You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Berkley/Hazel Park podiatrist means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Quick answer: Berkley Podiatrist Foot Doctor Hazel Park Madison Heights Southeast Oakland is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper 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 Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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Expert Foot and Ankle Care for Berkley, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and Nearby Communities
Residents of Berkley, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Clawson, and the broader southeast Oakland County corridor have a convenient option for specialized podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle’s Bloomfield Hills office — just minutes north via Woodward Avenue or Coolidge Highway. Our board-certified team provides comprehensive foot and ankle care for patients of all ages, from pediatric foot concerns to complex surgical conditions in older adults.
Active, Diverse Communities with Real Foot Health Needs
The communities of Berkley, Hazel Park, and Madison Heights share a working-class heritage and strong community identity, with residents across a many occupations and lifestyles. Tradespeople, healthcare workers, retail employees, retirees, and active families all live in these communities — and all have foot health needs that deserve specialist attention. We regularly care for:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — particularly common in workers who spend shifts on their feet
- Bunion correction — from conservative footwear management to minimally invasive surgery
- Ankle sprains and instability — acute treatment and Broström reconstruction for chronic instability
- Diabetic foot care — preventive monitoring, nail and callus care, and wound management
- Ingrown toenails — rapid in-office resolution with same-day relief
- Fungal toenails — effective treatment options including oral antifungals
- Custom orthotics — for work boots, athletic shoes, and dress footwear
About Berkley, Hazel Park, and Madison Heights
Berkley is a compact, walkable city of approximately 15,000 residents known for its tree-lined streets, active downtown on Coolidge Highway, and strong sense of community. Hazel Park, adjacent to Berkley’s southern border, has experienced significant revitalization with a flourishing restaurant and arts scene that has gained regional attention. Madison Heights, with approximately 30,000 residents, is one of Oakland County’s more diverse communities and home to a growing population of healthcare workers, small business owners, and manufacturing employees.
Occupational Foot Health for Southeast Oakland Workers
Southeast Oakland County’s workforce includes significant numbers of manufacturing and assembly workers, healthcare employees at Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont) (now Corewell Health) Royal Oak and other medical centers, retail workers in the Woodward corridor, and tradespeople. Extended time on hard floors, heavy lifting, occupational trauma, and the cumulative stress of physically demanding work all contribute to foot and ankle problems that benefit from specialist evaluation. We provide occupational foot health assessment and can document conditions for workers’ compensation when applicable.
Sports and Active Lifestyle Care
Residents of these communities participate in recreational leagues through the Royal Oak and Madison Heights parks systems, run along the area’s sidewalk networks, and use nearby recreation areas including Tenhave Woods and Rackham Golf Course. Active lifestyles generate active injuries — ankle sprains, running overuse conditions, and sports-related foot problems are regular reasons southeast Oakland County residents seek our care.
Schedule Your Appointment
Berkley, Hazel Park, and Madison Heights residents can reach Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 or book online at michiganfootdoctors.com. Our Bloomfield Hills office is a short drive north on Woodward Avenue or Coolidge Highway, with accessible parking and flexible scheduling. New patients are always welcome, and we accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Priority Health, and Medicare.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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📞 (810) 206-1402
Insurance Accepted
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentWatch: Podiatrist Serving Berkley + SE Oakland County
Dr. Tom at Balance Foot & Ankle — serving Berkley, Hazel Park, Madison Heights and southeast Oakland County patients, same-week appointments, Howell + Bloomfield Hills offices, all major insurances accepted.
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Daily foot support.
Stability during activity.
Flare inflammation.
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Related: Bloomfield Hills Office · Howell Office · Book Same-Week
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.
Book Your VisitReady to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (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
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.
