Brighton & Hartland Podiatrist — Livingston County Foot Doctor

Quick answer: Brighton Hartland Podiatrist Livingston County Foot Doctor 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 Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers)

Last reviewed May 11, 2026 · (810) 206-1402

Livingston County’s Comprehensive Podiatric Care Center

Livingston County residents shouldn’t have to drive to Detroit or Ann Arbor for excellent foot and ankle care. Balance Foot & Ankle, located in Howell, brings board-certified podiatric surgery to the heart of the county — convenient to Brighton, Hartland, Howell, Pinckney, and surrounding communities.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has been serving Livingston County for years. With over 3,000 surgical procedures performed, 4.9-star patient ratings, and same-day appointment availability, we’ve become the go-to foot and ankle practice for patients throughout the county and beyond.

Common Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat in Livingston County

We treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions at our Howell office. The most common reasons Livingston County patients visit us include:

Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults — a stabbing pain with the first steps in the morning that eases after walking but returns after prolonged activity. We treat plantar fasciitis with a layered protocol: custom orthotics, stretching, shockwave therapy, and PRP injections when needed. Most patients see significant improvement within 6–8 weeks.

Toenail Problems

Ingrown toenails and toenail fungus are two of the most common reasons patients seek podiatric care. We remove ingrown nail borders in-office under local anesthesia — 15-minute procedure, immediate relief. For toenail fungus, we offer oral antifungal prescriptions, topical treatments, and laser therapy with high clearance rates.

Bunions

Bunions (hallux valgus) are progressive deformities causing a painful bump on the inner foot. We offer wide-range conservative management and, when surgery is needed, modern minimally invasive bunionectomy techniques with faster recovery than traditional procedures.

Ankle Problems

From acute ankle sprains to chronic instability requiring the Broström-Gould procedure, we handle the full spectrum of ankle pathology. Livingston County has an active outdoor and athletic population — we understand what it takes to get you back on the trails, courts, and fields.

Diabetic Foot Care

Michigan has above-average rates of diabetes-related foot complications. We provide comprehensive diabetic foot exams, wound care, neuropathy management, and diabetic footwear prescriptions to keep diabetic patients walking safely and preventing amputations.

Dr. Tom Biernacki: Your Livingston County Podiatric Surgeon

Dr. Biernacki completed his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and surgical residency training before establishing Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell. His surgical experience spans the full range of foot and ankle procedures:

• Bunionectomy and hammertoe correction
• Ankle ligament repair (Broström-Gould and augmented reconstruction)
• Achilles tendon repair and reconstruction
• Flatfoot reconstruction (adult acquired flatfoot)
• Ankle replacement and fusion (hallux rigidus)
• Diabetic limb salvage and wound care
• Minimally invasive foot surgery

He maintains a conservative-first philosophy — surgery is recommended only when truly necessary, and every patient receives a thorough explanation of all options before proceeding.

Scheduling Your Appointment

Scheduling at Balance Foot & Ankle is straightforward. We offer same-day appointments for urgent conditions and typically schedule new patients within 1–3 business days for non-urgent concerns. No referral is required from your primary care doctor for most insurance plans.

We accept most major insurances including BCBS Michigan, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Michigan Medicaid. Call our Howell office at (810) 206-1402 or visit our website to request an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon for foot problems?

Podiatrists are specialists exclusively focused on foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions — it’s the only thing we do. Orthopedic surgeons have broader training across all bones and joints. For foot-specific conditions (bunions, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, toenail problems), a podiatrist typically has deeper specialized expertise. For complex trauma or conditions involving the leg above the ankle, orthopedic consultation may be appropriate. Many patients see both depending on their needs.

How long is the wait for a new patient appointment?

We typically see new patients within 1–3 business days for routine concerns. For urgent issues — infected ingrown toenails, diabetic foot wounds, suspected fractures — we offer same-day appointments. Call (810) 206-1402 and let our team know the urgency of your situation.

Does Balance Foot & Ankle see pediatric foot patients?

Yes — we see patients of all ages including children. Common pediatric foot conditions we treat: ingrown toenails, warts, flat feet (pediatric flexible flatfoot), Sever’s disease (heel pain in growing athletes), and sports injuries. Dr. Biernacki’s approach is particularly gentle with pediatric patients.

The Bottom Line

Livingston County has an excellent podiatric resource right in its own backyard. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell serves Brighton, Hartland, and the entire county with board-certified surgical expertise, same-day appointments, and consistently top-rated care. Call (810) 206-1402 to become a patient today.

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.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. 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.