What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Appointment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

First-time podiatry patients often come in not knowing what to expect — and that uncertainty can delay getting the help they need. Here’s a complete walkthrough of what happens at a first podiatry appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle, so you can arrive prepared and confident.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

• Insurance card and photo ID
• List of current medications — including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins
• Prior imaging — if you’ve had X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds of the foot or ankle at another facility, bring the images or a CD if possible
• Previous orthotics — if you have old orthotics, bring them so the doctor can assess their condition and fit
• The shoes you wear most — your doctor can identify wear patterns that provide important biomechanical information
• Activity wear — if you want a gait analysis, shorts or athletic wear allows better visualization of your walking pattern

The Podiatric Examination

Medical History

The appointment begins with a review of your health history including: the current foot or ankle concern (onset, character, what makes it better or worse), medical history (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions), surgeries, family history of foot conditions, and medications.

Physical Examination

A comprehensive podiatric examination typically includes:

• Standing assessment — looking at your foot and ankle alignment, arch height, and any deformities
• Gait analysis — observing how you walk to assess pronation, supination, and biomechanical patterns
• Joint range of motion testing — assessing flexibility and identifying stiffness or hypermobility
• Neurological assessment — testing sensation, reflexes, and proprioception (especially important for diabetic patients)
• Vascular assessment — checking pedal pulses and skin temperature to assess circulation
• Skin and nail evaluation — examining all nails and skin for fungal infection, calluses, warts, or other findings
• Palpation — direct examination of tender areas, joints, tendons, and soft tissue structures

Diagnostic Imaging

If X-rays are needed (fractures, arthritis, bone spurs, deformity assessment), they are taken in-office during the same visit at Balance Foot & Ankle — no separate radiology appointment needed. Ultrasound can also be performed during the visit for soft tissue evaluation (plantar fascia, tendons, Morton’s neuroma).

After the Examination: The Treatment Discussion

After the examination, Dr. Biernacki will explain his findings, provide a diagnosis, and present treatment options ranked from least invasive to most aggressive. You will receive a clear treatment plan with realistic expectations for outcomes and timelines. Questions are encouraged.

Will I Need to Come Back?

Some conditions are resolved in a single visit (ingrown toenail removal, minor skin procedures). Most conditions require follow-up — typically 2–4 weeks later to assess treatment response. Chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis typically require several visits over 2–3 months.

More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

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Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

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The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

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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

If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township

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.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.