Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Foot Ankle Care Guide Livingston County Michigan affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
- The Definitive Foot & Ankle Resource for Livingston County Residents
- Our Livingston County Location
- Conditions We Treat for Livingston County Patients
- Services Available at Our Howell Location
- Home Visits Throughout Livingston County
- Insurance We Accept
- Communities We Serve in Livingston County
- Local Partnerships and Community Involvement
- Book Your Livingston County Podiatry Appointment
- Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle
- More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
The most important clinical decision with Foot Ankle Care Guide Livingston County Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Your Complete Guide to Foot & Ankle Care in Livingston County, Michigan
The Definitive Foot & Ankle Resource for Livingston County Residents
If you live in Livingston County — whether in Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, Gregory, Cohoctah, Tyrone Township, or anywhere in between — Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists is your local foot and ankle care provider. Dr. Tom Biernacki and our team have served Livingston County for years, and this guide covers everything you need to know about foot health care in our community.
Our Livingston County Location
Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists — Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Conveniently located on E Grand River Ave — the main corridor connecting Brighton, Howell, and surrounding communities. Easy access from M-59, US-23, and I-96.
Conditions We Treat for Livingston County Patients
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain: Michigan’s winters and flat terrain make this our #1 treated condition. Same-day appointments available for acute heel pain.
Bunions: Minimally invasive bunion surgery available — most patients walk the same day. No lengthy recovery or cast required.
Ingrown toenails: Same-day treatment. Permanent correction available for recurring ingrown nails.
Diabetic foot care: Annual and semi-annual diabetic foot exams, neuropathy assessment, wound care, diabetic shoe fitting. Medicare covered. Critical for Livingston County’s diabetic population.
Toenail fungus: Laser treatment available — no pills, no side effects, faster results than topical treatments.
Ankle sprains and instability: X-ray in office, immediate diagnosis, bracing, physical therapy referral. Chronic ankle instability treated with advanced regenerative options.
Flat feet and arch pain: Custom 3D-printed orthotics, gait analysis, and targeted treatment for all arch types.
Sports injuries: MLS laser therapy, shockwave therapy (ESWT), PRP injections for Livingston County athletes and active adults.
Corns and calluses: Same-day treatment plus addressing the underlying structural causes.
Peripheral neuropathy: Comprehensive neuropathy assessment and management, including advanced treatment options for diabetic neuropathy.
Services Available at Our Howell Location
In-office digital X-ray (no referral needed), 3D custom orthotic scanning and fabrication, MLS laser therapy, shockwave therapy (EPAT), laser toenail fungus treatment, in-office minor surgical procedures, cortisone and PRP injections, wound care, diabetic shoe fitting and Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program enrollment, gait analysis and biomechanical assessment, and comprehensive diabetic foot exams.
Home Visits Throughout Livingston County
For patients who cannot come to us, we come to you. Podiatry home visits are available throughout Livingston County for seniors, post-surgical patients, homebound individuals, and patients in assisted living facilities. Services available at home include nail care, diabetic foot exams, wound assessment, and general foot care consultations. Call to inquire about home visit availability.
Insurance We Accept
We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, HAP, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, McLaren Health Plan, Medicaid, Workers’ Compensation, and most major Michigan insurance plans. Our team verifies benefits before your appointment — no surprise billing.
Communities We Serve in Livingston County
We are proud to serve patients from every corner of Livingston County: Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg Township, Whitmore Lake, Gregory, Cohoctah, Tyrone Township, Marion Township, Deerfield Township, Conway, and all surrounding rural areas. Most patients are within 20 minutes of our Howell office.
Local Partnerships and Community Involvement
We are connected to Livingston County’s healthcare community, including referral relationships with local primary care physicians, the Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital system, and local physical therapy practices. We are also proud to partner with Vassallo Medical Group for vascular foot care patients with circulation concerns.
Book Your Livingston County Podiatry Appointment
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Call (810) 206-1402 or book online 24/7 at michiganfootdoctors.com. Same-day appointments available. Home visits available. We look forward to serving you and your family.
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients seeking expert podiatric care for any foot or ankle condition — from the most common (plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, heel spurs) to the most complex (diabetic foot ulcers, Charcot neuroarthropathy, ankle reconstruction, limb salvage) — will find the clinical expertise and personalized care they need at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists have the training and experience to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle pathology with both conservative and surgical interventions.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Our Michigan locations serve patients throughout Southeast Michigan: the Howell office at 4330 E Grand River serves Livingston County and surrounding communities; the Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 serves Oakland County and surrounding communities. Both offices offer convenient scheduling, in-office diagnostic imaging, same-week appointments for most conditions, and acceptance of all major Michigan insurance plans. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment today — our team is ready to provide the evidence-based podiatric care that keeps you active and comfortable throughout your daily life.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health 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
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
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
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- Premium German engineering
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- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
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- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Visit 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
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist if: foot or ankle pain has lasted more than 2–4 weeks without improvement, you’re changing your gait to avoid pain, you have an open wound or sore that isn’t healing, you notice nail discoloration or thickening, you have diabetes and any foot concern, or pain is severe enough to wake you at night. Most foot conditions are easier and cheaper to treat early — what starts as a minor issue can become a surgical problem with months of delay.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?
Podiatrists (DPM — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) have broader musculoskeletal training but variable foot/ankle subspecialization. For foot and ankle-specific problems, a podiatrist often has more focused training and experience. For injuries involving the leg above the ankle, complex pediatric cases, or multi-level reconstruction, orthopedic consultation may be appropriate. We frequently co-manage patients with orthopedic colleagues.
How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
Signs that warrant same-day or next-day evaluation: severe pain that appeared suddenly without clear cause, swelling, redness, and warmth that appeared suddenly (possible gout, infection, or Charcot fracture), an open wound that looks infected (redness spreading, pus, warmth), inability to bear weight, or any foot problem in a diabetic patient. Pain that’s been present for weeks and is stable is important but not an emergency — schedule within 1–2 weeks.
Can foot problems cause back and knee pain?
Yes — this is a kinetic chain effect. Abnormal foot mechanics (overpronation, supination, leg length discrepancy) cause compensatory changes in knee, hip, and lumbar alignment. Roughly 30% of patients presenting to our clinic with knee pain have a treatable foot-level biomechanical cause. Correcting foot mechanics with orthotics or appropriate footwear often provides significant knee and back relief. If you have chronic knee or back pain and haven’t had your foot mechanics evaluated, it’s worth a consult.
Are orthotics worth it?
For the right conditions, yes — custom orthotics are among the most cost-effective interventions in podiatry. They’re most effective for: plantar fasciitis, flat feet with secondary knee/back pain, leg length discrepancy, metatarsalgia, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and diabetic foot pressure management. Quality OTC orthotics ($35–60) resolve symptoms for 60% of patients with mild-to-moderate conditions. Custom orthotics are appropriate when OTC options have failed or when the biomechanical problem is complex. We cast custom orthotics in-office.
How do I choose the right running shoes?
Start with your foot type (flat, neutral, high arch) and running pattern (overpronator, neutral, supinator). Flat feet and overpronators do best in stability or motion-control shoes. Neutral feet do well in neutral-cushioned shoes. High arches need maximum cushioning with flexible soles. Always buy running shoes at the end of the day (foot swelling peaks then), get properly fitted by a specialist, and replace every 300–500 miles. If you’ve been injured repeatedly, a gait analysis can identify the mechanical flaw driving your injury pattern.
What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
A sprain is a ligament injury (the tissue connecting bones); a fracture is a break in the bone itself. Both can occur with the same trauma (ankle roll, fall). The old test — ‘if you can walk, it’s not broken’ — is wrong; many fractures are initially weight-bearable. Key differences: a fracture typically produces localized bone tenderness along the bone itself, while a sprain is tender over the ligament. X-ray is the standard to differentiate. High-grade sprains without proper treatment can be as disabling as fractures.
How do I prevent foot and ankle injuries?
The four most impactful prevention strategies: (1) Supportive, appropriately fitted footwear for your foot type and activity. (2) Gradual activity progression — the 10% rule (never increase weekly mileage or intensity by more than 10%). (3) Regular calf and ankle mobility work. (4) Strengthening the posterior tibial tendon, peroneals, and intrinsic foot muscles. Most overuse injuries are preventable; most acute injuries are not — but ankle sprain recurrence (60–70% without rehab) is prevented by balance and proprioception training.
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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.