Dr. Tom’s Top Foot Health Supplements

Affiliate disclosure: Amazon Associate. Always discuss supplements with your physician before starting.

Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin

Neuropathy support · Nerve repair

PROS

Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Diabetic Foot & Circulation Screening →

• Active B12 form
• Sublingual absorption
• Neuropathy adjunct

CONS

• Effects take 2-3 months
• Doesn’t replace medical care

$15★★★★½11K+ rev

Buy on Amazon

Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg

Diabetic neuropathy · Nerve antioxidant

PROS

• Peer-reviewed for neuropathy
• Both fat- and water-soluble
• Clinical doses available

CONS

• Possible blood sugar effect
• GI upset possible

$22★★★★½4K+ rev

Buy on Amazon

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Diabetic neuropathy · Energy

PROS

• Crosses blood-brain barrier
• Studied for nerve repair
• Pairs with ALA

CONS

• Effects gradual (3+ months)
• Higher cost

$28★★★★½3K+ rev

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Vitamin D3 5000 IU

Bone health · Stress fracture prevention

PROS

• Improves bone density
• Most patients deficient
• Affordable preventive

CONS

• Get blood test first
• Toxicity at very high doses

$13★★★★½20K+ rev

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Dr. Tom’s Diabetic Foot Care Kit

Always under podiatric supervision for diabetic patients.

Drew Moonwalker Diabetic Shoe

Medicare-covered diabetic footwear

$130★★★★1K+ rev

Buy on Amazon

Diabetic Compression Socks

Daily protection + circulation

$22★★★★½15K+ rev

Buy on Amazon

Dr. Tom’s Wound Care Kit

Hibiclens Antiseptic

$15★★★★½9K+ rev

Buy on Amazon

Bacitracin Ointment

$8★★★★½5K+ rev

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✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

▶ Watch: Mobile Podiatry Home Visits Michigan

Dr. Tom Biernacki explains how our mobile podiatry home visits work across Michigan — who qualifies, what we bring, and how insurance covers it.

In-Home Diabetic Foot Exams — Preventing Amputations One House Call at a Time

Every 30 seconds, a limb is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world. In the United States, diabetes is responsible for more than 50% of all lower limb amputations — and nearly all of them are preventable with early detection and proper care. For diabetic patients who are homebound or have difficulty getting to a clinic, our in-home diabetic foot exams bring that life-saving care directly to you.

The Risk That Silent Feet Create

Diabetic neuropathy causes loss of sensation in the feet. A small wound, blister, or pressure sore may be completely painless — yet if left untreated, it can progress from a minor skin break to a deep infection to osteomyelitis (bone infection) to amputation in a matter of weeks. Patients with poor circulation heal more slowly, and infections spread faster.

For homebound patients who miss regular podiatric appointments, this risk is dramatically elevated. One missed exam can be the difference between a healthy foot and a limb-threatening wound.

What Our In-Home Diabetic Foot Exam Includes

Our board-certified podiatric surgeons perform the same comprehensive exam at your home that we provide in our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices:

• Vascular assessment — pulses, capillary refill, skin temperature, and color — indicators of circulation quality
• Neurologic assessment — monofilament testing, vibration testing, and reflex evaluation to measure neuropathy severity
• Skin assessment — callus formation, fissures, moisture, maceration, and early wound identification
• Wound evaluation — if present, we measure, photograph, and stage any wound; initiate appropriate treatment
• Nail assessment — treatment of thick, ingrown, or fungal nails that create pressure and portal-of-entry risk
• Footwear evaluation — checking shoes and socks for fit, pressure points, and foreign objects
• Risk stratification — categorizing your current foot risk level and scheduling appropriate follow-up

MLS Laser Therapy for Diabetic Wounds at Home

We bring a portable MLS dual-wavelength laser to home visits for patients with active diabetic wounds. FDA-cleared for wound healing, the laser accelerates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation at the wound site — helping wounds close that might otherwise stagnate and progress. This technology is available at your home, not just in our clinic.

Coordination with Your Diabetes Care Team

We send progress notes directly to your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and vascular surgeon after every visit. For Oakland County patients, we have an established relationship with the Grunberger Diabetes Institute. For Livingston County patients, we coordinate with Vassallo Medical Group.

📞 Don’t wait for a wound to become a crisis. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule an in-home diabetic foot exam in Livingston or Oakland County.

In-Home Diabetic Foot Exams in Michigan: Preventing Amputations for Homebound Patients

The annual comprehensive diabetic foot examination — a covered Medicare benefit that identifies peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and preulcerative foot changes before they progress to wounds — is most critical for the patients who are least likely to receive it: homebound diabetic patients who cannot reliably access an office-based podiatric appointment. This is the population at highest risk for diabetic foot complications: patients who are already mobility-limited often have more advanced vascular and neurological disease than ambulatory patients, less daily foot inspection by themselves or caregivers, and greater delays between the development of a wound and its recognition and treatment. Balance Foot & Ankle‘s Michigan in-home diabetic foot examination service brings the full preventive evaluation to homebound diabetic patients in Livingston and Oakland counties.

Related Treatment Guides

• Diabetic Foot Care
• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment

The in-home diabetic foot exam at Balance Foot & Ankle includes all components of the standard office-based exam: monofilament sensory testing at 10 sites on each foot, vibratory sensation testing, ankle-brachial index screening using our portable ABI device, skin integrity and temperature assessment, nail assessment, footwear evaluation, and wound/preulcerative change identification. We document findings compatible with Medicare’s claims requirements for the diabetic foot exam benefit and communicate significant findings to the patient’s primary care physician or endocrinologist in writing. For homebound diabetic patients in Livingston and Oakland counties who have not had a diabetic foot examination in the past year — and particularly those with known neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, or a history of previous foot ulcers — call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule an in-home exam.

Medical References & Sources

• American Diabetes Association — Foot Complications
• PubMed Research — Diabetic Foot Care
• American Podiatric Medical Association — Diabetic Foot

Clinical References

1. Armstrong DG, Boulton AJM, Bus SA. Diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(24):2367-2375.
2. Lavery LA, Hunt NA, Ndip A, Lavery DC, Van Houtum W, Boulton AJM. Impact of chronic kidney disease on survival after amputation in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2010;33(11):2365-2369.
3. Singh N, Armstrong DG, Lipsky BA. Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. JAMA. 2005;293(2):217-228.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

More Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Essentials

Diabetic-Approved Walking Shoe

Orthofeet Men's Sprint Walking Shoe, Athletic

• Tie-Less Lacing System eliminates the need to tie laces. Heel strap enables to adjust the grip around the heel. Cushioning sole with a mild Rocker adds spring to your step. Soft, padded fabric interior with no overlays eliminates irritation.

Buy on Amazon

Orthofeet Sprint — seamless, extra-depth, designed for neuropathic feet.

Seamless Diabetic Sock

OS1st FS4 Plantar Fasciitis No Show Socks relieves plantar fasciitis, heel/arch pain and improves circulation

• Provides continuous support of the Plantar Fascia by gently stretching the fascia tissue.
• Compression zones promote circulation, reduce impact vibration, boost recovery and strengthen feet.
• Lightweight, seamless design with extra cushioning provides support while still being comfortable.
• Supports the heel/arch and overall foot structure while stabilizing the tendon for better performance
• Made from high quality materials, the socks are moisture wicking and breathable.

$24.99

Buy on Amazon

OS1st FS4 — non-binding, moisture-wicking, protects fragile diabetic skin.

Recovery Slide for Indoor Wear

HOKA - Unisex Ora Recovery Slide 3 | Recovery Sandal – Running Lab

• Model ID: 1135061-BTRT

Buy on Amazon

HOKA Ora 3 — protects diabetic feet from barefoot injury at home.

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

Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for diabetic foot care

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.

Drew Moonwalker Diabetic Shoe Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Medicare-covered diabetic footwear

Check Price on Amazon

Diabetic Compression Socks Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Daily protection + circulation

Check Price on Amazon

Hibiclens Antiseptic Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Wound prep + paronychia care

Check Price on Amazon

Magnifying Mirror with Light Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Daily foot inspection

Check Price on Amazon

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.