Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Foot Doctor Brighton Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Foot Doctor Brighton Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Expert Foot Care Serving Brighton, Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC serves patients from Brighton, Hamburg Township, Green Oak Township, Genoa Township, and surrounding Livingston County communities. Our podiatry practice, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, provides comprehensive foot and ankle care with the expertise and technology you’d expect from a major medical center — in a convenient local setting.
Brighton patients benefit from our convenient Howell location, just minutes from downtown Brighton via M-59. No need to travel to Ann Arbor or Detroit for specialized podiatric care — we offer the same level of expertise and diagnostic capability right here in Livingston County.
Dr. Tom Biernacki treats everything from common conditions like plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, and bunions to complex reconstructive procedures including flatfoot correction, Achilles repair, and minimally invasive bunion surgery. Patients from Brighton consistently choose us for our same-week availability, on-site diagnostics, and Dr. Tom’s clear, jargon-free communication style.
Services Available to Brighton Patients
Brighton-area patients come to us for the complete range of podiatric services. For heel and arch pain — the most common complaint — we offer orthotic therapy, shockwave treatment, injection therapy, and PRP. For nail conditions, we perform in-office ingrown nail correction with same-day relief.
Our sports medicine capabilities are particularly popular with Brighton’s active community. We treat runners from the Brighton Recreation Area trail system, pickleball players, cyclists, and youth athletes competing for Brighton High School and surrounding schools. We understand the athlete’s need for accurate diagnosis, realistic return-to-sport timelines, and treatment that fits your training schedule.
For Brighton residents with diabetes, we provide comprehensive diabetic foot exams, custom diabetic insoles, wound care, and proactive monitoring to prevent the complications that lead to amputation. We coordinate directly with your endocrinologist and primary care team.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Brighton
Our office is located at 3490 E. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 — approximately 10–12 minutes from downtown Brighton via M-59 East. Free parking, ground-level entry, and wheelchair accessibility make our office convenient for patients of all mobility levels.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and most other major insurances. Our staff will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Book your appointment online at MichiganFootDoctors.com or call us at (517) 545-0747. Walk-in accommodations are available for acute injuries. We look forward to serving Brighton’s community.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Start conservative care today with the insole we most commonly recommend at our clinic. PowerStep Pinnacle provides clinical-grade arch support available without a prescription.
Dr. Tom says: “Order PowerStep today and start your conservative plantar fasciitis or flat foot treatment while you schedule your appointment.”
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, flat feet, daily arch support
Patients with structural deformities requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DASS Medical Compression Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Excellent for Brighton patients managing ankle swelling, varicose veins, or recovering from foot and ankle injuries. Medical-grade graduated compression.
Dr. Tom says: “DASS compression socks are what I recommend to patients managing ankle edema, recovering from sprains, or on their feet long hours.”
Ankle swelling, post-injury edema, long work hours, varicose veins
Suspected arterial disease — consult podiatrist before use
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Convenient to Brighton via M-59 — 10-12 minutes away
- Same-week appointments with on-site X-ray and ultrasound
- Full surgical and non-surgical foot and ankle capabilities
- Sports medicine expertise for Brighton’s active community
- Medicare and most major insurance plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- Not physically in Brighton — office is in Howell
- Patients needing hospital procedures may need to travel further for surgery center
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
I grew up in this community and care deeply about the health of everyone in Livingston County — including Brighton. If you’ve been dealing with foot pain, don’t put it off. We make it easy to get seen quickly, and most foot problems are so much easier to treat when caught early. Call us or book online.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Brighton?
About 10–12 minutes east on M-59 from downtown Brighton to our Howell office at 3490 E. Grand River Ave.
Does the Brighton-area foot doctor accept Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Yes, we accept BCBS along with most major insurance plans. Call our office to verify your specific plan and benefits.
What foot conditions does the Brighton podiatrist treat?
We treat all foot and ankle conditions: plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown nails, heel pain, fractures, diabetic foot care, ankle injuries, and more.
When Shoes Aren’t Enough — Dr. Tom’s Top 9 Orthotics
About 30% of patients I see for foot pain need MORE than a great shoe — they need a structured insole. Below: my complete 2026 orthotic ranking with pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give each one to.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot issues, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.