Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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 Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Watch: Cross-Training for Foot Health
Dr. Tom on cross-training — why runners need bike/swim/rowing, how load variation reduces stress fracture risk, weekly programming, shoe rotation strategy.
Cross-Trainer Foot Health Kit
Rotate activities + shoes. Dr. Tom’s kit:
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Transfers between cross-training shoes.
Added stability for court sports.
Post-workout recovery.
Topical muscle soreness relief.
Related: Running Injury Prevention · Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes · Book an Appointment
More Podiatrist-Recommended Sports Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
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
Athletic injuries heal faster with sport-specific rehab protocols — not generic rest and ice. Balance Foot & Ankle works with runners, soccer players, dancers, and weekend warriors to rebuild strength and return to sport on an accelerated timeline. Don’t let a foot injury keep you sidelined longer than necessary.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Dr. Tom’s Running Gear Picks
CURREX RunPro Insoles — Three arch profiles (low/med/high). Designed by sports scientists for repetitive running impact. Lighter than Pinnacle — designed for your Michigan spring training season. $15–18 commission — our highest.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Natural arnica + menthol for overuse soreness as you ramp up mileage. Plant-based, FSA-eligible. Apply 3–4×/day.
Disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we use in our clinic.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle pain, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
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.