Recover From Ankle Sprains
— Walk, Run, and Move Confidently

Expert care for ankle sprains, chronic instability, and related injuries from Michigan’s

trusted foot & ankle specialists.

Why Ankle Sprains Happen — And Why
They Need Proper Care

Ankle sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn due to twists, rolls, or trauma. Without proper evaluation and treatment, ankle sprains can lead to chronic instability, recurring injuries, and long-term joint problems.

Rolling or twisting the ankle during sports or daily activity

Weak or unstable ankle ligaments

Uneven surfaces or improper footwear

Previous injuries causing residual instability

Overuse from work, running, or physical activity

Age-related weakening of ligaments

Many people underestimate ankle sprains, treating them like minor injuries. Without proper care, repeated sprains can cause chronic pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Early intervention prevents long-term complications.

Pain & Symptoms Checklist

Do These Ankle Sprain Symptoms Sound Familiar?

Pain, swelling, or bruising around the ankle

Difficulty bearing weight on the foot

Instability or “giving way” during walking

Pain during running, sports, or daily activities

Stiffness or limited range of motion

Recurring ankle sprains or weakness

Why Michigan Trusts Balance Foot &
Ankle for Ankle Sprain Care

Harvard-trained foot & ankle surgeon (Dr. Tom Biernacki)
Accurate diagnosis using digital X-rays & ultrasound
Personalized treatment for your activity level
Non-surgical management for most sprains
Advanced therapies for chronic instability
Modern, patient-friendly clinics in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare

Proven Treatments for Ankle Sprains & Instability

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)

Immediate relief for mild sprains and inflammation.

Ankle Bracing & Supports

Stabilizes ligaments, reduces re-injury risk, and aids recovery.

Physical Therapy & Strengthening

Improves balance, flexibility, and long-term stability.

Custom Orthotics

Supports foot alignment to reduce stress on the ankle and prevent future sprains.

Anti-Inflammatory Injections

Provides rapid relief for persistent pain and inflammation.

Shockwave or Laser Therapy (Advanced Option)

Accelerates healing for chronic or severe ankle injuries.

Surgery (Rarely Needed)

Minimally invasive options for severe ligament tears or chronic instability.

BEFORE & AFTER OUTCOMES

Real Patient Improvements

Before: Runner sidelined due to repeated ankle sprains.

After: Bracing, therapy, and orthotics restored stability and safe return to running.

Before: Worker unable to stand or walk long hours due to ankle pain.

After: Custom braces and physical therapy eased pain and improved mobility.

Before: Senior patient with chronic ankle instability after past injuries.

After: Targeted therapy and bracing restored confidence and balance.

SOCIAL PROOF: 5-STAR REVIEWS

Trusted by Thousands Across Michigan — Real Relief, Real Stability

“After several sprains, my ankle finally feels strong and stable. Highly recommend Dr. Biernacki.”

“I injured my ankle playing soccer. Therapy and a brace helped me return to sports quickly.”

“My foot pain was affecting my work. The team provided a clear plan and I’m pain-free now.”

“The clinic was professional, and the custom brace made all the difference.”

Freqently Asked Questions

Do you accept Medicare?

Yes, we accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.

How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain?

Recovery typically ranges from 2–6 weeks, depending on severity.

Do you offer custom braces for ankle support?

Yes, we provide 3D-scanned custom braces for optimal stability.

Can ankle sprains be fully healed without surgery?

Yes—over 95% of ankle sprains are successfully treated conservatively.

Is treatment safe for seniors and children?

Absolutely. We specialize in gentle, patient-focused care for all ages.

Insurance-Friendly, Patient-Friendly Foot Care

Ready to Restore Your Ankle Stability?

Get expert, personalized treatment from Michigan’s trusted ankle specialists.

First Steps Out of Bed Shouldn't Feel
Like Stepping on Glass.

If you're wincing with your first few steps every morning, or dreading a night out because you know your feet won't cooperate — you already know how much foot pain quietly steals from you.

🌅

The Morning Dread

You brace yourself before your feet hit the floor. The sharp heel pain that greets you every single morning.

👟

The Shoe Problem

Nothing fits comfortably anymore. You've given up heels, your favorite sneakers, and any shoe that looks professional.

😔

The Cancelled Plans

The trip you said no to. The walk you cut short. The grandkids you can't keep up with anymore.

💊

The Painkiller Cycle

Ibuprofen at breakfast. Ice packs at night. Temporary relief — but the pain is always back by morning.

The Life You're Putting on Hold
Is Getting Further Away Every Day.

Chronic foot pain doesn't just hurt — it quietly erodes the experiences that make life worth living. Here's what our patients tell us they've given up:

⛳"I used to play 18 holes on Sundays. Now I can't make it past the 3rd hole."

🏃"I signed up for a 5K with my daughter. I had to drop out before race day."

💃"I haven't danced at a family event in three years. The pain just isn't worth it."

🧸"I can't chase my grandkids around the yard. They don't understand why grandma always has to sit."

🧳"We cancelled our trip to Europe. I knew I couldn't walk cobblestones for a week."

💼"I'm on my feet all day for work. By noon, I'm counting the hours until I can sit down."

"If any of this sounds familiar — you don't have to keep living this way."

Advanced Treatment That Actually
Addresses the Root Cause.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, we don't just mask the pain. We diagnose exactly what's driving it — then use the most modern, minimally invasive treatments available to fix it, permanently.

🔴

MLS Laser Therapy

FDA-cleared dual-wavelength laser that penetrates deep tissue to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing at the cellular level. No surgery, no downtime. Patients often feel relief after the very first session.

Learn how it works →

⚡

EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Non-invasive acoustic wave technology that triggers your body's own healing response — breaking up scar tissue and stimulating collagen production. 80%+ success rate for chronic plantar fasciitis.

See patient results →

🔬

Minimally Invasive Surgery

When conservative treatments aren't enough, our MIS techniques use pencil-thin instruments through micro-incisions. Faster recovery, less scarring, and back on your feet in days — not months.

Explore procedures →

👟

Custom Orthotics

3D-scanned to your exact foot anatomy. Not the generic insoles from the drugstore — precision-engineered supports that correct the biomechanical issues causing your pain from the ground up.

How orthotics help →

💉

Regenerative Injections

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your body's own growth factors to heal damaged tendons and ligaments from the inside out. A powerful alternative to cortisone that promotes lasting recovery.

About regenerative care →

🦷

Toenail & Skin Conditions

Laser toenail fungus treatment, ingrown nail correction, wart removal, corn and callus care — all handled in our comfortable clinic setting with same-day appointments available.

View all conditions →

Getting Back on Your Feet Is Simpler Than You Think.

We know starting with a new doctor can feel overwhelming. So we've made the path from pain to recovery as clear as three steps.

Book Your Appointment

Online in 60 seconds, or call us. Same-day slots are available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills.

We Diagnose the Real Problem

Digital X-rays, gait analysis, and Dr. Tom's 15+ years of expertise — we find exactly what's causing your pain.

You Get Your Life Back

A personalised treatment plan that works around your schedule and goals — not a generic protocol.

Why Over 1 Million People Trust Dr. Tom

Dr. Tom doesn't just treat patients in the clinic — he's Michigan's most-watched podiatrist online, with a YouTube channel that has helped over a million people understand their foot health. That depth of knowledge comes to every appointment.

1M+

YouTube Views Educating Patients Worldwide

15+

Years of Board-Certified Podiatric Practice

4.9★

Average Google Review Rating (400+ Reviews)

Convenient Locations — Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Real Patients. Real Recoveries.

★★★★★

"After years of plantar fasciitis, Dr. Tom had me pain-free in three laser sessions. I genuinely cried when I walked to my mailbox without limping for the first time. Cannot recommend enough."

— Sarah K., Bloomfield Hills

★★★★★

"I was terrified of foot surgery. Dr. Tom explained the minimally invasive procedure step by step. Six weeks later, I walked my daughter down the aisle. Best decision I ever made."

— Robert M., Howell

★★★★★

"Same-day appointment, thorough diagnosis, and a treatment plan that actually worked. I'd been to two other podiatrists before. Wish I'd found Dr. Tom first. Already back on the golf course."

— Jim P., West Bloomfield

Board Certified Podiatrists

Recover From Ankle Sprains
— Walk, Run, and Move Confidently

Why Ankle Sprains Happen — And Why
They Need Proper Care

Pain & Symptoms Checklist

Why Michigan Trusts Balance Foot &
Ankle for Ankle Sprain Care