripheral circulation in at-risk diabetic feet
- PowerStep Maxx — maximum-depth insole compatible with diabetic footwear that protects vulnerable plantar skin
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — gentle topical formula safe for diabetic skin to manage discomfort around non-infected areas
These are the same products Dr. Biernacki recommends in clinic. Available through our partner Foundation Wellness.
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.
What is Diabetic foot?
Diabetic foot is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of diabetic foot include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of diabetic foot respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from diabetic foot varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.