Written by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Published: April 8, 2026
Quick answer: Looking for a podiatrist near you in Michigan? Balance Foot & Ankle has two convenient locations — Howell, MI and Bloomfield Hills, MI — serving Livingston County, Oakland County, and the greater Southeast Michigan area. Dr. Tom Biernacki is board-certified with 3,000+ surgeries and offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions.
Balance Foot & Ankle: Two Locations Serving Southeast Michigan
Howell, MI Office (Livingston County)
Our Howell office is conveniently located to serve patients from Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fenton, Fowlerville, Pinckney, and the surrounding Livingston County communities. We are easily accessible from I-96 and US-23, making us a convenient choice for patients throughout the region.
Bloomfield Hills, MI Office (Oakland County)
Our Bloomfield Hills office serves patients from Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Southfield, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, and the greater Oakland County area. Located near the intersection of Telegraph and Maple roads, we provide easy access for the metro Detroit region.
Why Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
With over 1,123 five-star reviews and a 4.9 rating, Balance Foot & Ankle has earned a reputation as one of Michigan’s top podiatric practices. Here is what sets us apart from other podiatrists in the area.
Board-certified expertise: Dr. Tom Biernacki has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle surgeries and treats the full spectrum of conditions — from plantar fasciitis and bunions to diabetic foot care and sports injuries. His YouTube channel (@DrTomBiernacki) has over 943,000 subscribers, making him one of the most recognized podiatrists in the country.
Advanced technology: We invest in the latest treatment technologies including EPAT shockwave therapy, MLS laser therapy, 3D orthotic scanning, in-office digital X-ray, and diagnostic ultrasound. This means faster, more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment options.
Comprehensive care: Whether you need surgical correction, conservative treatment, or preventive care, we offer a complete range of services including toenail fungus laser treatment, ingrown toenail removal, neuropathy treatment, medical pedicures, and senior toenail care.
Insurance accepted: We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Humana, and more. We also welcome workers’ compensation and auto PIP cases.
Key takeaway: Not sure what is wrong with your feet? That is okay — that is exactly what we are here for. Bring your symptoms and questions, and Dr. Tom will provide a thorough evaluation, clear diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan. Read our guide: 10 Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist.
Conditions We Treat
Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert diagnosis and treatment for all foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, bunions and bunion prevention, diabetic foot care and diabetic neuropathy, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, ankle sprains and instability, peripheral neuropathy, Achilles tendinitis, flat feet, hammertoes, neuromas, stress fractures, and sports injuries.
What Makes a Podiatrist the “Best”?
When searching for the best podiatrist near you, several factors distinguish truly exceptional practitioners from average ones. Board certification is the baseline — it confirms the podiatrist has completed accredited training and passed rigorous examinations. But beyond credentials, look for specific experience with your condition, access to advanced technology, and a treatment philosophy that prioritizes conservative options before recommending surgery.
Patient reviews provide genuine insight into the experience you can expect. Look for consistent themes in reviews — comments about thorough explanations, compassionate care, minimal wait times, and successful outcomes are strong indicators of quality. A 4.9-star rating from over a thousand reviews, like Balance Foot & Ankle maintains, suggests a pattern of excellence rather than a handful of favorable experiences.
Top Podiatry Services Available in Michigan
The best podiatry practices offer comprehensive services under one roof, minimizing the need for referrals to other specialists. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides the full spectrum of foot and ankle care. For heel pain and plantar fasciitis, he utilizes a combination of custom 3D-printed orthotics, EPAT shockwave therapy, and MLS laser therapy to resolve most cases without surgery.
Surgical services include bunion correction, hammertoe repair, ankle stabilization, and ingrown toenail removal. Specialized care for diabetic foot conditions, peripheral neuropathy, and toenail fungus laser treatment ensures patients with complex medical conditions receive expert-level attention. In-office digital X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound mean most conditions can be diagnosed at your first visit.
Michigan Podiatrist Locations: Howell and Bloomfield Hills
Balance Foot & Ankle serves patients from two convenient Michigan locations. The Howell office serves Livingston County, including Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, and surrounding communities. Located just off I-96, it’s easily accessible from anywhere in the county. The Bloomfield Hills office serves Oakland County patients from Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, Southfield, and the greater Detroit metro area.
Both offices offer same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle problems, and Dr. Biernacki sees patients at both locations throughout the week. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury or a chronic condition that’s been bothering you for months, you can typically get an appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
Insurance Accepted
Finding a great podiatrist who also accepts your insurance is important. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Humana, Blue Care Network, Medicare Advantage, workers’ compensation, and auto PIP claims. Most insurance plans do not require a referral from your primary care physician to see a podiatrist, so you can book directly.
What to Look for in Online Reviews
Online reviews are one of the most reliable tools for evaluating a podiatrist before your visit. Focus on reviews from the past 12 months for the most current picture of the practice. Pay attention to how the podiatrist handles negative reviews — a professional, empathetic response to complaints shows maturity and commitment to improvement.
Look for reviews from patients with your specific condition. Someone who had successful bunion surgery can speak directly to the surgical skill and post-operative care you’d receive. Reviews that mention the podiatrist’s bedside manner, willingness to explain conditions thoroughly, and respect for the patient’s time provide insight into what your experience will be like. Dr. Biernacki’s YouTube channel (@DrTomBiernacki) with 943,000+ subscribers also provides a preview of his educational approach and personality.
⚠️ Don’t delay seeing a podiatrist if you have:
- Foot or ankle pain that’s lasted more than two weeks
- Difficulty walking or standing due to pain
- Numbness, tingling, or color changes in your feet
- A wound or sore that isn’t healing, especially with diabetes
- A visible deformity like a bunion or hammertoe that’s worsening
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes, we offer same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. Call our office or book online to check availability.
What areas do you serve?
From our Howell office, we serve Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fenton, Fowlerville, Pinckney, and Livingston County. From our Bloomfield Hills office, we serve Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Southfield, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, and Oakland County. Many patients also travel from Ann Arbor, Lansing, and the broader Southeast Michigan region.
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Two convenient Michigan locations | Same-day appointments available
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentDr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)