Board Certified Podiatrists | Expert Foot & Ankle Care
(810) 206-1402 Patient Portal
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin — board-certified podiatrists at Balance Foot and Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills Michigan

4.9★ · 1,123+ PATIENT REVIEWS · BOARD-CERTIFIED PODIATRIC SURGEONS

Foot Pain Doesn’t Have to Be Your Normal

Three board-certified podiatrists who actually listen. Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Over 3,000 surgeries performed. Real answers — not rushed 10-minute visits.

or call (810) 206-1402

✓ Board Certified · ABFAS

✓ 3,000+ Surgeries Performed

✓ 4.9★ · 1,123 Reviews

✓ Same-Week Appointments

✓ Most Insurance Accepted

YOUR CARE TEAM

Meet Your Podiatrists

Board-certified surgeons serving Howell, Brighton, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, and all of Livingston and Oakland Counties.

Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM FACFAS — board-certified podiatric surgeon at Balance Foot and Ankle Michigan

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Founder · Howell & Bloomfield Hills

“Over 3,000 surgeries and 943K YouTube subscribers trust his expertise. Dr. Tom explains the why, not just the what.”

Board-certified in foot and ankle surgery. Left hospital medicine to build a practice centered on real answers and patient education. Featured in national podiatric publications.

Meet Dr. Tom →
Dr. Carl Jay DPM — fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon at Balance Foot and Ankle Michigan

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Fellowship-Trained Surgeon · Bloomfield Hills

“Fellowship-trained in advanced reconstruction. The surgeon other surgeons refer their toughest cases to.”

Specializes in complex reconstruction, revision surgery, and chronic ankle instability. Takes cases other providers have been unable to resolve. Serving Troy, Birmingham, and West Bloomfield patients.

Meet Dr. Jay →
Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM — podiatrist at Balance Foot and Ankle Michigan

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist · Howell

“Patients say she’s the gentlest podiatrist they’ve ever seen. Compassionate care with zero rushed visits.”

Known for making patients who fear procedures feel at ease. Gentle technique and thorough explanations. Patients from Howell, Brighton, Hartland, and Fowlerville trust her for their foot care.

Meet Dr. Gutkin →

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

Same-Week Appointments Available

Serving Livingston County and Oakland County patients across Southeast Michigan.

Howell Office

★★★★★ 4.9 (600+ reviews)
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
(810) 206-1402

Serving: Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, South Lyon, Fenton

Bloomfield Hills Office

★★★★★ 4.9 (500+ reviews)
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 815-2221

Serving: Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, Southfield, Clarkston

Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat in Michigan

Board-certified podiatrists treating heel pain, Bunions, sports injuries, and diabetic foot conditions in Howell & Bloomfield Hills.

Heel Pain & plantar fasciitis treatment

That sharp pain when you step out of bed? We diagnose the cause in one visit and build a treatment plan that works — not “just rest it” advice.

Watch Dr. Tom explain →

Bunions

That bump on your big toe isn’t going away on its own. We’ll tell you why, and what actually works — conservative options first, minimally invasive surgery when needed.

Fellowship-trained surgeon →

Toenail Fungus

Thick, yellow, embarrassing toenails? We compare what actually works — topical vs. oral vs. laser — based on clinical evidence, not marketing.

Compare treatments →

Ingrown Toenails

Painful, swollen, keeps coming back? Quick in-office fix — most patients say “I wish I’d done this sooner.” Permanent relief available.

Same-day treatment →

Ankle Sprains & Instability

Keeps giving out? That “minor” sprain you walked off may have left lasting damage. Expert rehab and surgical reconstruction when conservative care fails.

Expert rehab protocols →

Diabetic Foot Care

Preventive exams that catch problems before they become emergencies. Wound care, neuropathy management, Medicare-covered diabetic shoes.

Medicare-covered care →

Custom 3D Orthotics

Precision-scanned, computer-milled insoles designed to correct your exact foot mechanics — delivering lasting relief for heel pain, flat feet, and sports injuries.

Explore custom orthotics →

Not Sure What’s Wrong?

Foot or ankle pain you can’t explain? Don’t wait — our podiatrists diagnose the cause and give you answers in your first visit.

Book Your Diagnosis →

Explore All 200+ Foot Health Guides →

Ready to Walk Without Pain?

Same-week appointments at both locations. Most insurance accepted.

Book Your Appointment →

or call (810) 206-1402

4.9

★★★★★

from 1,123+ verified Google reviews

★★★★★

“After seeing three other doctors who told me to just live with my heel pain, Dr. Tom actually found the cause in one visit. I finally have a plan that works.”

— Sarah M., Howell

★★★★★

“Got a same-week appointment, thorough exam, and they explained everything in terms I could understand. No rushing, no upselling. Exactly the kind of doctor I was looking for.”

— Michael R., Brighton

★★★★★

“I was terrified of my ingrown toenail removal, but Dr. Gutkin made it completely painless. She talked me through every step. I wish I had come here sooner.”

— Jennifer L., Bloomfield Hills

Read All 1,123+ Reviews →

Leave Us a Review on Google ★

943,000 SUBSCRIBERS · 156,000,000+ VIEWS

See Why Nearly 1 Million People Trust Dr. Tom

Most podiatrists tell you what’s wrong. Dr. Tom shows you on YouTube — explaining conditions, demonstrating treatments, and answering the questions other doctors won’t.

Your Feet Deserve a Podiatrist Who Listens.

3,000+ surgeries. 1,123 five-star reviews. Same-week appointments.

Book Your Appointment →

or call (810) 206-1402

Choose Your Clinic

Two convenient locations serving Livingston County and Oakland County, Michigan.

Howell Office

4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843

Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (810) 206-1402

Serving Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, South Lyon & Livingston County

Get Directions →

Bloomfield Hills Office

43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (248) 815-2221

Serving Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Royal Oak & Oakland County

Get Directions →

Insurance & Your First Visit

We accept most major insurance plans and make your first appointment easy.

Insurance We Accept

Blue Cross Blue Shield · Aetna · United Healthcare · Cigna · Medicare · Priority Health · HAP · Humana · McLaren · Molina · Meridian · and many more

Not sure if we take your plan? Call (810) 206-1402 — we’ll check for you.

Full Insurance Details →

What to Expect at Your First Visit

1. Book online or call — most patients are seen within the same week.

2. Complete your intake — fill out forms online before you arrive to save time.

3. Get answers, not guesses — your podiatrist examines, diagnoses, and builds a treatment plan in one visit.

New Patient Information →

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions do your podiatrists treat?

Our board-certified podiatrists treat heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, ankle sprains, diabetic foot conditions, hammertoes, flat feet, sports injuries, and neuromas at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most patients are seen within the same week. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online. Same-day appointments available when openings permit.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, Priority Health, HAP, Humana, McLaren, Molina, and Meridian. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your specific plan.

Where are your offices located?

Two Michigan locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave in Howell, MI 48843 (Livingston County) and 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208 in Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (Oakland County). Both open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Why does Dr. Tom have 943,000 YouTube subscribers?

Dr. Tom Biernacki’s YouTube channel explains foot and ankle conditions in plain language with real clinical demonstrations. His transparent, educational approach has earned the trust of nearly 1 million viewers and over 156 million views.

Can I choose which podiatrist I see?

Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle has three podiatrists: Dr. Tom Biernacki (reconstructive surgery, sports medicine), Dr. Carl Jay (fellowship-trained complex reconstruction), and Dr. Daria Gutkin (gentle care, heel pain). Request your preferred doctor when booking.

MichiganFootDoctors.com is the digital home of Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC, a board-certified podiatry practice serving Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, and communities across Livingston County and Oakland County, Michigan. · NPI: 1477052685 · Licensed in the State of Michigan

Stop Living with Foot Pain.

Join 1,123+ patients who gave us 5 stars.

Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Same-week appointments available.

Book Your Appointment →

or call (810) 206-1402

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers before you book

How soon can I get an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle? +

We offer same-week appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online — most new patients are seen within 2-5 business days.

Do you accept my insurance? +

Yes. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Medicaid, Priority Health, HAP, Molina, Meridian, and McLaren. We verify your benefits before your first visit.

Which doctor should I see for my foot problem? +

Dr. Tom Biernacki handles general podiatry, sports injuries, and complex biomechanics. Dr. Carl Jay specializes in fellowship-trained reconstructive and revision surgery. Dr. Daria Gutkin focuses on gentle, patient-comfort-first care. Our front desk will match you to the right specialist.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist? +

Most insurance plans do not require a referral for podiatry. We recommend calling your insurance provider to confirm, or we can verify for you when you book.

What should I bring to my first visit? +

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of medications, and any imaging (X-rays, MRIs) from prior providers. Wear or bring the shoes that cause you the most pain for biomechanical evaluation.

What conditions do you treat? +

Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, ankle sprains and fractures, neuropathy, hammertoes, Achilles tendonitis, flat feet, and complex reconstructive surgery. We treat patients of all ages at both locations.

Book Your Visit →