Quick answer: Balance Foot Ankle About Michigan 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.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Balance Foot Ankle About Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
About Balance Foot & Ankle — Michigan’s Foo relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
▶ Watch
Balance Foot & Ankle is southeast Michigan’s destination for comprehensive, expert foot and ankle care. Founded by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, our practice is built on a simple principle: every patient deserves the highest quality podiatric care, delivered with honesty, thoroughness, and genuine concern for their well-being. We serve patients from throughout the greater Detroit metropolitan area at offices in Dearborn, Flat Rock, Monroe, and Taylor.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Qualified Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Dr. Tom Biernacki is a Michigan native who has dedicated his career to serving the foot and ankle health needs of southeast Michigan patients. A graduate of Michigan State University for undergraduate studies and Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery for his medical degree, Dr. Biernacki completed his surgical residency in the Detroit metropolitan area — giving him deep familiarity with the healthcare needs and insurance landscape of his patients.
Dr. Biernacki is board-qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery — the highest credential in his specialty. He performs the complete range of foot and ankle procedures from minimally invasive bunion correction and hammer toe surgery to total ankle replacement, Achilles tendon repair, and complex flatfoot reconstruction. His surgical philosophy: the right procedure, the least invasive technique, with honest informed consent about recovery and outcomes.
Our Services
Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric services including: plantar fasciitis and heel pain treatment; custom orthotic fabrication using 3D digital scanning; bunion evaluation and surgical correction (including minimally invasive MICA); hammer toe and lesser toe deformity treatment; diabetic foot care and Medicare therapeutic shoe programs; wound care and diabetic ulcer management; toenail fungus treatment including laser; ingrown toenail removal (same-day); ankle sprain and chronic instability treatment; Achilles tendinitis and tendon repair; Morton’s neuroma treatment including alcohol sclerosing injections; flatfoot and high-arch treatment; gout management; arthritis of the foot and ankle; ankle replacement and fusion surgery; and all major foot and ankle surgical procedures.
Our Approach to Care
Dr. Biernacki believes that excellent podiatric care begins with an excellent diagnosis. Every patient receives a thorough evaluation — detailed history, comprehensive physical examination, in-office diagnostic ultrasound when indicated, and weight-bearing X-rays as needed — before any treatment is recommended. The most conservative effective treatment is always tried first. Surgery is recommended only when it is truly the best option for that individual patient’s condition and goals.
We understand that foot pain affects every aspect of your life — your ability to work, exercise, play with your children, and simply get through the day comfortably. Our team is committed to getting you back to full function as quickly as possible, with treatments that deliver lasting results.
Insurance and Accessibility
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Humana, Medicare Part B, and most commercial and managed care plans. Our billing team verifies your coverage before your visit. We also work with workers’ compensation carriers and accept most Michigan Medicaid managed care plans.
Book Your Appointment
New patients are always welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle. Same-week appointments are typically available. Call (734) 479-6200 to schedule with Dr. Biernacki at any of our southeast Michigan locations.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
- JACQUARD KNIT UPPER
- Lining Textile
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size – For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh – An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology – Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed – Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How many locations does Balance Foot & Ankle have?
Balance Foot & Ankle has multiple southeast Michigan office locations, including Dearborn, Flat Rock, Monroe, and Taylor. This allows us to serve patients conveniently throughout the greater Detroit metropolitan area and Monroe County. Call (734) 479-6200 to find the nearest office to your location.
What makes Balance Foot & Ankle different from other Michigan podiatry practices?
Dr. Biernacki brings the perspective of a board-qualified foot and ankle surgeon to every patient encounter — including non-surgical cases. This means you get a surgeon-level analysis of your foot problem even if you only need conservative care. His commitment to accurate diagnosis, thorough explanations, honest informed consent, and the least invasive effective treatment consistently produces outcomes that patients describe as exceptional. See our patient reviews for firsthand perspectives.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle see emergency foot injuries?
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Yes. We prioritize urgent foot and ankle problems — infections, significant injuries, severe pain, and diabetic foot wounds. Call (734) 479-6200 early in the day to check for same-day urgent availability. For true emergencies (suspected Achilles rupture, rapidly spreading infection, suspected fracture with significant deformity), go to the nearest emergency room while simultaneously calling our office for follow-up care coordination.
Join 950,000+ Learning About Foot Health
Dr. Tom shares honest medical advice, supplement reviews, and treatment guides you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe on YouTube →📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
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, #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.
Book Your AppointmentPros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked 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.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.