Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions across Southeast Michigan — but the most important factor in outcomes isn’t getting seen quickly. Our podiatrists explain what to do in the first 24-48 hours before your appointment that most patients skip entirely. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
The most important clinical decision with Highland Michigan Podiatrist isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care for Highland Township Residents
Highland Township straddles the Oakland-Livingston county line — a growing community of families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who need quality healthcare close to home. Balance Foot & Ankle serves Highland patients from two strategically located offices: Howell (Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills (Oakland County). Whichever is more convenient, Highland residents have a board-certified podiatrist within easy driving distance.
About Highland Township
Highland Township is known for White Lake State Park, the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, and a community that values outdoor activity and rural character alongside suburban convenience. Residents here hike, bike, hunt, and engage in year-round recreational activities — all pursuits that demand healthy, functional feet. When foot pain interrupts that active lifestyle, Balance Foot & Ankle is here to restore it.
Foot Conditions Common in Highland Patients
Highland’s outdoor recreational lifestyle creates a specific mix of podiatric conditions. Trail and terrain injuries — ankle sprains, stress fractures, and heel pain — are common among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Plantar fasciitis affects runners and walkers who push their training on pavement and trail. Bunions and hammertoes are frequent complaints in Highland’s working adult population. Diabetic foot complications and nail conditions affect older residents. Dr. Biernacki has extensive experience with the full spectrum of conditions seen in active Michigan communities.
Conservative Treatment Close to Home
Most foot conditions can be effectively managed without surgery when addressed early. Dr. Biernacki provides custom orthotics designed for your specific foot structure and activity demands, advanced injection therapies, bracing for ankle instability, shockwave therapy for chronic conditions, and evidence-based physical therapy protocols. Treatment plans are designed around your lifestyle — whether you’re a weekend hiker, a working tradesperson, or an active retiree.
Surgical Expertise When Needed
When conservative treatment is insufficient, Balance Foot & Ankle provides the full range of foot and ankle surgical options. Dr. Biernacki’s surgical training covers bunion correction, hammertoe repair, ankle ligament reconstruction, tendon procedures, fracture fixation, and complex reconstructive surgery. Surgical decisions are always made conservatively, with thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and expected recovery timelines.
Heel Pain Relief for Highland’s Active Residents
Heel pain is extremely common in outdoor-active communities like Highland. Whether your heel pain stems from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, heel spurs, or a less common cause like Baxter’s nerve entrapment, accurate diagnosis drives effective treatment. Dr. Biernacki’s systematic approach to heel pain ensures you receive targeted care that actually resolves the problem.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Highland
Highland Township patients can reach the Howell office via M-59 West (approximately 15–20 minutes) or the Bloomfield Hills office via M-59 East or Pontiac Lake Road (approximately 20 minutes in either direction). Both offices offer comparable services, and patients can choose whichever is more convenient for their schedule and commute.
Book Your Highland Podiatry Appointment
Your feet carry you through every hike, every workday, and every moment of life. When they hurt, everything suffers. Highland residents deserve expert, personalized podiatric care that gets results. Call Balance Foot & Ankle today and take the first step toward pain-free living.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Waterproof Gore-Tex hiking shoe with exceptional ankle support and trail traction. Ideal for Highland’s Pontiac Lake and White Lake State Park terrain. Advanced midsole cushioning reduces foot fatigue on long hikes.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist cleared me for hiking again after my ankle sprain and specifically recommended a supportive trail shoe. These Salomons gave me the confidence to get back on the trail.”
Trail hiking, outdoor recreation on Highland’s parks and nature areas, and post-ankle-sprain return to activity
Road running or daily casual wear — trail shoes are designed for off-road use and may be stiff for everyday walking
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Professional Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
High-performance orthotic insoles for hiking boots, work boots, and athletic footwear. Deep heel cup and high-arch design reduce fatigue and overpronation on uneven terrain.
Dr. Tom says: “These insoles transformed my hiking boots. I used to have terrible arch pain after long hikes — now my feet feel supported the whole way through.”
Hiking boots, work boots, and athletic footwear for outdoor and active use in Highland’s terrain
Very flat feet or severe overpronation requiring custom orthotics — see Dr. Biernacki for appropriate custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Two office locations — Howell and Bloomfield Hills — both convenient to Highland Township
- Experienced podiatrist familiar with outdoor recreational foot injuries common in Highland
- Full-spectrum care: conservative through surgical under one provider
- Personalized attention from Dr. Biernacki at every appointment
❌ Cons / Risks
- No podiatry clinic within Highland Township itself — a drive of 15-20 minutes required
- Recreational and sports injuries during peak season may require advance scheduling
- Complex reconstructive cases may require additional imaging before treatment begins
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
I have a lot of patients from the Highland area — it’s a community full of people who take their outdoor lifestyle seriously and who need their feet to work well. When I see a Highland patient who’s been suffering with foot pain for months, limiting their hiking or recreation, and it’s something very treatable — that motivates me. Come in, let’s fix it.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Balance Foot & Ankle office is closer to Highland Township?
Both offices are approximately equidistant from Highland Township — the Howell office via M-59 West and the Bloomfield Hills office via M-59 East are both approximately 15-20 minutes from most Highland neighborhoods. Call us and we’ll help you determine which office is most convenient for your schedule.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat hiking and trail injuries?
Yes — outdoor and recreational injuries are a significant part of Dr. Biernacki’s practice serving Highland and the northern Oakland/Livingston county area. Ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis from trail activities are all expertly evaluated and treated with return-to-sport-focused treatment plans.
Can I get treatment for a foot injury sustained at Pontiac Lake or White Lake State Park?
Absolutely — acute injuries from Highland’s parks and recreation areas are handled at Balance Foot & Ankle. X-rays are available in-office to rule out fracture. For significant acute injuries, we recommend calling ahead so we can arrange prompt evaluation rather than waiting for a standard new patient slot.
What is the recovery time for common foot conditions?
Recovery varies by condition: plantar fasciitis typically improves significantly in 6-12 weeks with proper treatment; ankle sprains resolve in 4-12 weeks depending on severity; stress fractures require 6-8 weeks of immobilization; bunion surgery recovery is 6-12 weeks. Dr. Biernacki provides specific timelines at your evaluation.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Blue Cross Blue Shield for Highland patients?
Yes — we are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and most major insurance plans. Please call our office to verify your specific plan and coverage for podiatric services before your appointment.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →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.
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.
Ready to get relief? Book an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle or call (810) 206-1402. Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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.