In This Article

• What Is a Podiatrist?
• 10 Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist
• Common Conditions We Treat
• Why Diabetics Need a Podiatrist
• Podiatrist vs Orthopedist: Who Should You See?
• What to Expect at Your First Visit
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, DPM) is a physician and surgeon who specializes exclusively in conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Our training includes 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of podiatric medical school, and 3 years of hospital-based surgical residency — a total of 11+ years of education and training focused entirely on the foot and ankle.

Podiatrists diagnose and treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, from skin and nail problems to complex surgical reconstruction. We prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound), perform surgery, and provide ongoing management for chronic conditions. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki is board-certified and has performed over 3,000 surgeries.

10 Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist

1. Heel Pain That Won’t Go Away

Persistent heel pain — especially sharp pain with your first steps in the morning — is the hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain. If your heel hurts in the morning and home remedies have not helped after 1-2 weeks, a podiatrist can provide targeted treatment including custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, or laser therapy.

2. Numbness or Tingling in Your Feet

Numbness, tingling, burning, or a “pins and needles” sensation can indicate peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage that is commonly associated with diabetes, but can also result from vitamin deficiencies, medications, or nerve compression. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage.

3. An Ingrown Toenail That Is Infected

While mild ingrown toenails can sometimes be managed at home, an ingrown toenail that is red, swollen, draining pus, or extremely painful needs professional treatment. We can perform a quick in-office procedure to remove the ingrown portion and prevent recurrence. Read our guide: Ingrown Toenail: Home Treatment vs. Podiatrist.

4. A Bunion That Is Getting Worse

Bunions are progressive — they do not get better on their own. If your bunion is causing pain, making it difficult to find shoes, or visibly getting larger, a podiatrist can discuss conservative management and surgical options before the deformity becomes severe.

5. An Ankle Sprain or Injury

Many people dismiss ankle sprains as minor injuries, but up to 40% of improperly treated sprains lead to chronic instability. If you cannot bear weight, have significant swelling, or your ankle feels unstable, you need a professional evaluation to rule out fractures and ligament tears.

6. Toenail Fungus

Thick, discolored, crumbly toenails are a sign of toenail fungus (onychomycosis). Over-the-counter treatments have very low success rates. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and provide effective treatment options including prescription medications and laser therapy.

7. Foot Pain During or After Exercise

Pain that occurs during or after exercise — whether in the heel, arch, ankle, or ball of the foot — is your body signaling that something is wrong. Common causes include stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsalgia. Our sports medicine program specializes in getting athletes back to activity safely.

8. A Diabetic Foot Concern

If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist at least once a year for a comprehensive foot exam — and immediately if you notice any cuts, sores, color changes, or temperature differences in your feet. Diabetic foot care is critical for preventing complications. Read our Diabetic Foot Care Daily Routine guide.

9. Flat Feet Causing Pain

Not all flat feet need treatment, but flat feet that cause pain in the feet, ankles, knees, or back deserve evaluation. A podiatrist can determine whether your flat feet are flexible or rigid and recommend appropriate treatment including custom orthotics.

10. You Need a Second Opinion

If you have been told you need surgery, or if a previous treatment did not work, getting a second opinion from a board-certified podiatrist can provide clarity and potentially reveal treatment options you were not offered previously.

Why Diabetics Need a Podiatrist

Diabetes deserves its own section because diabetic foot complications are among the most serious conditions we treat. Diabetes causes two dangerous changes in the feet: peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that reduces sensation, so you may not feel injuries) and peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow that impairs healing).

This combination means a small cut, blister, or pressure sore can go unnoticed and progress to a serious infection or ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations in the United States. However, up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with proper foot care and regular podiatric examinations.

Every diabetic patient should have an annual comprehensive foot exam with a podiatrist, including sensory testing, vascular assessment, and skin evaluation. Learn more about our diabetic foot care program and check your insurance coverage.

Podiatrist vs. Orthopedist: Who Should You See?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. Both podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons can treat foot and ankle conditions, but there are important differences. A podiatrist dedicates their entire career exclusively to the foot and ankle, while an orthopedic surgeon covers the entire musculoskeletal system (shoulder, hip, knee, spine, hand, foot). Some orthopedists further specialize in foot and ankle, but many do not.

For foot and ankle conditions specifically, a podiatrist is typically the best first choice because foot and ankle medicine is all we do — every day, all day. We see higher volumes of foot-specific conditions, which translates to deeper expertise and more refined clinical judgment for these problems. If your condition involves the foot or ankle in combination with the knee or hip, a collaborative approach with both a podiatrist and orthopedist may be ideal.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first visit to Balance Foot & Ankle typically takes about 30-45 minutes and includes a thorough review of your medical history and current symptoms, a comprehensive physical examination of your feet, ankles, and lower legs, diagnostic imaging if needed (X-rays are available in-office for immediate results), a clear diagnosis explained in terms you understand, and a personalized treatment plan with options discussed. We believe in empowering patients with knowledge — Dr. Tom will explain exactly what is happening, why, and what your treatment options are, including the pros and cons of each approach.

Bring your current shoes (including the ones you wear most often and any athletic shoes), a list of medications you take, your insurance card, and any previous imaging or medical records related to your foot or ankle condition. Complete your new patient forms online before your visit to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

In most cases, no. Most insurance plans allow you to see a podiatrist without a referral from your primary care physician. Some HMO plans may require a referral — check with your insurance or call our office and we will verify your coverage. Visit our insurance page for details on accepted plans.

Does insurance cover podiatry visits?

Yes, the vast majority of health insurance plans cover podiatric care, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, and most other commercial plans. We accept most major insurance at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

How often should I see a podiatrist?

For healthy adults without foot problems, an annual foot check-up is a good practice. For diabetics, at least once per year is medically recommended and covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. If you have an active foot condition, your podiatrist will recommend a treatment schedule based on your specific needs.

Sources

1. American Podiatric Medical Association. What Is a Podiatrist? APMA.org. 2025.
2. Armstrong DG, et al. Diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(24):2367-2375.
3. Singh N, et al. Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. JAMA. 2005;293(2):217-228.

Related Articles

• Heel Spur vs Plantar Fasciitis
• Diabetic Foot Care Daily Routine
• Bunion Prevention Guide
• Achilles Tendinitis Treatment
• Morton’s Neuroma: Symptoms & Treatment
• Foot Stress Fracture Recovery Guide
• What to Expect at Your First Podiatrist Visit