★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Patient Reviews · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeons
Foot & Ankle Pain Relief
from Doctors Who Actually Listen
We understand how frustrating foot pain can be — and we believe you deserve answers, not runaround. Three board-certified surgeons in Howell & Bloomfield Hills. Same-week appointments. Most insurance accepted.
Conditions We Treat
Whatever’s Hurting — We’ve Treated Thousands of Cases
Board-certified podiatrists treating heel pain, bunions, sports injuries, and diabetic foot conditions in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Ready to Walk Without Pain?
Same-week appointments at both locations. Most insurance accepted.
or call (810) 206-1402
Quick Appointment Request
Request Your Appointment in 30 Seconds
Fill in the basics and our team will call you to confirm. Most patients are seen within the same week.
Or call directly: (810) 206-1402 · No obligation, no spam.
Meet Your Care Team
Three Specialists. One Practice. Zero Compromise.
Every doctor at Balance Foot & Ankle is fellowship-trained or board-certified in podiatric surgery — because your feet deserve more than a generalist.
Dr. Tom Biernacki
DPM, FACFAS · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon
“Dr. Tom treats the root cause, not just the symptom. His biomechanical approach gets patients moving pain-free — for good.”
Triple board-certified with 3,000+ surgeries. Michigan’s top biomechanics expert and Lapiplasty-certified bunion surgeon. Trusted by 943K YouTube subscribers. Passionate educator who believes patients deserve clear answers — not medical jargon.
Learn about Dr. Tom →
Dr. Carl Jay
DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon
“When other surgeons face their toughest cases, they call Dr. Jay. Fellowship-trained precision for the procedures that matter most.”
Fellowship-trained in advanced reconstructive surgery. Specializes in complex procedures, revision surgeries, trauma, and diabetic limb salvage. Calm under pressure and meticulous with every detail — patients say he makes surgery feel easy.
Learn about Dr. Jay →
Dr. Daria Gutkin
DPM, AACFAS · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon
“Patients, kids, and families love Dr. Gutkin. She takes her time, explains everything, and makes even the most anxious patients feel safe.”
Exceptional physician and skilled proceduralist. Henry Ford Health trained. Patients of all ages love her — from nervous kids to seniors who’ve avoided doctors for years. She never rushes and always makes time for your questions.
Learn about Dr. Gutkin →1,123+
Five-Star Reviews
943K
YouTube Subscribers
3,000+
Surgeries Performed
50K+
Michigan Patients Helped
What Patients Say
1,123 Reasons to Trust Us with Your Feet
Real reviews from real Michigan patients — unedited, from Google.
★★★★★
“I had a severely broken ankle that required surgery. Dr. Biernacki was absolutely amazing — explained everything clearly, answered every question, and made me feel completely at ease. Recovery was exactly as he described.”
— Jennifer M.
Google Review · Howell, MI
★★★★★
“Dr. Gutkin was so gentle and patient with me. I’m terrified of doctors but she made me feel completely safe. She took her time, never rushed, and explained everything in a way I could understand.”
— Sarah K.
Google Review · Bloomfield Hills, MI
★★★★★
“Dr. Jay fixed a bunion surgery that another surgeon botched. I had given up hope, but he took one look and said ‘I can fix this.’ Six months later, I’m walking pain-free for the first time in years.”
— Robert T.
Google Review · Brighton, MI
Education & Authority
Michigan’s Most-Watched Podiatrist on YouTube
943,000 Subscribers · 156M+ Views
Dr. Tom Biernacki has built the largest podiatry channel on YouTube — not for fame, but because he believes patients deserve honest, clear medical information before they even step into a clinic.
When your doctor has educated millions of people worldwide, you know you’re getting someone who truly understands your condition.
See a Doctor Who Teaches →
▶ Click to watch on YouTube
Convinced? Let’s Get You Scheduled.
Most patients are seen within the same week.
or call (810) 206-1402
Your First Visit
From Phone Call to Pain Relief — Here’s What to Expect
No long waits. No runaround. Most patients are seen within the same week.
Complete Forms Online
Fill out your intake forms digitally before you arrive — no clipboard surprises. Takes about 10 minutes.
Exam & Diagnosis
Your doctor listens, examines, and explains your diagnosis in plain English. Questions are encouraged.
Your Treatment Plan
Leave with a clear plan, realistic timeline, and direct access to your care team.
Our Locations
Two Convenient Michigan Offices
Serving Livingston County, Oakland County, and surrounding communities with same-week appointments and flexible scheduling.
Howell Office
Livingston County
4330 E Grand River AveHowell, MI 48843
Mon-Thu 8:00am-5:00pm · Fri 8:00am-3:00pm
Bloomfield Hills Office
Oakland County
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Mon-Thu 8:00am-5:00pm · Fri 8:00am-3:00pm
Insurance & Payment
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Don’t let insurance be a reason to delay care. We work with most major carriers — and our team will verify your benefits before your first visit.
Not sure if we take your plan? Call us at (810) 206-1402 and we’ll check for you.
Hospital Affiliations & Surgical Privileges
Our board-certified surgeons hold active surgical privileges at these major Michigan health systems.
Service Area
Serving All of Southeast Michigan
Two offices strategically located to serve Livingston County and Oakland County. Click your city to see your nearest office.
From Our Howell Office — Livingston County
From Our Bloomfield Office — Oakland County
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most patients are seen within the same week. Call us at (810) 206-1402 or book online — we’ll find a time that works for you.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, Medicaid, Priority Health, HAP, McLaren, Humana, Molina, and many more. Our staff will verify your benefits before your visit.
Which doctor should I see?
All three doctors are exceptional and experienced with diabetic patients. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a biomechanics specialist and Lapiplasty-certified surgeon. Dr. Carl Jay is a fellowship-trained surgical and procedure specialist. Dr. Daria Gutkin is outstanding with patients, kids, and families and is a skilled proceduralist.
Which location should I go to?
Our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River Ave serves Livingston County. Our Bloomfield office at 43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208 serves Oakland County.
Do you treat children?
Yes. We treat patients of all ages including children with flat feet, heel pain (Sever’s disease), ingrown toenails, and warts. Our doctors are experienced with pediatric patients.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of current medications, and any prior imaging (X-rays, MRIs) if available. Complete your intake forms online before arrival to save time.
Don’t Wait — Foot Pain Gets Worse Over Time
Every Day You Wait Is a Day Without Relief
Patients who delay treatment average 6 months longer recovery. Our same-week appointments mean you could start feeling better this week.
★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · 3 Board-Certified Surgeons · 2 Michigan Locations