Quick answer: Best Podiatrist Near Me Michigan 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 Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Best Podiatrist Near Me Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Balance Foot & Ankle: Two Locations Serving Southeast Michigan
Written by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
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Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Published: April 8, 2026
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 Township, MI Office (Oakland County)
Our Bloomfield Township office serves patients from Bloomfield Township, 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 950,000+ 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 plan tailored to your foot type. 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 uses 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 Township
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 Township office serves Oakland County patients from Bloomfield Township, 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. If 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 950,000+ 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
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 Township 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 Township
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 Township 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 Township office, we serve Bloomfield Township, 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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Book Your Appointment Today
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
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. 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)
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.
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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 Township, Michigan offices.
Comparing podiatrists in Michigan? Our podiatrist near me page introduces the three doctors you would actually see — Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay and Dr. Daria Gutkin — and covers both Michigan offices, the conditions each treats, and the insurance plans accepted, so you can judge the practice before you call.
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.