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Brighton & Howell Podiatrist | New Patients Welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle

Balance Foot & Ankle actively welcomes new patients from Brighton, Howell, and throughout Livingston County. As the dedicated foot and ankle practice serving this community, we provide expert podiatric care that keeps our neighbors mobile, active, and out of pain — without requiring them to drive to Ann Arbor, Lansing, or Detroit for specialty foot care. Dr. Thomas Biernacki is accepting new patients and is committed to delivering the same quality of care available at major medical centers, right here in Livingston County.

Serving Brighton, Howell, and Livingston County Families

Livingston County communities — Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Hamburg Township, Green Oak Township, Pinckney, Fowlerville, and surrounding areas — have seen tremendous growth, and the demand for high-quality specialty medical care has grown with it. Balance Foot & Ankle is here to meet that demand for foot and ankle care. Our Howell location is convenient for residents throughout the county, and our Bloomfield Township location adds another option for patients in the southern and eastern portions of Livingston County.

Why New Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle

New patients consistently tell us they appreciated: the thoroughness of the initial evaluation, the clear explanation of their diagnosis and treatment options, the conservative-first approach that doesn’t rush to surgery, and the sense that their care is individualized rather than protocol-driven. We take time with each patient because good outcomes require good communication and shared decision-making. We also invest in the diagnostic technology — in-office X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound — that allows us to provide more complete evaluations in a single visit.

Common Reasons New Patients Come to See Us

New patients arrive for a wide variety of concerns. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are the most common first presentations — often after months of trying home stretches and over-the-counter insoles without sufficient relief. Bunions that have become painful enough to limit footwear options or daily activities are another frequent entry point. Ingrown toenails that have recurred repeatedly despite self-treatment. Ankle sprains that have led to chronic instability. Diabetic foot care — patients with newly diagnosed diabetes who need to establish a podiatric relationship, or long-term diabetic patients who’ve never seen a podiatrist and want to start. Whatever brings you in, we’ll provide a thorough evaluation and a clear path forward.

Same-Week Appointments for Urgent Needs

We work hard to see new patients promptly, particularly those with urgent concerns like infections, severe pain, suspected fractures, or wounds that aren’t healing. Call (810) 206-1402 and describe your situation — our team will work to accommodate you quickly. For routine new patient appointments, scheduling within 1-2 weeks is typically possible.

Insurance and Payment

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, McLaren Health Plan, Medicare, and Medicaid. We verify your insurance before your first visit so you understand your coverage and any expected cost-sharing. Self-pay patients are welcome — ask about our self-pay rates when you call. To schedule your appointment, call (810) 206-1402 or book online through our website.

Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.

Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI

📅 Book Online
📞 (810) 206-1402

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

Daily support while awaiting your Brighton/Howell visit.

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FlexiKold Gel Cold Pack

Manage pain before your podiatrist visit.

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Aircast Walker Boot

Stabilize severe injuries until evaluation.

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Doctor Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel

Topical relief while scheduling care.

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Related resources

• Howell Podiatrist
• Bloomfield Hills Podiatrist
• Same-Week Appointments

Ready to solve this? Book today.

Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →

More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

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Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

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The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

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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

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.