You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what ER vs podiatrist for foot pain means and what works. Book online or call (810) 206-1402 to book at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
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 Dr. Tom on ER vs Podiatrist
Dr. Tom on when to go to the ER vs when to see a podiatrist for foot pain — the decision matrix that saves money and gets better care.
Home Foot Injury Kit
Most non-emergency foot injuries can be managed with these four items until your podiatry visit:
Reusable Gel Ice Pack
20-min intervals in the first 48h — the ‘I’ in RICE protocol.
Check Amazon Price →Compression Ankle Sleeve
The ‘C’ in RICE — gentle compression reduces swelling without restricting circulation.
Check Amazon Price →Doctor Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel
Topical for mild-moderate foot pain — effective without the bleeding risk of oral NSAIDs.
Check Amazon Price →CAM Walking Boot
For suspected fractures — protected weight-bearing while you wait for next-day imaging.
Check Amazon Price →Affiliate disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them. We only recommend products we actually prescribe to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Related from Balance Foot & Ankle
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
![How to Cure Plantar Fasciitis in One Week? [FAST Heel Pain Relief!]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/b5600c3bfb9845a6095da8266d8b5363.jpg)
Watch: How to Cure Plantar Fasciitis in One Week? [FAST Heel Pain Relief!] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
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
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 — 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
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — 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.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for plantar fasciitis?
The shoe with more cushioning and a stronger rocker typically wins for plantar fasciitis. See full comparison for our specific verdict.
Which lasts longer?
Both options typically last 300-500 miles for runners or 9-12 months for daily walkers. Material durability varies; check our detailed comparison.
Which is better for flat feet?
Flat feet need stability or motion control. The neutral option is not ideal unless paired with a custom orthotic.
Ready to feel better?
Appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Book Your VisitReady to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Book online for Howell or Bloomfield Township. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
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.