Sciatica vs. Foot Nerve Pain: How to Tell the Difference

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

Not sure which one you have? A podiatrist can tell in one visit — book a real appointment time online, 24/7: Howell or Bloomfield Township. Takes about a minute, 24/7.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

Book Your Appointment

(810) 206-1402

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

NervaCore Nerve Support

Adjunct for neuropathic foot pain.

View on Amazon →
Doctor Hoy’s Pain Relief

Topical for nerve-distribution pain.

View on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Reduces peripheral compression.

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FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack

Local cold therapy.

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Ready to solve this? Book today.

Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Township · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

NervaCore Nerve Support

Peripheral neuropathy adjunct

View on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Structural support

View on Amazon →
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Relief Gel

Nerve pain topical

View on Amazon →
FlexiKold Gel Pack

Acute symptom control

View on Amazon →

Ready to solve this? Book today.

Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Township · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →

More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

Hoka Men's Clifton 10
Watch: Foot & ankle health tips from Dr. Biernacki

Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.

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.

General Foot Care - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township

⚕ Doctor Recommended

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief

Topical relief for foot & ankle pain

View Product →

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

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

★★★★★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Five-Star Reviews

Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.

Ready for Expert Care?

Same-week appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.

4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries

Or call: (810) 206-1402

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.

Book your appointment

Choose your office

Choose an office, then select New or Existing. Existing patients must also choose a reason for visit before selecting a date and time.

Howell

4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Book Howell

Bloomfield Township

43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Listed as “Bloomfield Hills Office” in the scheduler.

Book Bloomfield Township

No times on your chosen date? Try another available date or check the other office. Need help? Call (810) 206-1402.

How do I choose a visit reason?

If you select Existing, choose a reason for visit. Use “What reason should I choose?” in the scheduler if you are unsure.

Insurance and referrals

Review accepted plans and referral information before your appointment. View insurance information.

Paying without insurance?

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