Foot Doctor Near Mount Pleasant & CMU Michigan | Balance Foot & Ankle

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Students, athletes, and residents from the Mount Pleasant and Central Michigan University community travel to Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle for specialist-level podiatric care. CMU’s active student-athlete population, combined with Mount Pleasant’s community recreational activities, generates significant demand for sports-related foot and ankle injuries, stress fractures, and running injuries that benefit from advanced evaluation and treatment technology.

Sports Podiatry for CMU Student Athletes & Recreational Athletes

Central Michigan University’s NCAA Division I athletic program produces a consistent population of foot and ankle injuries — from stress fractures in cross-country and track athletes to ankle instability in basketball and soccer players. The surrounding Mount Pleasant community also has an active recreational running and fitness culture. Many CMU students and Mount Pleasant residents seek out Dr. Biernacki for advanced imaging interpretation, surgical second opinions, and treatments not available in Isabella County.

Conditions Commonly Evaluated for Mount Pleasant Patients

• Stress fractures — Metatarsal, navicular, and tibial stress fractures in runners and multi-sport athletes. Navicular stress fractures are particularly high-risk and frequently missed; MRI is required for definitive diagnosis.
• Ankle sprains & chronic instability — Grade 2–3 lateral ligament injuries; recurrent sprains indicating chronic instability; Brostrom-Gould reconstruction with Internal Brace augmentation for surgical candidates.
• Plantar fasciitis — Common in collegiate athletes and recreational runners who spike training volume; MLS laser + custom orthotics for faster resolution than conservative protocols alone.
• Achilles tendinopathy — Mid-substance and insertional types; ESWT for chronic cases; surgical debridement and repair for partial tears.
• Shin splints vs. CECS — Compartment pressure testing to differentiate medial tibial stress syndrome from chronic exertional compartment syndrome when symptoms are atypical.
• Ingrown toenails — Permanent matrixectomy; particularly common in athletes wearing tight cleats and running shoes.

Directions from Mount Pleasant to Our Offices

From Mount Pleasant / CMU: Take US-127 South to I-96 West toward Howell, or take US-127 South to I-69 toward Flint, then I-75 South to I-96 West. Distance to our Howell office (4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell MI 48843): approximately 90–95 miles, 1.5 hours via US-127 South to I-96 West. The Howell location is the closer option for central Michigan patients on the I-96 corridor.

Telehealth for CMU Students & Mount Pleasant Residents

For students away from home or residents who want to discuss their condition before making the drive, telehealth consultations are available to review imaging and determine whether in-person evaluation is needed. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Insurance & Self-Pay

We accept most major Michigan insurance plans including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Medicare, and Blue Care Network. CMU students with student health insurance are encouraged to verify out-of-network benefits before scheduling. Competitive self-pay rates are available for patients without applicable insurance.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.