What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Appointment | Michigan

Quick answer: Podiatry Appointments What To Expect Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

If you’ve never seen a podiatrist before, it’s natural to wonder what your appointment will involve. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we want every patient to feel informed and comfortable from the moment they contact our office. Here’s a complete guide to what to expect at your first podiatry appointment with Dr. Tom Biernacki.

Before Your Appointment

Scheduling: Call (734) 479-6200 to speak with our scheduling team. New patients are typically seen within the same week for most conditions; urgent problems (infections, significant pain, diabetic foot wounds) are prioritized for the earliest available slot.

What to bring: Your insurance card and photo ID; a list of current medications (or bring the actual bottles); any prior X-rays, MRI, or other imaging (on CD or digital format); any referral documentation your plan requires; and your completed new patient forms (available on our website to fill out before your visit, saving time at the office).

What to wear: Wear or bring the footwear you wear most frequently — Dr. Biernacki may want to examine your shoes for wear patterns. Loose-fitting pants or shorts make it easy to roll the leg up for lower extremity examination. Remove nail polish from affected toenails so Dr. Biernacki can assess nail color and condition accurately.

During Your First Appointment

Health history review (10–15 minutes): A medical assistant reviews your medical history, current medications, allergies, and the reason for your visit. They may take basic vital signs (blood pressure, height, weight) when relevant to your care.

Consultation with Dr. Biernacki (20–30 minutes): Dr. Biernacki takes a detailed history of your foot problem — when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you’ve tried, and how it affects your daily life. He listens carefully before examining, because the history is often as informative as the physical examination.

Physical examination: You’ll be asked to remove shoes and socks. Dr. Biernacki examines the structure of your foot and ankle (arch height, alignment, deformities), skin and nail condition, sensation (monofilament testing for diabetic patients), range of motion, muscle strength, tendon function, and vascular status (pulses). He observes your gait (walking pattern) when relevant. The exam is thorough but gentle — he will explain what he’s doing and why.

Diagnostic imaging: When needed, weight-bearing X-rays are taken in the office immediately — no separate imaging center visit required for standard X-rays. Dr. Biernacki may also perform in-office diagnostic ultrasound during the same visit for tendons, plantar fascia, neuromas, or fluid collections.

Diagnosis and treatment discussion: Dr. Biernacki explains your diagnosis clearly, what’s causing your symptoms, the full range of treatment options, and his specific recommendation. He encourages questions — no question is too simple. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and a written plan.

Same-visit treatment: Many conditions can be treated on the same day as diagnosis — ingrown toenail removal, nail and callus debridement, cortisone injection, wound care, or casting and splinting. You won’t need to come back for a separate appointment if immediate treatment is appropriate.

After Your Appointment

You’ll receive a visit summary, any prescriptions needed, referrals for additional imaging or specialist care, and instructions for home care and activity modifications. Follow-up scheduling is done before you leave if needed. For questions between visits, our office responds to calls and portal messages promptly.

Book Your First Appointment in Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle welcomes new patients at southeast Michigan offices including Dearborn, Flat Rock, Monroe, and Taylor. Call (734) 479-6200 to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Biernacki — we look forward to helping you get back on your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.

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 Foot pain?

Foot pain 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 foot pain 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 foot pain 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 foot pain 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.