Looking for a podiatrist in Howell, MI or Bloomfield Hills? Balance Foot & Ankle is Michigan’s highest-rated foot and ankle practice — three board-certified podiatric surgeons, 4.9★ from 1,123 patient reviews, same-week appointments, and a YouTube channel with nearly one million subscribers. Whether you need conservative care or complex reconstructive surgery, our podiatrist Howell MI and Bloomfield Hills teams deliver expert treatment close to home.
Book Your Same-Week Appointment
Fill out the form below and our team will confirm your appointment within 1 business hour. Howell & Bloomfield Hills offices.
★★★★★ 4.9 from 1,123+ Patients · All Insurance Verified Free
✓ Board-Certified · ABFAS
✓ 3,000+ Surgeries Performed
✓ 4.9★ · 1,123+ Reviews
✓ Same-Week Appointments
✓ Most Insurance Accepted
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
That sharp pain when you step out of bed? We diagnose the cause in one visit and build a treatment plan that actually 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 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 claims.
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 plus 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 →
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 →
Ready to Walk Without Pain?
Same-week appointments at both Michigan locations. Most insurance accepted.
or call (810) 206-1402
Three Specialists. One Practice. Zero Compromise.
Choose the doctor who fits your needs — from complex reconstruction to compassionate routine care.
Dr. Tom Biernacki
DPM · FACFAS · ABFAS BOARD-CERTIFIED
3,000+ surgeries and 950K+ YouTube subscribers trust his expertise. Dr. Tom explains the why, not just the what.
Dr. Carl Jay
DPM · FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED
Fellowship-trained in advanced reconstruction. The surgeon other surgeons refer their toughest cases to.
Dr. Daria Gutkin
DPM · BOARD-CERTIFIED
Patients say she has the gentlest hands in Michigan podiatry. Compassionate care with zero rushed visits.
Why We’re Different
A Podiatrist Who Left the Hospital System to Listen Better
Dr. Tom Biernacki trained at the highest levels of podiatric surgery — then walked away from a hospital position to build something different. The #1 complaint he kept hearing from new patients: “My last doctor never explained anything.”
That patient frustration became the founding principle of Balance Foot & Ankle. Every appointment includes a full explanation of your diagnosis, every treatment option laid out clearly, and zero pressure toward procedures you don’t need. It’s why our podiatrist Howell MI and Bloomfield Hills offices maintain a 4.9 ★ rating across 1,123 verified reviews — and why nearly a million people subscribe to Dr. Tom’s YouTube channel to learn directly from him.
“I want every patient to understand exactly what’s happening with their foot or ankle — and to feel confident in whatever path they choose.” — Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS
Book with Dr. Tom →4.9
★★★★★
from 1,123+ verified Google reviews
★★★★★
“After two podiatrists told me to ‘just live with it,’ Dr. Tom found the actual cause of my heel pain in one visit and built a treatment plan that worked. He listened — that’s rare these days.”
Sarah M. · Howell patient
★★★★★
“I called Monday morning and was seen the same week. Thorough exam, no rushing, and they explained exactly what was happening with my foot. This is what healthcare is supposed to feel like.”
Michael R. · Bloomfield Hills patient
★★★★★
“I have severe medical anxiety and was terrified of having my ingrown toenail treated. Dr. Gutkin was unbelievably gentle — I felt almost nothing. I wish I’d come here years ago.”
Jennifer T. · Howell patient
950,000+ 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 Same-Week Appointment →
or call (810) 206-1402
In-Network · All Major Plans Accepted
Insurance We Accept
We verify your benefits before your visit — no surprise bills.
Two Convenient Michigan Offices
Serving Livingston County and Oakland County with same-week appointments at both locations. Free parking. Easy access from I-96 and Woodward Ave.
Insurance We Accept
We accept most major Michigan plans:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Aetna
- United Healthcare
- Cigna
- Medicare
- Priority Health
- HAP
- Humana
- McLaren · Molina · Meridian
Don’t see your plan? Call (810) 206-1402 — we verify coverage before your visit.
Full insurance details →From Phone Call to Pain Relief
Here’s exactly what to expect:
1. Same-Week Booking
Call or book online. Most patients seen within 5 days.
2. Thorough Exam (45-60 min)
Real time with the doctor. We diagnose, explain, and answer all your questions.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan
Conservative options first. Surgery only when truly indicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions do you treat?
Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, ankle sprains, diabetic foot conditions, hammertoes, flat feet, sports injuries, and neuromas. Both conservative and surgical treatment at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most patients seen within the same week. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online. Same-day appointments available when openings permit.
Can I choose which podiatrist I see?
Yes. Three podiatrists: Dr. Tom Biernacki (reconstructive surgery, sports medicine), Dr. Carl Jay (fellowship-trained complex reconstruction), and Dr. Daria Gutkin (gentle care, women’s foot health). Request your preferred doctor when booking.
What insurance do you accept?
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, Priority Health, HAP, Humana, McLaren, Molina, and Meridian. View full insurance details or call to verify your plan.
Why does Dr. Tom have 950,000+ YouTube subscribers?
Dr. Tom’s YouTube channel explains foot and ankle conditions in plain language with real clinical demonstrations. The transparent, educational approach has earned the trust of nearly 1 million viewers and over 156 million views.
JOIN 1,123+ PATIENTS WHO CHOSE BALANCE FOOT & ANKLE
Stop Living with Foot Pain.
Same-week appointments. Three board-certified specialists. Two Michigan locations. Most insurance accepted.
or call (810) 206-1402
Common Patient Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.