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
Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat in Michigan
Quick Answer
Who are the best podiatrists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle is a board-certified podiatry practice in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM. The team has 4.9 stars from 1,123+ Google reviews and treats heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, custom orthotics, and ankle injuries. Same-week appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402.
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 works — not “just rest it” advice.
Watch Dr. Tom explain →
Bunions
That bump on your big toe isn’t going away on its own. Conservative options first, minimally invasive surgery when needed — fellowship-trained surgeon on staff.
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 + 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? Our podiatrists diagnose the cause and give you real 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
Meet Your Podiatrists
Three specialists. One practice. Each with a different superpower — all committed to listening, explaining, and treating the cause rather than the symptom.
Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS
Double Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · 950K+ YouTube Subscribers
Over 3,000 surgeries and 950,000 YouTube subscribers trust his expertise. Dr. Tom explains the why, not just the what — a rare quality in medicine today.
Carl Jay, DPM
Fellowship-Trained Podiatric Surgeon · Complex Reconstruction Specialist
Fellowship-trained in advanced reconstruction. The surgeon other surgeons refer their toughest cases to — revision bunions, Charcot reconstruction, ankle trauma.
Daria Gutkin, DPM
Board-Certified Podiatric Physician · Gentle Care Specialist
Patients say she’s the gentlest podiatrist they’ve ever seen. Compassionate care with zero rushed visits — patients who fear procedures specifically request Dr. Gutkin.
What Michigan Patients Say
4.9
★★★★★
from 1,123+ verified Google reviews
★★★★★
“I had been to three other doctors who just told me to rest and take ibuprofen. Dr. Tom actually listened, ran the right tests, and found what was wrong in one visit. I finally have answers after two years of pain.”
— Sarah M., Brighton, MI
★★★★★
“Got a same-week appointment, thorough exam, and they explained every single thing in plain English. No rush, no dismissal. This is what a doctor’s visit should feel like. I’ve already referred three friends.”
— Michael R., Howell, MI
★★★★★
“I was absolutely terrified of the procedure. Dr. Gutkin was so calm and gentle — I barely felt anything. It was over in 20 minutes and I walked out pain-free. I’ve been putting this off for years for nothing.”
— Linda K., Bloomfield Hills, MI
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.
or call (810) 206-1402
Two Michigan Locations
Serving patients from Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, Southfield, and all of Livingston and Oakland County.
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River AveHowell, MI 48843
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serving Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton & Livingston County
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serving Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak & Oakland County
Insurance & Your First Visit
Most patients pay little to nothing out-of-pocket. We make it simple.
Insurance We Accept
Not sure if we accept yours? Call (810) 206-1402 — we verify benefits before your visit.
Your First Visit, Step by Step
Book Online or Call
Same-week appointments available. Takes 2 minutes online.
Complete Intake Forms
Fill out paperwork online before your visit — saves time at the office.
Get Real Answers
Thorough exam, diagnosis explained in plain English, and a treatment plan before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions do podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle 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. We offer both conservative and surgical treatment 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 to verify your specific plan before your visit.
Why does Dr. Tom have 950,000 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.
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 Twp, MI 48302 (Oakland County). Both open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
Find Balance Foot & Ankle — Two Michigan Locations
Same-week appointments at both offices. 4.9★ rated, 1,123+ Google reviews.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Balance Foot & Ankle — Bloomfield
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Verified across the web
Balance Foot & Ankle is listed and reviewed on every major medical directory and review platform.
Surgical privileges at Michigan’s major health systems
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons hold privileges and affiliations with three of Michigan’s largest health systems, with seamless referral pathways for advanced imaging, inpatient surgery, and multidisciplinary care.
The Proof: YouTube
950K+ Subscribers. 156M+ Total Views.
Dr. Tom Biernacki's YouTube channel is the most-watched podiatry channel in the world. No other Michigan podiatry practice has anywhere near this reach — the next closest has fewer than 5,000 subscribers.
The Proof: Reviews
4.9 Stars from 1,123+ Real Patients
Verified Google reviews from patients across Michigan. Not curated. Not bought. The average podiatry practice in the U.S. has 30–100 reviews. We have over 1,123.
The Proof: Surgical Volume
3,000+ Foot & Ankle Procedures Performed
Surgical experience matters. Dr. Tom Biernacki, FACFAS has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle procedures — Lapiplasty bunion corrections, plantar fascia releases, hammertoe corrections, ankle stabilization, and the complex revisions other surgeons send to us. Volume reduces complication risk.
The Proof: Content Authority
8,672 Published Educational Articles
Every foot and ankle condition, every common shoe question, every patient anxiety — documented by board-certified podiatrists. No other Michigan practice publishes anywhere near this depth. When you type a question into Google about feet, you often land on us — for a reason.
Patient Stories
What Patients Worried About — And What Happened
The fears patients tell us before their first visit, and what actually happened. From real Google reviews.
Told nothing more could be done
“Two surgeons told me my bunion was inoperable. Dr. Tom did the Lapiplasty and one year later I'm back to running.”
— D.M., Brighton
Terrified of needles & foot exams
“I have a real phobia. Dr. Gutkin used a numbing technique I'd never seen. I didn't feel a thing.”
— S.P., West Bloomfield
Told to expect amputation
“Three opinions said amputation. Dr. Jay had a different plan. 18 months later I still have my foot.”
— A.R., Birmingham
4.9 stars · 1,123+ Google reviews. Names abbreviated for privacy.
Cost & Insurance
How much does a podiatrist visit cost in Michigan?
Most patient visits cost a standard copay — not the full self-pay rate. Balance Foot & Ankle is in-network with most major insurance plans in Michigan. We verify your benefits before your first visit and tell you the exact copay in advance — no surprises. If you don't have insurance, ask about our self-pay rates when you call (810) 206-1402.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Medicare
- Aetna
- United Healthcare
- Cigna
- Humana
- HAP
- Priority Health
- Medicaid
- Tricare
If your plan isn't listed, call us — we likely accept it.
At-Home Care
How to Get Relief from Heel Pain at Home
Most heel pain (plantar fasciitis) responds to a structured 4-step home protocol within 2–4 weeks. If pain persists, call (810) 206-1402 to see one of our podiatrists.
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1
Stretch your plantar fascia before getting out of bed
Before standing up in the morning, pull your toes toward your shin and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each foot. This stretches the tightened plantar fascia and prevents the first-step pain that defines plantar fasciitis.
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2
Roll a frozen water bottle under your arch
Twice daily, roll a frozen water bottle under the arch of your foot for 10–15 minutes. The cold reduces inflammation while the rolling stretches the fascia.
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3
Wear supportive shoes every step
No barefoot walking, no flat sandals, no flip-flops. Wear supportive shoes with a firm heel counter and a good arch — even around the house. A quality over-the-counter arch support insert helps in the short term.
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4
If pain persists after 2 weeks, book a podiatry visit
Pain that does not respond to consistent home care in 2 weeks usually needs custom orthotics, a targeted injection, or shockwave therapy. We routinely resolve persistent plantar fasciitis at Balance Foot & Ankle. Call (810) 206-1402.
Frequently Asked
Common Patient Questions
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
No. Podiatrists are direct-access providers in Michigan. You can book directly with Balance Foot & Ankle without a referral from your primary care doctor — even if your insurance plan typically requires referrals for specialists. Call (810) 206-1402 or submit the form on our intake page.
How quickly can I be seen?
Same-week appointments are routinely available at both Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Urgent issues (acute injuries, infections, severe pain) frequently get same-day or next-day slots. Our team confirms your appointment within one business hour of your form submission or phone call.
What conditions do you treat?
Heel pain (plantar fasciitis), bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, ankle sprains and instability, Achilles tendonitis, neuromas, custom orthotics, pediatric foot conditions, and foot/ankle surgery. Dr. Tom Biernacki performs Lapiplasty bunion correction; Dr. Carl Jay specializes in revision and reconstructive surgery; Dr. Daria Gutkin is the practice lead for gentle care and pediatric patients.
Do you accept my insurance?
Most major plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, HAP, Priority Health, Medicaid, and Tricare. We verify your benefits before your first visit and tell you the exact copay in advance — no surprises. If your plan isn't listed, call us — we likely accept it.
Where are your offices?
Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 — serves Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, Gregory, and Cohoctah. Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302 — serves Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Twp, Novi, and Walled Lake. Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at both locations.
Book Your Appointment
Tell us a bit about yourself and we’ll get back to you — same-week appointments available at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
Prefer to call? (810) 206-1402