Arthritis in Feet & Ankles 2026 | Balance Foot & Ankle

★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan

Seniors Foot Arthritis

Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.

Seniors: Don’t Let Foot & Ankle Arthritis Slow You Down

Early detection and treatment can prevent pain, stiffness, and mobility loss.

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Book Your Arthritis Evaluation

Why Early Detection Matters

Book Your Early Arthritis Evaluation

balance foot and ankle specialist in michigan
podiatrists for seniors

Common Symptoms of Foot & Ankle Arthritis

  • Morning stiffness and joint soreness
  • Swelling or redness around joints
  • Pain when walking or standing
  • Reduced flexibility or range of motion
  • Bunions or toe deformities caused by arthritis

Notice these symptoms? Schedule an exam today.

Walk Comfortably Again With Custom 3D Orthotics

Benefits:

  • Relieves pressure on arthritic joints
  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Improves stability to lower fall risk
  • Fits comfortably in shoes

Call Now to Get Started

Book Your Orthotics Evaluation

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Thick Toenails & Senior Nail Care

— Margaret S., Howell, MI
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Foot Pain & Mobility Issues

— Robert H., Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Diabetic Foot Care for Seniors

— Eleanor M., Michigan

Warning Signs Seniors Should Never Ignore

  • Sudden increase in pain or swelling
  • Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
  • Pain disrupting sleep or daily activities
  • Visible joint deformities
  • Frequent falls or instability

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arthritis seniors
balance foot and ankle specialist in michigan

Treatment Options & What to Expect

  • Gentle arthritis evaluation by podiatrist
  • Pain management: medication, therapy, or orthotics
  • Advanced therapies (laser, shockwave if applicable)
  • Lifestyle recommendations: footwear, exercises
  • Step-by-step explanation of the appointment process

Book Your Arthritis Consultation

What to Expect at Your Appointment

  • Gentle foot exam
  • Mobility & circulation check
  • Assessment for arthritis, bunions, neuropathy, or other conditions
  • Tailored treatment plan (including orthotics if needed)
  • Senior-friendly recommendations to stay active & safe

Schedule an Exam

Meet Your Home-Care Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Insurance & Medicare Friendly

medicare insurance

Accepts Medicare

major insurance

Accepts Most Major Insurances

affordable

Affordable Options Available

Call to Check Your Coverage

Don’t Let Arthritis Limit Your Steps

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Call Us Today

Ready to get expert podiatric care? Call us at (810) 206-1402 or book an appointment online at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills locations. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare and most major insurance plans.

🧦 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 β†’

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.

Insurance Accepted

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

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👟 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 β€” with clinical picks for every foot type.

See Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks →

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

Book Your Appointment

(810) 206-1402

Who treats you

Board-certified care at both Michigan locations

Dr. Tom BiernackiDPM, FACFAS
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Dr. Carl JayDPM, Fellowship
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Dr. Daria GutkinDPM
View bio →

1,123+
Google Reviews
4.9★
Average rating
3,000+
Procedures performed
2
Michigan locations
Same-Week Appointments

Book your visit today

Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists

Howell · (810) 206-1402
Bloomfield · (810) 206-1402

Foot Arthritis in Seniors β€” Michigan Podiatrist Guide

Dr. Biernacki explains why foot arthritis worsens with age, the most effective senior-focused treatment strategies, and how to maintain mobility and independence despite arthritic foot pain.

Foot Arthritis in Seniors β€” Michigan Podiatrist Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common arthritic foot conditions in seniors?

Hallux rigidus (big toe arthritis) β€” affecting 1 in 40 adults over 50. Ankle osteoarthritis β€” often post-traumatic from old sprains or fractures. Midfoot arthritis β€” causing arch collapse and flatfoot. Subtalar arthritis β€” from rear foot deformity. Each requires specific treatment; a single orthotic doesn’t address all arthritic patterns equally.

How can seniors manage arthritic foot pain without surgery?

Effective conservative management: rocker-sole stiff shoes (dramatically reduce joint stress), custom orthotics with carbon fiber shell (offload arthritic joints), cortisone injections for flares (3–4x per year maximum), MLS laser for chronic pain and swelling, activity modification, and aquatic exercise to maintain fitness without joint impact.

Podiatrist-Recommended Products for Arthritic Feet & Ankles

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.

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