What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Appointment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, 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.

Your First Podiatry Visit — What to Expect at Balance Foot & Ankle

Nervous about your first visit? We make new patients feel welcome with thorough evaluations and clear treatment explanations at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Complete Your New Patient Information → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. American Podiatric Medical Association. Visiting a podiatrist: patient guide. APMA.org, 2024.
2. Boulton AJ, et al. Comprehensive foot examination and risk assessment. Diabetes Care, 2008;31(8):1679-1685.
3. Singh N, et al. Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. JAMA, 2005;293(2):217-228.