Best Podiatrist Michigan 2026: How to Find the Right Foot Doctor

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026

Quick answer: A plain guide to getting foot and ankle care in Livingston County: what a podiatrist actually treats, when it is worth being seen, and what most plans cover. Our Howell office is at 4330 E Grand River Ave. Book online or call (810) 206-1402.

MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT

Most plans in Michigan let you see a podiatrist without a referral — a few HMO plans do not. Book a real opening at our Howell office online — the scheduler is open 24/7, or call (810) 206-1402.

Video by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Michigan Foot Doctors
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki explains the topic in detail · Subscribe to Michigan Foot Doctors on YouTube

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

Our Michigan locations serve patients throughout Southeast Michigan: the Howell office at 4330 E Grand River serves Livingston County and surrounding communities; the Bloomfield Township 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.

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 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

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

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Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. 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 Township, MI 48302

Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

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, we have same-day appointment availability.

Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402

Book online →  |  Meet Dr. Tom Biernacki →

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Ready for Expert Care?

Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.

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Or call: (810) 206-1402

More questions patients ask

What foot and ankle services are available in Livingston County, Michigan?

Balance Foot & Ankle serves Livingston County patients at 4330 E Grand River, Howell, MI 48843. Services include treatment for plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, toenail fungus, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, custom orthotics, home visits for homebound patients, MLS laser, shockwave, EMTT triple therapy, and foot and ankle surgery.

Which cities in Livingston County does Balance Foot & Ankle serve?

Balance Foot & Ankle's Howell office serves patients from throughout Livingston County including Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fenton, Hamburg, Pinckney, Fowlerville, Green Oak Township, South Lyon, and surrounding areas. We also provide home visits to homebound patients throughout the county. Call (810) 206-1402.

Does Balance Foot & Ankle offer home visits in Livingston County?

Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle is one of the very few practices offering mobile podiatry home visits in Livingston County. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM and the team visit homebound patients, residents of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, group homes, and memory care facilities. Call (810) 206-1402 to inquire about home visit availability.

What makes Balance Foot & Ankle different for Livingston County patients?

Balance Foot & Ankle stands out in Livingston County for offering advanced regenerative therapies including MLS laser, shockwave, and EMTT triple therapy that most local podiatry offices do not provide. Combined with a commitment to avoiding unnecessary surgery and providing home visits for those who cannot travel, we offer uniquely comprehensive care.

How do I make an appointment at the Balance Foot & Ankle Howell office?

Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule an appointment at 4330 E Grand River, Howell, MI 48843. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans and works to accommodate same-day and urgent appointments for Livingston County patients. Dr. Biernacki, Dr. Jay, and Dr. Gutkin are available for new and established patients.

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.

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