Quick answer: Ann Arbor Washtenaw County Foot Doctor Podiatrist is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
▶ Watch
Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County Foot Doctor | Balance Foot & Ankle
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County residents seeking expert podiatric care are welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Thomas Bembynista provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for foot and ankle conditions of all complexity — from straightforward heel pain to complex reconstructive surgery. We offer convenient access from the Ann Arbor area via US-23, with two locations serving the greater southeast Michigan region.
Serving Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, and Beyond
Washtenaw County’s diverse population includes University of Michigan students and athletes, healthcare professionals, active retirees, and families with foot and ankle needs across the lifespan. Our Howell location, accessible via US-23 from Ann Arbor in approximately 30-40 minutes, provides a convenient alternative for patients who prefer to avoid the University of Michigan Health System’s often lengthy wait times for specialty appointments.
We welcome patients from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, and throughout Washtenaw County who are seeking prompt, personalized podiatric care.
University Town, Active Population — Our Specialty
Ann Arbor’s population trends toward active, health-conscious individuals with high expectations for their medical care. Our practice serves runners preparing for the Detroit Marathon or Dexter-Ann Arbor Run, cyclists navigating Washtenaw County’s roads, students dealing with first-time overuse injuries, and faculty and staff managing chronic foot and ankle conditions. We explain our reasoning, present options, and involve patients in decisions — the approach careful Ann Arbor patients expect.
Conditions We Treat for Washtenaw County Patients
Our full-scope podiatric practice addresses: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy and rupture, bunions (including minimally invasive approaches), hammertoes and other toe deformities, ankle sprains and chronic instability, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, flat feet and fallen arches, diabetic foot complications, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, wound care, and complex reconstructive surgery for deformity or arthritis.
Diabetic Foot Care for Washtenaw County
With the University of Michigan Health System and Michigan Medicine nearby, Washtenaw County patients have access to outstanding diabetes management — but foot care sometimes falls through the cracks. Regular podiatric visits are a vital component of comprehensive diabetes care. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide thorough annual diabetic foot exams, neuropathy screening, vascular assessment, wound care, and preventive nail and callus management to minimize complication risk.
Getting Here From Ann Arbor
From central Ann Arbor, take US-23 North approximately 25 miles to Howell. Our Howell office is located at a convenient highway-adjacent address with ample parking. The drive takes approximately 30-35 minutes in normal traffic — often faster than navigating parking and the large hospital system in Ann Arbor itself. Patients tell us consistently that the personalized attention and prompt scheduling make the drive worthwhile.
Schedule Your Appointment
We’re accepting new patients from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, and all of Washtenaw County. Most major insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bembynista at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
📅 Book Online
📞 (810) 206-1402
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.