Quick answer: Nails get harder to reach and harder to cut, skin thins, and balance changes. Most senior foot problems are straightforward when they are seen regularly rather than only once something hurts. Our Howell office is in Livingston County. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
If cutting your own nails has become difficult or risky, that on its own is a reason to be seen. Book a real opening at our Howell office online — the scheduler is open 24/7, or call (810) 206-1402.
Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Flat feet · Overpronation
Dr. Tom’s Top Foot Creams
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
- Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks
- Dr. Tom’s Top Foot Creams
- Foot Health Is Essential to Senior Independence
- Common Foot Problems in Seniors
- Our Senior Foot Care Services
- Medicare Coverage
- Home Visits Available
- Schedule Senior Foot Care Today
- Senior Foot Care in Livingston County: Podiatric Services for Brighton, Howell, and Hartland Older Adults
- Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
- More Podiatrist-Recommended Seniors Essentials
Related Conditions
Senior Foot Care in Livingston County — Nail, Callus & Skin Services for Older Adults
Foot Health Is Essential to Senior Independence
For older adults, healthy feet are directly connected to mobility, independence, and quality of life. Foot pain is not a normal or acceptable part of aging — it’s a treatable condition. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, we provide comprehensive senior foot care services for patients throughout Livingston County, with a focus on keeping older adults active, comfortable, and on their feet.
Common Foot Problems in Seniors
Older adults are disproportionately affected by: thick and difficult-to-trim toenails, toenail fungus, calluses and corns from years of wear, bunions and hammertoes that have worsened over time, plantar fasciitis and heel pain from changes in arch structure, peripheral neuropathy from diabetes or other causes, dry, cracked heel skin that can become infected, and reduced circulation that slows healing. None of these are inevitable — all are treatable.
Our Senior Foot Care Services
We provide a full suite of senior-oriented foot services at our Howell office: professional nail care including thick nail management, callus and corn removal and prevention, skin care for dry, cracked, or fragile skin, bunion and hammertoe management, diabetic and vascular foot care, custom orthotics for pain relief and fall prevention, appropriate footwear recommendations, and same-day care for urgent problems.
Medicare Coverage
Most of our senior foot care services are covered by Medicare for qualifying patients. Diabetic foot exams, nail care for high-risk patients, diabetic shoe fitting, and many other services are Medicare benefits — meaning most of our senior patients pay very little out of pocket for comprehensive foot care.
Home Visits Available
For Livingston County seniors who can’t comfortably travel to our Howell office, we offer home visits. We bring professional foot care to you — no transportation needed, no waiting rooms. Home visits are available throughout Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, Fenton, and surrounding communities.
Our Howell office works closely with Vassallo Medical Group (3399 E Grand River Ave — minutes away on the same road) for patients with diabetes, vascular disease, and systemic conditions affecting the feet. Dr. John Vassallo, MD, coordinates the medical side while we protect your feet.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ Toenail Fungus Laser
✅ In-Office X-Ray & Ultrasound
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Township
Schedule Senior Foot Care Today
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402. We welcome new senior patients from all of Livingston County and make every effort to accommodate your scheduling needs.
Senior Foot Care in Livingston County: Podiatric Services for Brighton, Howell, and Hartland Older Adults
The foot care needs of Livingston County’s older adult population — 65+ residents in Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Hamburg, and Pinckney — are a primary focus at Balance Foot & Ankle. Aging feet develop predictable conditions that respond well to podiatric intervention: onychomycosis (fungal toenails) that becomes progressive and nail-disfiguring by the seventh and eighth decade; hallux valgus (bunions) that worsens with time and limits footwear options; metatarsalgia from the plantar fat pad atrophy that normally occurs with age; diabetic foot changes including neuropathy and vascular insufficiency; and the balance-affecting foot problems that contribute to fall risk. Each of these conditions is manageable with appropriate podiatric care, and the alternative — managing none of them — produces progressive functional decline.
Related Treatment Guides
- Corn & Callus Treatment
- Toenail Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
Livingston County senior patients at Balance Foot & Ankle benefit from our comprehensive insurance expertise: Medicare Part B coverage for medically necessary nail care when systemic conditions are documented, coverage of the annual diabetic foot examination at no cost-sharing for qualifying patients, and the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill benefit that provides extra-depth shoes and custom inserts for qualifying diabetic patients. Our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River is fully accessible by walker and wheelchair with ground-level entry and convenient parking. For Livingston County seniors with mobility limitations, our home visit program serves patients who cannot safely travel to the office. To schedule senior foot care at our Howell location, call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 — early morning appointment slots are often preferred by senior patients and are available Monday through Friday.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Calluses & Corns
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
These are products I personally use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
- Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File — Micro-abrasion rollers remove callus layers painlessly — the most effective at-home alternative to office debridement
- PowerStep Corn Cushions — Medicated pads with salicylic acid dissolve corn tissue while donut pad offloads pressure
- Urea 40% Foot Cream (Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy) — 40% urea dissolves hard callus keratin — clinically effective for thick skin reduction between podiatry visits
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
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Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Seniors Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
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.
When to See a Podiatrist
Foot problems are the #1 preventable cause of falls in adults over 70. Balance Foot & Ankle runs comprehensive senior foot evaluations — balance testing, circulation checks, nail and callus care, and diabetic screening. Medicare covers most services. Let us help you stay mobile and independent at home.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
