What does a podiatrist treat?

Podiatrists specialize in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They diagnose and treat heel pain, bunions and hammertoes, tendon injuries, nerve conditions (Morton's neuroma, neuropathy), toenail disorders, skin conditions (warts, calluses, ulcers), fractures, sports injuries, diabetic foot complications, ankle instability, and perform foot and ankle surgery. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM AACFAS serve Howell, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding Michigan communities.

How often should a healthy person see a podiatrist?

Annual foot exams are beneficial if you are over 60, are an active runner or athlete, have diabetes, have a family history of foot problems, or notice any changes in foot shape, nail appearance, or skin texture. Preventive visits catch problems early — before bunions require surgery or a small nail issue becomes an infection.

Can foot problems cause knee, hip, or back pain?

Yes — the foot is the foundation of the kinetic chain. Overpronation causes the tibia to internally rotate, increasing stress on the knee and altering hip alignment. High arches transmit shock poorly, overloading the ankle and knee. Custom orthotics that correct foot mechanics frequently improve knee, hip, and back symptoms — one of the most underappreciated benefits of podiatric care.

When should I see a podiatrist versus an orthopedic surgeon?

Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg — making them the most experienced providers for most foot and ankle conditions. For foot and ankle surgery, a DPM with high case volume is appropriate. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle procedures. Call (810) 206-1402.

Waddling Gait Foot Pain Causes 2026

waddling-gait-foot-pain - Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan

Watch: How to Cure Plantar Fasciitis in One Week? [FAST Heel Pain Relief!] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube

Watch: Foot & ankle health tips from Dr. Biernacki

Quick Answer — Waddling Gait

Waddling gait (Trendelenburg gait) features wide stance with side-to-side hip drop while walking — caused by hip abductor (gluteus medius) weakness, hip dysplasia, muscular dystrophy, or pregnancy biomechanics. The foot pain connection: compensatory overuse of foot stabilizers leads to plantar fasciitis, peroneal tendonitis, and metatarsalgia. Evaluation requires gait analysis, hip strength testing, and X-rays. Treatment targets the underlying cause plus supportive footwear and orthotic correction. See a podiatrist or orthopedist for evaluation.

Written and reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan.

Waddling Gait + Foot Pain Connection

Quick answer: Waddling Gait requires gait analysis. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM provides systematic evaluation.

Common Causes

Pain compensation, neurological, biomechanical, or structural issues.

Schedule

Call (810) 206-1402.

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Foot Health & Care Resource Center (American Podiatric Medical Association)

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

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Same-Week Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Quick Answer — Waddling Gait

Waddling Gait + Foot Pain Connection

Common Causes

Schedule

Related foot health guides

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Same-Week Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Our Podiatry Services Locations in Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell, MI

Balance Foot & Ankle, Bloomfield, MI

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