Quick answer: What Podiatrists Wish Patients Knew affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
The most important clinical decision with What Podiatrists Wish Patients Knew isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
What Podiatrists Wish Every Patient Knew About Foot Health relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
What Podiatrists Wish Every Patient Knew About Foot Health
The Things Your Podiatrist Wants Every Patient to Know
Podiatrists see hundreds of patients every year with conditions that were preventable, or that became far more complicated because they were ignored too long. Here is a candid look at the most common things foot doctors wish their patients understood before walking through the door.
1. Foot Pain Is Not Normal
Many patients tell us they have had foot pain for years but assumed it was just part of getting older or being on their feet all day. Persistent foot pain is a signal that something is wrong. Whether it is plantar fasciitis, a stress fracture, arthritis, or nerve compression, pain has a cause — and causes have treatments. Do not wait until the pain is unbearable to seek care.
2. Proper Footwear Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Think
A significant percentage of the foot problems we treat are directly related to poor footwear choices. Shoes that are too narrow, too flat, too worn, or the wrong type for your activity place abnormal stress on bones, tendons, and joints. Replace athletic shoes every 300 to 500 miles or every six months if you wear them daily. Choose shoes with adequate width, cushioning, and support for your foot type.
3. Toenail Conditions Are Treatable — and Important
Patients often avoid bringing up toenail fungus or ingrown toenails out of embarrassment. Please do not. Fungal nails are a medical condition, not a cosmetic one, and they can spread and worsen over time. Ingrown toenails can lead to serious infections, especially in diabetic patients. Both are very treatable when addressed early.
4. Diabetes and Your Feet Require Special Attention
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. The combination of peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation) and poor circulation means that small foot wounds can become limb-threatening infections without the patient ever feeling pain. Every diabetic patient should have a thorough foot exam at least once a year and inspect their own feet daily.
5. Stretching Prevents Many of the Most Common Problems
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and calf-related injuries are dramatically less common in people who stretch regularly. Two minutes of calf stretching and plantar fascia stretching each morning and after activity can prevent months of treatment. We will show you exactly how to do these at your appointment.
6. Custom Orthotics Are Worth the Investment for the Right Patient
Not everyone needs custom orthotics — but for patients with specific biomechanical issues, they are often the most cost-effective long-term solution. Many patients spend years buying expensive over-the-counter insoles that provide temporary relief but do not correct the underlying problem. One set of custom orthotics, covered by most insurance plans, can last five or more years.
7. Do Not Self-Diagnose from the Internet
We understand the impulse to Google your symptoms. But foot conditions often look and feel similar to one another. Treating yourself for plantar fasciitis when you actually have a stress fracture, for example, can cause serious harm. A proper diagnosis based on examination and imaging (when needed) is always the right starting point.
8. Come In Sooner Rather Than Later
The single most consistent theme in podiatry is that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes and lower overall cost. A plantar fasciitis case caught in the first few weeks is treated with stretching and footwear changes. A case that has been ignored for two years may require injections, orthotics, physical therapy, or even surgery. Your feet carry you through life — give them the attention they deserve.
Balance Foot & Ankle: Straight Answers, Expert Care
Our podiatrists take a direct, no-nonsense approach to foot health. We explain diagnoses clearly, present all treatment options honestly, and give you the information you need to make good decisions about your care. Schedule an appointment at any of our Michigan locations and let us help you get back on your feet.
Getting the Most from Your Podiatry Visit: Communication Tips for Michigan Patients
Michigan patients who come to Balance Foot & Ankle prepared will get the most out of their visit. Bring a list of all current medications — including over-the-counter supplements and topical products used on the feet. Bring the shoes you wear most frequently, not just dress shoes or “best” shoes — the condition and wear pattern of everyday shoes is diagnostically relevant. Be ready to describe your pain in temporal detail: when does it hurt most, what makes it better or worse, what activities have you reduced or eliminated because of it, and how long has it been present. If you’ve had previous imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) of the foot or ankle at another facility, bring the actual images on CD or in a digital format — not just the report. And come with questions written down, because it’s easy to forget them once you’re in the exam room. The podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle encourage patient questions and will take time to ensure you leave understanding your diagnosis and treatment plan. New Michigan patients can schedule at (810) 206-1402 for our Howell or Bloomfield Township location.
Related Treatment Guides
Michigan patients experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Related Patient Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Guide
- Diabetic Foot Care Guide
- 3D Custom Orthotics at Balance Foot & Ankle
- 12 Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist
Insurance Accepted
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Podiatrist-Recommended Products for Foot Health
Supportive footwear reduces strain on affected tendons and joints during foot health treatment and recovery:
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
See our Podiatrist-Recommended Products Guide and the full Podiatrist-Recommended Products Guide.
Related Conditions
Foot Health Treatment in Michigan
Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Board-certified podiatrists, 4.9★ rating.
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.5
(28,341+ reviews)
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.4
(4,000+ reviews)
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Choose your arch height from a wet-foot test (low/med/high). Wrong arch = re-injury. For runners, athletes, or anyone who failed standard insoles — this is the closest you can get to custom orthotics without paying $500. The carbon heel is what professional athletes use.
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.6
(5,500+ reviews)
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
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)
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What conditions does a podiatrist treat?
Podiatrists treat all conditions of the foot and ankle including: heel pain (plantar fasciitis, bone spurs), toenail problems (fungus, ingrown toenails), bunions and deformities, diabetic foot care and wound care, sports injuries, arthritis, flat feet and high arches, neuropathy, skin conditions (warts, calluses, corns), tendon problems (Achilles tendinopathy), ankle sprains, and much more.
When should you see a podiatrist vs. your primary care doctor?
See a podiatrist (rather than a PCP) for any foot or ankle specific problem: persistent foot pain, nail problems, skin changes on feet, new foot deformity, diabetic foot complications, sports injuries to the foot/ankle, and concerns about gait or footwear. PCPs are excellent for systemic issues affecting feet (diabetes, circulation) but podiatrists have specialized training for the mechanics and treatment of foot/ankle conditions.
How often should a healthy person see a podiatrist?
A healthy adult without foot problems doesn't need routine podiatric visits unless problems arise. However, annual visits are recommended for: people over 60, diabetics, those with neuropathy or vascular disease, athletes with high training volumes, people with a history of foot problems, and those who stand or walk extensively for work.
What should I bring to my first podiatry appointment?
Bring: your regular shoes and athletic shoes (a podiatrist can assess wear patterns), a list of all medications including supplements, insurance cards, relevant medical history (especially diabetes, circulation issues, prior foot surgeries), X-rays or imaging if previously taken, and specific notes about when pain occurs and what makes it better or worse. Wear comfortable socks for easy foot examination.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.