★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan
Neuropathy Symptoms Seniors Should Take Seriously
Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.
Seniors: Don’t Ignore Numbness or Tingling in Your Feet
Early detection and treatment of neuropathy can prevent serious complications and keep you walking safely.
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Book Your Neuropathy Evaluation
Why Neuropathy Is Serious for Seniors
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Neuropathy can reduce sensation in your feet, making falls, injuries, or ulcers more likely -
Tingling, burning, or numbness isn’t “just aging”—it’s a warning sign -
Early treatment can slow progression and improve quality of life
Book Your Neuropathy Evaluation
Common Neuropathy Symptoms Seniors Should Watch For
Patients with flat feet often experience:
• Numbness or reduced sensation in feet or toes
• Tingling or burning sensations
• Sharp, stabbing, or shooting foot pain
• Muscle weakness or difficulty lifting the foot
• Trouble feeling temperature changes or pain
• Trouble feeling temperature changes or pain
• Frequent falls or imbalance
Notice any of these symptoms? Schedule a foot exam today.
Get Relief & Support With
Expert Care and Custom 3D Orthotic
Seniors with neuropathy often struggle with pain and balance. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we provide gentle evaluations, personalized treatment, and custom 3D orthotics to reduce pain and improve walking stability.
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Reduces pressure on sensitive nerves -
Improves balance to prevent falls -
Supports arches and joints for safer walking -
Supports arches and joints for safer walking -
Can slow neuropathy progression with early intervention
Book Your Neuropathy Evaluation
(810) 206-1402
Warning Signs Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore
• Persistent burning, tingling, or numbness
• Pain disrupting daily activities or sleep
• Loss of balance or frequent trips/falls
• Open sores, slow-healing wounds, or infections
Early Treatment Prevents Serious Complications – Book Now
What to Expect at Your Neuropathy Appointment
Gentle Foot and Ankle Evaluation
Nerve and Circulation Assessment
Personalized Treatment Plan (therapy, orthotics, lifestyle guidance)
Recommendations to Prevent Falls and Complications
Book Your Neuropathy Consultation
Trusted Footwear Recommendations From
Michigan’s Leading 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
Top Neuropathy Patient Reviews
“I’ve been dealing with neuropathy for years, and the tingling and burning in my feet were getting unbearable. After starting treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell, I finally feel real relief. Dr. Tom Biernacki explained what was happening in my nerves and created a treatment plan that actually works. My balance has improved, and I can sleep at night without the constant burning. Truly life-changing care.”
– Carolyn, Howell, MI
“The neuropathy in my feet made walking difficult, and I was afraid of falling. Dr. Carl Jay at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Bloomfield Hills was so kind and knowledgeable. He checked my circulation, adjusted my medication, and fitted me for custom orthotics that give me much better stability. I feel safer on my feet now, and the numbness has decreased. Wonderful doctor and staff!”
– Ellen, Bloomfield Hills, MI
“As a senior with diabetes, neuropathy has been a constant challenge. The team at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist took the time to listen and understand my symptoms. Their treatments have reduced my pain, and I can walk longer distances without discomfort. For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful. Highly recommend their care to anyone dealing with nerve pain.”
– Sam, Howell, MI
Insurance & Medicare Friendly
Accepts Medicare
Accepts Most Major Insurances
Affordable Options Available
Foot and Ankle Care for Every Lifestyle
Serving seniors, workers, and athletes with plan tailored to your foot types that support mobility, stability, and long-term foot health.
Seniors (Aging Foot Care & Mobility)
Diabetic Foot Care & Screening
Arthritic Foot & Ankle Pain Management
Fall Prevention & Gait Analysis
Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis Relief
Workers (Occupational Foot & Ankle Care)
Ankle Sprain / Instability Treatment
Achilles Tendonitis & Rupture Care
Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain Relief
Stress Fracture Evaluation & Treatmen
Custom Athletic Orthotics
Hammertoe / Toe Deformity Correction
Sports-Related Surgery
Foot & Ankle Strengthening & Rehab
Blisters & Skin Protection
Gait Analysis & Performance Assessment
Athletes (Sports Foot & Ankle Care)
Ankle Sprain / Instability Treatment
Achilles Tendonitis & Rupture Care
Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain Relief
Stress Fracture Evaluation & Treatment
Custom Athletic Orthotics
Hammertoe / Toe Deformity Correction
Sports-Related Surgery
Foot & Ankle Strengthening & Rehab
Blisters & Skin Protection
Gait Analysis & Performance Assessment
Notice any of these symptoms? Schedule a foot exam today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is foot numbness (neuropathy) serious for seniors?
High risk of injury and falls. Reduced sensation prevents you from feeling harm or keeping balance.
What are the main symptoms of neuropathy?
Numbness, tingling, or shooting pain. Also, weakness or difficulty feeling temperature.
How do orthotics help with neuropathy?
They improve stability. Orthotics reduce nerve pressure and improve arch support to prevent falls.
What signs mean I should book an appointment immediately?
Persistent pain, numbness, or frequent falls. Also, any open or slow-healing foot sores.
What happens at the Neuropathy Appointment?
Nerve and circulation assessment. We perform a gentle exam and create a plan for treatment, orthotics, and fall prevention.
Protect Your Feet, Protect Your Independence
Early neuropathy care keeps you safe, comfortable, and mobile
🧦 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.
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
👟 Dr. Tom Also Recommends
Podiatrist Recommended Shoes 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top Picks for Every Condition
The right footwear can make or break your recovery. Dr. Tom’s complete guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy, bunions & more — with clinical picks for every foot type.
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
Neuropathy Symptoms in Seniors — When to See a Podiatrist
Dr. Biernacki explains the early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy that seniors often dismiss as “normal aging” — and why early podiatric intervention can prevent serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What neuropathy symptoms should seniors never ignore?
Seek immediate care for: new foot wounds that aren’t healing, increasing burning or shooting pain, sudden dramatic change in sensation level, one foot suddenly becoming much colder than the other (suggesting vascular problem), black or dark discoloration of toes, or foot swelling occurring rapidly in one foot.
How does neuropathy increase fall risk in seniors?
Peripheral neuropathy reduces proprioception — the sense of foot position in space — and eliminates protective sensation that normally triggers balance corrections. Studies show seniors with neuropathy have a 2.4x increased fall risk. Custom orthotics and ankle bracing improve proprioceptive feedback and significantly reduce fall incidence.
Is neuropathy treatment different for seniors vs. younger patients?
Treatment principles are similar, but medication choices differ due to drug interactions and side effects common in seniors. Gabapentinoids and tricyclics used for neuropathic pain carry fall and sedation risks in elderly patients. MLS laser, custom orthotics, and targeted physical therapy offer effective relief with minimal systemic effects.
Podiatrist-Recommended Products for Neuropathy Symptom Management
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — topical neuropathy formula for burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet from peripheral neuropathy
- DASS Medical Compression Socks — graduated compression improves peripheral vascular circulation that supports nerve health
- PowerStep Maxx — maximum cushioning protects feet with reduced protective sensation from neuropathic injury risk
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 Neuropathy?
Neuropathy 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 neuropathy 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 neuropathy 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 neuropathy 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.