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Quick answer: How to pick podiatrist michigan the right way: 1) prepare the area properly, 2) use the correct technique demonstrated by a podiatrist, 3) avoid the common mistakes that worsen the problem. We see complications in clinic from improper home care. The full step-by-step guide below shows the right method. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
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 and ankle problems affect quality of life profoundly — and choosing the right podiatrist to address them matters. Not all podiatrists have the same training, surgical capabilities, or scope of practice. Knowing what to look for helps Michigan patients make an informed choice and get the care they need efficiently. This guide from Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle explains the key factors to evaluate when selecting a podiatrist in Southeast Michigan.
The most important clinical decision with How To Pick Podiatrist Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Board Certification
The first thing to verify is board certification. Podiatrists are certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) in two certificates: Reconstructive Foot Surgery (RFS) and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (RFAS). ABFAS certification requires passing rigorous written and oral board examinations, submitting case logs, and demonstrating surgical competency. A board-certified podiatrist has met a nationally standardized benchmark of training and knowledge. Board eligibility — a transitional status before completing the exam — indicates the podiatrist has the requisite training but has not yet achieved certification. You can verify a podiatrist’s board status at the ABFAS website (abfas.org). Dr. Biernacki is board-certified in both RFS and RFAS.
Residency Training
Following podiatric medical school (4 years), podiatrists complete a 3-year surgical residency (PMSR/RRA — podiatric medicine and surgery residency with reconstructive rearfoot/ankle certification). A 3-year residency with rearfoot/ankle certification indicates training in complex ankle reconstruction and arthroplasty, not just forefoot procedures. When evaluating a podiatrist for a complex or surgical problem, ask whether they completed a 3-year surgical residency and whether they have fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery — the highest level of subspecialty training in the field.
Scope of Practice
Some podiatrists focus primarily on conservative (non-surgical) care — wound care, nail care, orthotics, and medical management of foot conditions. Others have extensive surgical training and perform everything from simple nail procedures to complex ankle reconstruction. Knowing what you need helps you choose accordingly. If you have a complex biomechanical problem, a diabetic wound, or a condition requiring surgery, look for a podiatrist with surgical training and experience. For routine preventive care or nail management, a conservative-focused podiatrist may be perfectly appropriate.
Patient Reviews and Online Reputation
Online reviews on Google, Healthgrades, and Vitals provide genuine patient experience data. Look for patterns across multiple reviews rather than isolated comments. Consistency in communication quality, wait times, staff responsiveness, and thoroughness of explanation are meaningful signals. A podiatrist with hundreds of 4–5 star reviews is reliably delivering a good patient experience; a handful of reviews doesn’t tell you much either way. Dr. Biernacki consistently maintains a high rating across multiple review platforms with hundreds of verified patient reviews.
Insurance and Accessibility
Insurance participation is a practical consideration. Verify that the podiatrist is in-network for your insurance before scheduling. Ask about appointment availability — same-week access for new patients indicates a practice that prioritizes accessibility. Consider the clinic’s location relative to your home, workplace, and transportation options. A podiatrist with multiple clinic locations serving a broad geographic area — like Balance Foot & Ankle’s Southeast Michigan locations — provides more scheduling flexibility.
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 Township 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 Township
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a DPM and an MD for foot problems?
A DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) is a physician who specializes exclusively in foot and ankle care. A DPM completes 4 years of podiatric medical school plus 3 years of surgical residency training focused entirely on the foot and ankle. An MD or DO orthopedic surgeon who subspecializes in foot and ankle has broader musculoskeletal training but may have less foot-specific experience. For most foot and ankle conditions, a board-certified DPM with surgical training provides equivalent or superior specialist care to an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon.
How do I verify a podiatrist’s credentials in Michigan?
You can verify a Michigan podiatrist’s licensure at the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) online license lookup. Board certification can be confirmed at abfas.org. Hospital privileges — which indicate the podiatrist has undergone credentialing by a hospital medical staff — can also be asked about directly.
Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon for a foot problem?
For the vast majority of foot and ankle conditions — including bunions, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, ankle sprains, hammertoes, diabetic foot care, and ankle instability surgery — a board-certified podiatrist is the most appropriate and efficient specialist. A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon may be preferred for conditions extending significantly above the ankle (tibial shaft fractures, knee-ankle alignment issues) or when a patient has already established care within an orthopedic system. For purely foot-specific problems, a DPM is the foot specialist by training and practice.
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Choosing the right podiatrist sets the foundation for successful treatment. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle to schedule with Dr. Tom Biernacki, board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon serving Southeast Michigan.
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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
Pros & 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 Township. 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 Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
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, 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
How long does this take?
Most home protocols take 5-15 minutes per session. Improvement visible in 2-4 weeks with consistent application.
When should I stop and see a doctor?
Stop and see a podiatrist if you see redness spreading, pus, increased pain, or fever. These signal infection requiring professional care.
Can I do this if I have diabetes?
Diabetic patients should consult a podiatrist before home foot care. Reduced sensation can hide complications.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan offices.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, 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.