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Board Certified Podiatrists | Expert Foot & Ankle Care
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Coordinated Vascular Care in Howell

For complex diabetic and vascular cases, we partner directly with internal medicine and vascular specialists. Learn about our coordinated care with Vassallo Medical Group →

💡 Coordinated vascular care: Through our partnership with Vassallo Medical Group, we provide team-based PAD and foot care — podiatry and internal medicine coordinated for comprehensive vascular foot treatment in Howell, MI.

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

Book Your Appointment

(810) 206-1402

Understanding Peripheral Arterial Disease in the Feet

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet. This narrowing restricts blood flow, causing symptoms like leg pain when walking (claudication), cold feet, slow-healing wounds, and changes in skin color. Left untreated, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia—a serious condition that increases the risk of amputation.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists perform non-invasive vascular screenings using ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing, pulse volume recordings, and skin perfusion assessments. Early detection is essential: patients with PAD are four to five times more likely to develop foot ulcers, and those ulcers heal far more slowly without adequate circulation.

Who Is at Risk for PAD?

Several factors increase your risk of developing peripheral arterial disease. Diabetes is the single greatest risk factor—patients with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop PAD. Smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle also significantly increase risk. If you are over 50, have a family history of vascular disease, or experience numbness, tingling, or cramping in your legs and feet, a PAD screening is strongly recommended.

Our PAD Treatment Approach

Treatment begins with a thorough vascular evaluation to determine the severity of arterial blockage. For mild to moderate PAD, our team develops a conservative management plan that may include supervised exercise programs, medication optimization (antiplatelet agents, statins, and cilostazol), smoking cessation support, and diabetic foot care protocols. For advanced cases, we coordinate with vascular surgeons for angioplasty, stenting, or bypass procedures while continuing to manage your foot health throughout recovery.

★★★★★

“The circulation screening caught a problem I had no idea about. Dr. Jay explained everything clearly and got me the care I needed right away.”

— Robert K., PAD Patient

What to Expect at Your PAD Screening

1

Non-Invasive Vascular Testing

We measure blood flow using ankle-brachial index testing and pulse volume recordings—painless tests that take about 15 minutes.

2

Comprehensive Foot Exam

Your podiatrist examines skin color, temperature, nail health, and wound status to assess circulation impact.

3

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your results, we create a care plan that may include lifestyle modifications, medications, wound care, or vascular surgery referral.

Schedule Your PAD Screening →

Serving Patients Across Southeast Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle provides PAD screening and circulation treatment from two convenient locations. Our Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, and throughout Livingston County. Our Bloomfield Hills office serves Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Township, Novi, and Walled Lake across Oakland County.

Who treats you

Board-certified care at both Michigan locations

Dr. Tom BiernackiDPM, FACFAS
View bio →
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 · (248) 335-0322
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
Coordinated Care Advantage: Dr. Tom partners with Vassallo Medical Group for team-based vascular and podiatric care — ideal for diabetic and PAD patients who need integrated treatment. Learn about our coordinated vascular foot care program →
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Coordinated Vascular Care

Dr. Tom partners directly with Vassallo Medical Group for comprehensive vascular and internal medicine coordination -- a level of integrated care rare in Michigan podiatry.

Learn About Our Care Partnership →