Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Foot Ankle Care Guide Oakland 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 Oakland County Residents
- Our Oakland County Location
- Conditions We Treat for Oakland County Patients
- The Grunberger Diabetes Institute Advantage
- Services Available at Our Bloomfield Hills Location
- Home Visits Throughout Oakland County
- Insurance We Accept
- Communities We Serve in Oakland County
- Book Your Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland County, Michigan
The Definitive Foot & Ankle Resource for Oakland County Residents
Oakland County is one of Michigan’s most dynamic and populous counties, and Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists is proud to serve its residents from our Bloomfield Hills location. If you’re in Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Birmingham, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Southfield, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, or any other Oakland County community, expert podiatric care is minutes away.
Our Oakland County Location
Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists — Bloomfield Hills
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Located on Woodward Ave, Oakland County’s main north-south corridor. Easily accessible from M-59, I-75, I-696, and M-1 (Woodward Ave). Ample parking. Ground-floor access.
Conditions We Treat for Oakland County Patients
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain: Oakland County’s active population — runners, golfers, professionals on their feet all day — drives high demand for heel pain treatment. MLS laser therapy and shockwave treatment available for faster recovery.
Bunions: Minimally invasive bunion correction — same-day walking, no lengthy recovery. Ideal for active Oakland County residents who can’t afford weeks of downtime.
Toenail fungus laser treatment: No systemic medications, no side effects, faster clearance than topical treatments. Highly popular in Oakland County.
Diabetic foot care: Comprehensive diabetic foot exams, wound care, and coordination with Grunberger Diabetes Institute (co-located in our Bloomfield Hills building at Suite 208). This unique co-location allows for exceptional coordinated diabetes care.
Custom 3D-printed orthotics: Gait analysis and precision-fit orthotics for runners, athletes, and professionals with biomechanical issues.
Sports medicine for the foot and ankle: PRP injections, MLS laser, shockwave therapy — advanced options for Oakland County’s active adult population.
Ankle instability and sports injuries: X-ray in office, same-day diagnosis, comprehensive sports injury rehabilitation pathway.
Peripheral neuropathy: Advanced neuropathy assessment and management for Oakland County’s significant diabetic and senior populations.
Ingrown toenails, corns, calluses: Same-day appointments for common but painful conditions.
The Grunberger Diabetes Institute Advantage
Our Bloomfield Hills office is co-located in the same building as the Grunberger Diabetes Institute — one of the nation’s leading diabetes treatment centers, led by Dr. George Grunberger. This unique arrangement allows for exceptional coordinated care for diabetic patients. If you have diabetes and foot concerns, getting podiatric care in the same building as your diabetes specialist is a significant advantage that almost no other practice in Michigan can offer.
Services Available at Our Bloomfield Hills Location
In-office digital X-ray, 3D custom orthotic scanning, MLS laser therapy, shockwave therapy (EPAT), laser toenail fungus treatment, in-office surgical procedures, cortisone and PRP injections, wound care, diabetic shoe fitting, gait analysis, comprehensive diabetic foot exams, and home visit coordination for Oakland County patients.
Home Visits Throughout Oakland County
We offer podiatry home visits to Oakland County patients including: Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Southfield, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Pontiac, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Berkley, Madison Heights, Ferndale, and surrounding areas. For seniors, assisted living residents, or post-surgical patients who cannot travel, our team comes to you.
Insurance We Accept
Medicare, Medicare Advantage (BCBS, Priority Health, HAP Senior Plus, Humana, United), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, HAP, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, McLaren, Medicaid, Workers’ Compensation, and most major Michigan insurance plans. Benefits verification at no charge before your appointment.
Communities We Serve in Oakland County
Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy, Birmingham, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Berkley, Madison Heights, Farmington Hills, Farmington, West Bloomfield, Southfield, Oak Park, Clawson, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Pontiac, Waterford, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, Highland, White Lake, Commerce Township, and all surrounding Oakland County communities.
Book Your Oakland County Podiatry Appointment
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Call (810) 206-1402 or book online 24/7. Same-day appointments available for acute pain and emergencies. Home visits throughout Oakland County. We look forward to helping you step better, live better.
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
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- 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.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- 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.