Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Expert Foot & Ankle Care
Looking for expert foot or ankle surgery? Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in MI provides advanced surgical treatments to restore your mobility and comfort.
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Bunions 📍 Located in Michigan? Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available. Book Now → (810) 206-1402 These are products I personally use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle. Correct Toes Toe Spacers — Silicone spacers realign toes to
What Is Ankle Arthroscopy? Inflamed heel pad and Achilles tendon anatomy diagram — heel pain treatment at Balance Foot Ankle Michigan Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments are inserted into the ankle joint through two or three small incisions (portals) approximately 5mm in length.
Yes—bunion recurrence after surgical correction is a recognized outcome, though its likelihood depends heavily on the procedure performed, the severity of the original deformity, patient anatomy, footwear choices after surgery, and whether underlying biomechanical factors were addressed. Reported recurrence rates vary widely in the literature, from under 5% for appropriately selected patients treated with modern
A hammertoe is a progressive toe deformity where the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint buckles downward, creating a bent or contracted toe that cannot straighten fully. Conservative treatment—wider footwear, cushioning pads, orthotics, toe stretching, and corn reduction—manages symptoms effectively in many patients, particularly when the deformity is flexible (the toe can still be straightened passively). Surgery
Foot and ankle surgery spans an enormous range of complexity—from minor outpatient procedures (excision of a small lesion) to major reconstructions (total ankle replacement, flatfoot correction) with months of recovery. A second opinion is always appropriate before elective surgery, and especially valuable when the proposed procedure is complex, the diagnosis is uncertain, conservative treatment has
The First 48 Hours After Foot Surgery The first two days after foot surgery are critical for setting the stage for a smooth recovery. Swelling and pain are at their peak during this window. The most important actions: keep the operated foot elevated above heart level as continuously as possible—this significantly reduces swelling and post-operative
The peroneal tendons—peroneus longus and peroneus brevis—run along the outer (lateral) side of the ankle, behind the lateral malleolus (the bony bump on the outside of the ankle), and attach to the foot. The peroneus brevis inserts at the base of the fifth metatarsal; the peroneus longus runs under the foot to the medial cuneiform
Total Ankle Replacement: Who Is a Candidate, How It Works, and Long-Term Outcomes Total Ankle Replacement: An Overview Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has emerged as a motion-preserving alternative to ankle fusion for end-stage ankle arthritis. Third-generation implant designs, improved surgical technique, and better patient selection criteria have dramatically improved outcomes compared to early implants from
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery: MICA, Percutaneous Techniques, and What Patients Should Know How Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery Has Evolved Minimally invasive foot surgery (MIS) uses small incisions — typically 2 to 5 mm — and specialized instruments including burrs, chisels, and percutaneous fixation systems to perform procedures that traditionally required open exposures. Fluoroscopic X-ray guidance
What Is an Out-of-Pocket Maximum and How Does It Apply to Foot Surgery? What Is an Out-of-Pocket Maximum and How Does It Protect Michigan Foot Surgery Patients? The out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM) is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — features of any health insurance plan. For Michigan patients facing significant foot or
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You should see a foot and ankle specialist if you experience persistent pain, numbness, nail problems, changes in skin color, difficulty walking, or symptoms that do not improve with rest. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and long-term damage.
Yes. Many foot and ankle conditions can be treated using conservative and non-invasive approaches such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, footwear guidance, medication, and laser therapy. Surgery is usually considered only when other treatments are not effective.
Signs that require prompt evaluation include swelling, redness, open sores, infections, worsening pain, numbness, or changes in toenails. Patients with diabetes should seek care early, as even minor foot issues can progress quickly.
Your first visit includes a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and, if needed, imaging or diagnostic tests. Your podiatrist will explain the diagnosis and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and lifestyle.
Yes. Preventive foot care helps identify early signs of problems before pain develops. Regular checkups are especially important for active individuals, older adults, and patients with diabetes or circulation issues.
Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist provides expert podiatric care at convenient locations in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Appointments are available for both new and returning patients.
