Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions across Southeast Michigan — but the most important factor in outcomes isn’t getting seen quickly. Our podiatrists explain what to do in the first 24-48 hours before your appointment that most patients skip entirely. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
The most important clinical decision with Commerce Township Michigan Podiatrist isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Expert Foot & Ankle Care for Commerce Township
Commerce Township is an Oakland County community of over 40,000 residents centered on the chain of lakes in western Oakland County — Commerce, Wolverine, Loon, Union, and others — that define the character of this affluent suburban community. Commerce Township sits at the intersection of Michigan’s suburban Metro Detroit growth areas and the outdoor lake lifestyle that defines western Oakland County.
Dr. Tom Biernacki serves Commerce Township residents with the full spectrum of podiatric care — providing specialist-level foot and ankle services without the longer drive to larger medical centers.
Commerce Township’s Foot Health Profile
Active Lake Community Lifestyle
Commerce Township’s numerous lakes create a population heavily engaged in water sports, kayaking, dock walking, and shoreline recreation during summer months. Dock and waterfront slip-and-fall injuries, barefoot shoreline walking overuse, and the ankle sprains that accompany lake recreation activities are common summer presentations from the Commerce Township lake community.
Running and Cycling Community
Commerce Township’s trail networks and road systems support a robust running and cycling community. The Proud Lake Recreation Area and surrounding Oakland County trail connections draw trail runners and mountain bikers who present with the predictable pattern of activity-related foot and ankle injuries — plantar fasciitis, metatarsal stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and ankle sprains from technical trail conditions.
Suburban Professional Population
Commerce Township’s demographics reflect western Oakland County’s professional suburban character — working adults who spend significant time in business footwear and sedentary office environments punctuated by weekend athletic activity. The combination of poorly supportive dress footwear during the week and high-impact recreational activity on weekends is a classic driver of plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia in this population.
Diabetic and Senior Foot Care
Commerce Township’s growing senior population and diabetic residents require annual foot surveillance, custom diabetic orthotics, and careful wound management. We coordinate with Oakland County primary care providers throughout the Commerce corridor for integrated diabetic foot care.
Access and Convenience for Commerce Township Patients
Commerce Township patients can access Balance Foot & Ankle with a straightforward drive via Pontiac Trail or M-5. We offer same-week new patient appointments in most cases, and our in-office capabilities — digital X-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, custom orthotic casting — mean that most initial evaluations and treatment initiations are completed in a single visit.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
On Cloud 5 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Lightweight responsive running shoe with CloudTec cushioning — excellent for Commerce Township’s recreational runners using Proud Lake trails and Oakland County road running routes. Plantar fasciitis-friendly with generous heel cushioning.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended a maximally cushioned shoe for my plantar fasciitis. These Cloud runners absorb impact beautifully and I can do my Commerce Township trail runs without heel pain.”
Commerce Township recreational runners, plantar fasciitis, trail and road running, lightweight cushioning
Heavy overpronators requiring motion control support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel 1%
⭐ Highly Rated
FDA-approved topical diclofenac sodium for osteoarthritis and tendon inflammation management. Ideal for Commerce Township’s professional population managing foot and ankle pain without systemic medication side effects.
Dr. Tom says: “Working from home with plantar fasciitis I use this gel twice daily. My podiatrist approved it as part of my conservative treatment and my pain is finally manageable.”
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, arthritis pain management
Open skin wounds or sensitivity to NSAIDs — confirm no contraindications
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Crocs Classic Clog for Lake Dock Use
⭐ Highly Rated
Slip-resistant EVA clog for Commerce Township’s lake community dock and waterfront use. Provides arch support and barefoot injury protection around Commerce Lake, Wolverine Lake, and the broader Oakland County lake chain.
Dr. Tom says: “Essential for dock life in Commerce Township. No more slipping, no more sore arches from barefoot dock walking, and my feet feel supported all summer.”
Commerce Township lake neighborhood dock use, waterfront safety, barefoot protection
Long-distance athletic or hiking use
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Serves all of Commerce Township including lake neighborhoods, Walled Lake, and Wolverine Lake
- Same-week new patient appointments typically available
- Experienced with lake recreation and trail running injuries common in the Commerce area
- Coordination with Oakland County primary care for diabetic and senior patients
- Full in-office diagnostics: X-ray, ultrasound, custom orthotics
❌ Cons / Risks
- High appointment demand may require advance scheduling
- Some patients may prefer a closer office depending on their specific Commerce Township neighborhood
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Commerce Township is classic western Oakland County — active people who lake in the summer, run on the trails, go to the office during the week, and then wonder why their feet hurt on the weekend. The desk-to-weekend-warrior pattern I see constantly. The good news is it’s completely manageable with the right diagnosis and the right interventions. Most patients are back to full activity quickly.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki serve Commerce Township?
Yes. We serve patients from throughout Commerce Township and the surrounding western Oakland County communities including Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, and Milford.
What are the most common foot problems in Commerce Township?
Plantar fasciitis in weekend runners and active adults, dock and lake recreation injuries in summer, metatarsalgia in professionals wearing dress footwear, and diabetic foot care for our senior and diabetic population are our most common presentations from Commerce Township.
How do I get to Balance Foot & Ankle from Commerce Township?
Commerce Township patients can reach our office via Pontiac Trail or M-5. The drive is typically 15–20 minutes depending on your specific neighborhood.
Can I get custom orthotics for both trail running and dress shoes?
Absolutely. We routinely fabricate two pairs of custom orthotics for patients with active lifestyles — a sport/trail orthotic designed for athletic footwear and a dress orthotic for professional shoes. The biomechanical goals are the same but the construction differs significantly.
What insurance do you accept for Commerce Township patients?
We accept most major insurance plans. Please call our office to confirm coverage for your specific plan before scheduling.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →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.
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.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot issues, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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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.