Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Howell Charter Township Michigan Foot Doctor can significantly impact your daily life and mobility. Our Michigan podiatrists provide expert evaluation and evidence-based treatment — from conservative care to minimally invasive procedures — to relieve your symptoms and restore function. Same-day appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI.
For a foot doctor in Howell Charter Township, MI — Balance Foot & Ankle’s Howell location offers same-day appointments and accepts most major insurance plans.
You’re in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what a foot doctor in Howell Charter Township, MI means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle is located within or adjacent to Howell Charter Township — one of the most convenient podiatric practices for township residents. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle care including heel pain, toenail fungus, custom orthotics, sports injuries, and diabetic foot management. Most insurance accepted — same-week appointments available.
Related Conditions
In This Article
- Your Neighborhood Foot & Ankle Specialist
- Everything We Treat for Howell Township Patients
- The Central Livingston County Podiatric Hub
- Scheduling and Insurance
- Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Foot pain?
- Symptoms and warning signs
- Conservative treatment options
- When is surgery considered?
- Recovery timeline and prevention
Your Neighborhood Foot & Ankle Specialist
Howell Charter Township surrounds Howell city and represents the heart of central Livingston County. Balance Foot & Ankle is located directly within the greater Howell area — making Dr. Tom Biernacki one of the most conveniently accessible podiatric specialists for Howell Charter Township residents. No long drives, no large health system waits. Expert foot and ankle care close to home.
Everything We Treat for Howell Township Patients
Dr. Biernacki provides full-spectrum podiatric care for Howell Charter Township patients: plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, ingrown and fungal toenails, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, custom orthotics, diabetic foot care, ankle sprains and instability, flat feet, sports injuries, skin and nail infections, and surgical consultation for complex conditions. Most diagnostic and treatment needs are addressed during the initial visit with on-site X-ray and ultrasound.
The Central Livingston County Podiatric Hub
Our Howell location serves as the podiatric hub for all of Livingston County — from Brighton in the southeast to Fowlerville in the east, from Pinckney in the southwest to Cohoctah in the north. Howell Charter Township patients enjoy the shortest possible commute to this central location and benefit from the full range of podiatric services available at our main office.
Scheduling and Insurance
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, and several Medicaid managed care plans. New patient appointments are typically available within the week. Urgent cases are seen same-day or next-day when possible. Online scheduling is available or call our office directly.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insole
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Dr. Biernacki’s most recommended OTC orthotic for Howell-area patients with plantar fasciitis. Superior arch support and motion control at a fraction of custom orthotic cost.
Dr. Tom says: “These helped my plantar fasciitis while my custom orthotics were being made. Dr. Biernacki approved them for the interim period.”
Plantar fasciitis, flat arches, mild overpronation, general arch support
Severe structural deformity requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Copper Compression Ankle Brace
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Mild ankle compression sleeve for daily ankle pain management. Used by many Howell-area patients for Achilles soreness, mild ankle arthritis, and post-activity swelling management.
Dr. Tom says: “I wear this every day after my physical therapy sessions. Dr. Biernacki approved it for my mild ankle arthritis management between appointments.”
Mild ankle pain, Achilles soreness, arthritis, post-activity swelling
Structural ankle instability or acute sprains requiring rigid bracing
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Located within the greater Howell area — minimal commute for charter township residents
- Full spectrum of podiatric services including diabetic care and surgical consultation
- On-site X-ray and ultrasound — most needs met in one visit
- Accepts all major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid programs
❌ Cons / Risks
- Appointment wait may extend during high-demand periods
- Complex surgical cases require partner surgical facility
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Howell Charter Township is home base for us — I want every patient in the greater Howell area to know that expert podiatric care is right here in their community, and that they don’t need to drive an hour for quality foot and ankle care.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell Charter Township or Howell City?
We’re located in the greater Howell area serving both the city and charter township community. Call or check our website for the exact address and directions.
Do you see patients on the same day for urgent problems?
Yes — we prioritize urgent cases including infected wounds, acute fractures, and severe pain. Call our office first thing in the morning for the best chance at same-day access.
What types of surgeries can you perform locally?
Minor procedures are performed directly at our office. Complex surgical cases are performed at partner surgical facilities in the Livingston County area — no need to travel to Ann Arbor or Detroit.
Do you offer diabetic foot monitoring programs?
Yes — we have quarterly preventive monitoring programs for diabetic patients to detect early problems before they become limb-threatening. Call to discuss setting up a preventive care schedule.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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.
Foot pain typically responds best to early podiatrist evaluation, conservative treatments such as supportive footwear and targeted physical therapy, and—when needed—custom orthotics or in-office procedures. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting a structured treatment plan. Schedule an evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office for a clinical assessment.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle issues, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist if: foot or ankle pain has lasted more than 2–4 weeks without improvement, you’re changing your gait to avoid pain, you have an open wound or sore that isn’t healing, you notice nail discoloration or thickening, you have diabetes and any foot concern, or pain is severe enough to wake you at night. Most foot conditions are easier and cheaper to treat early — what starts as a minor issue can become a surgical problem with months of delay.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?
Podiatrists (DPM — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) have broader musculoskeletal training but variable foot/ankle subspecialization. For foot and ankle-specific problems, a podiatrist often has more focused training and experience. For injuries involving the leg above the ankle, complex pediatric cases, or multi-level reconstruction, orthopedic consultation may be appropriate. We frequently co-manage patients with orthopedic colleagues.
How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
Signs that warrant same-day or next-day evaluation: severe pain that appeared suddenly without clear cause, swelling, redness, and warmth that appeared suddenly (possible gout, infection, or Charcot fracture), an open wound that looks infected (redness spreading, pus, warmth), inability to bear weight, or any foot problem in a diabetic patient. Pain that’s been present for weeks and is stable is important but not an emergency — schedule within 1–2 weeks.
Can foot problems cause back and knee pain?
Yes — this is a kinetic chain effect. Abnormal foot mechanics (overpronation, supination, leg length discrepancy) cause compensatory changes in knee, hip, and lumbar alignment. Roughly 30% of patients presenting to our clinic with knee pain have a treatable foot-level biomechanical cause. Correcting foot mechanics with orthotics or appropriate footwear often provides significant knee and back relief. If you have chronic knee or back pain and haven’t had your foot mechanics evaluated, it’s worth a consult.
Are orthotics worth it?
For the right conditions, yes — custom orthotics are among the most cost-effective interventions in podiatry. They’re most effective for: plantar fasciitis, flat feet with secondary knee/back pain, leg length discrepancy, metatarsalgia, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and diabetic foot pressure management. Quality OTC orthotics ($35–60) resolve symptoms for 60% of patients with mild-to-moderate conditions. Custom orthotics are appropriate when OTC options have failed or when the biomechanical problem is complex. We cast custom orthotics in-office.
How do I choose the right running shoes?
Start with your foot type (flat, neutral, high arch) and running pattern (overpronator, neutral, supinator). Flat feet and overpronators do best in stability or motion-control shoes. Neutral feet do well in neutral-cushioned shoes. High arches need maximum cushioning with flexible soles. Always buy running shoes at the end of the day (foot swelling peaks then), get properly fitted by a specialist, and replace every 300–500 miles. If you’ve been injured repeatedly, a gait analysis can identify the mechanical flaw driving your injury pattern.
What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
A sprain is a ligament injury (the tissue connecting bones); a fracture is a break in the bone itself. Both can occur with the same trauma (ankle roll, fall). The old test — ‘if you can walk, it’s not broken’ — is wrong; many fractures are initially weight-bearable. Key differences: a fracture typically produces localized bone tenderness along the bone itself, while a sprain is tender over the ligament. X-ray is the standard to differentiate. High-grade sprains without proper treatment can be as disabling as fractures.
How do I prevent foot and ankle injuries?
The four most impactful prevention strategies: (1) Supportive, appropriately fitted footwear for your foot type and activity. (2) Gradual activity progression — the 10% rule (never increase weekly mileage or intensity by more than 10%). (3) Regular calf and ankle mobility work. (4) Strengthening the posterior tibial tendon, peroneals, and intrinsic foot muscles. Most overuse injuries are preventable; most acute injuries are not — but ankle sprain recurrence (60–70% without rehab) is prevented by balance and proprioception training.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.