Quick answer: Clarkston Independence Township Podiatrist Lake Orion 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 Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
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Podiatric Care for Clarkston and Northern Oakland County
Clarkston, Independence Township, Lake Orion, Oxford, and the northern Oakland County communities deserve expert, accessible foot and ankle care. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Thomas Bembynista, serves patients from across this region at our Bloomfield Township and Howell offices — both accessible from I-75 and M-24 for northern Oakland County residents.
We offer same-week and next-day appointments for new patients and provide the full range of podiatric services from routine foot care through complex reconstructive surgery. Our goal is to deliver the quality of care typically associated with major medical centers in a convenient, patient-centered community practice setting.
Conditions We Treat for Clarkston-Area Patients
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis are among the most frequent concerns bringing Clarkston and Independence Township patients to our practice. The active outdoor lifestyle of northern Oakland County — hiking, trail running, golf — creates regular plantar fascia overuse. We provide systematic treatment that resolves most cases with conservative care, including custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, and minimally invasive surgical release when needed.
Sports injuries are common in the Clarkston community’s active youth and adult populations. We treat ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles injuries, turf toe, and ankle instability for athletes at all levels — from Clarkston High School athletes through adult recreational sports participants.
Bunion correction, hammertoe surgery, ingrown toenail treatment, diabetic foot management, and nail fungus treatment are among the many other services we provide for northern Oakland County patients. Each treatment plan is individualized to the patient’s specific condition, goals, and activity level.
Convenient Access from Clarkston and Lake Orion
Our Bloomfield Hills office is approximately 20–30 minutes from Clarkston via I-75 southbound. Our Howell office serves patients from Oxford and the eastern portion of the region who may prefer access via M-24 south. Both locations offer the same board-certified expertise and comprehensive services. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving northern Oakland County patients with the expert foot and ankle care they deserve.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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📞 (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 Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
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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
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.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Book Your VisitVisit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. 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
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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.