ER vs. Podiatrist: When to Go to the Emergency Room for Foot and Ankle Problems

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 →

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(810) 206-1402

More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

Hoka Men's Clifton 10
Watch: Ankle conditions & surgical options

Max-cushion everyday shoe β€” podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

Impact-absorbing recovery sandal β€” 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.

General Foot Care - Balance Foot & Ankle

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 online booking 24/7 at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics β€” 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 Township

πŸ₯ Dr. Biernacki’s Recommended Products (Save 30% – Foundation Wellness)

πŸ‘‰ PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles β€” Supportive insoles to protect ankle & reduce recovery stress.

πŸ‘‰ DASS Compression Socks β€” Compression support for ankle swelling & post-injury recovery.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle β€” Online Booking 24/7

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, you can book online 24/7.

VitaMedica Arnica Gel

Arnica gel plus 15 plant compounds for sore feet, plantar fasciitis flares and post-activity soreness. Apply a thin layer to the sore area.

Shop VitaMedica Arnica Gel →
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.

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Howell

4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township

43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Listed as β€œBloomfield Hills Office” in the scheduler.

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