Quick answer: A foot specialist is a podiatrist (DPM) — a physician trained specifically in the foot and ankle, handling both conservative care and surgery. Common reasons to see one: heel pain lasting more than two weeks, a bunion or hammertoe that hurts in shoes, an ingrown or thickened nail, a sports injury, or diabetic foot checks. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
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. Appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, 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 Township 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 1,200+ 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.
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?
Call our office or book online at any of our three Michigan locations — Howell, Brighton, or Bloomfield Township. 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 Township, Michigan.
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Dr. Biernacki and our team at Balance Foot & Ankle are accepting new patients in Howell and Bloomfield Township, MI. Most insurances accepted.
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📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Book online 24/7 at either office.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Book online 24/7
- ✓ 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?
Appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Online Booking 24/7
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, you can book online 24/7.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan offices.
Ready for Expert Care?
Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
4.9★ | 1,200+ 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.