Quick answer: Foot Specialist Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Foot Specialist Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Foot Specialist Michigan Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM Podiatry Ex relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Foot Specialist Michigan
When you’re looking for a foot specialist in Michigan, you want someone with the training to accurately diagnose your condition, the skill to perform the right procedure, and the experience to guide you through recovery. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle is a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon with extensive experience treating all foot and ankle conditions — from common problems like plantar fasciitis and ingrown toenails to complex reconstructive surgery. Serving Michigan patients at our Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills offices.
About Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM
Dr. Biernacki is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) in both foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery — the highest level of podiatric surgical certification available. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS) and has been serving Michigan patients at Balance Foot & Ankle for over a decade.
Dr. Biernacki completed his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) and a rigorous 3-year surgical residency training in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, including trauma, reconstruction, deformity correction, and advanced techniques including minimally invasive bunion surgery, ankle arthroscopy, total ankle replacement, and complex flatfoot and Charcot reconstruction.
What Makes a Foot Specialist Different?
A podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, DPM) specializes exclusively in the foot and ankle — every patient seen, every procedure performed, every continuing medical education hour is dedicated to this region. A board-certified podiatric surgeon with ABFAS certification in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery demonstrates that they have met the highest standards in both training and surgical outcomes.
For many foot and ankle conditions, a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon offers more specialized expertise than a general orthopedic surgeon who divides their practice across hips, knees, shoulders, and spine.
Conditions Dr. Biernacki Treats
Dr. Biernacki treats the complete spectrum of foot and ankle conditions including: plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, ankle arthritis, flatfoot, Morton’s neuroma, diabetic foot care, peripheral neuropathy, gout, stress fractures, Jones fractures, Lisfranc injuries, ankle fractures, total ankle replacement, and all foot and ankle surgical procedures. See our complete conditions list at the Podiatric Glossary.
Patient Satisfaction
Dr. Biernacki has earned over 1,123 patient reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5 stars across Google, Healthgrades, Birdeye, and RateMDs — one of the highest-rated podiatrists in Michigan. His patients consistently praise his thoroughness, clear communication, and genuine commitment to getting them back on their feet. Read patient reviews here.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic foot specialist?
Both podiatric surgeons and orthopedic surgeons can treat foot and ankle conditions. Podiatric surgeons (DPM) complete a surgical residency dedicated exclusively to the foot and ankle. Board-certified podiatric surgeons with ABFAS certification represent the highest standard of specialized foot and ankle surgical training. Many patients prefer podiatric care for foot and ankle conditions because of this exclusive focus.
How do I make an appointment with Dr. Biernacki?
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Call our office or book online at any of our three Michigan locations — Howell, Brighton, or Bloomfield Hills. Same-week appointments are routinely available. No referral is required for most insurance plans.
Schedule with Michigan’s trusted foot specialist — Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Brighton, or Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
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Dr. Biernacki and our team at Balance Foot & Ankle are accepting new patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Most insurances accepted.
Book My Appointment →or call (810) 206-1402
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPros & 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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- 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?
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.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-day appointments 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 reached over one million views and almost 1 million subscribers on youtube.