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 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, MI — Balance Foot & Ankle’s Howell location offers same-day appointments, accepts most major insurance, and provides both conservative and surgical care under one roof.
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, 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: Dr. Tom Biernacki is the leading foot doctor in Howell, Michigan — serving Livingston County patients at Balance Foot & Ankle’s Howell office with comprehensive podiatric care. Board Certified in foot surgery and fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Biernacki treats the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, sports injuries, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics. Same-week appointments are available for most new Livingston County patients.
Howell, Michigan’s Foot Doctor — Dr. Tom Biernacki
If you’re searching for a foot doctor in Howell, Michigan, Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle is Livingston County’s most experienced and highly trained podiatric specialist. Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, fellowship-trained, and deeply rooted in the Howell community, Dr. Biernacki provides the full range of foot and ankle care for patients of all ages — from youth athletes to senior adults managing chronic conditions.
What a Howell Foot Doctor Treats
At Balance Foot & Ankle’s Howell, Michigan office, patients receive expert care for every major foot and ankle condition. The most common reasons Livingston County residents visit our Howell foot doctor include plantar fasciitis and heel pain (the single most common foot problem we treat), ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability from sports injuries, bunion deformity (hallux valgus) both conservative and surgical, hammertoe pain and correction, ingrown toenails (both in-office treatment and permanent nail surgery), fungal nail infections, Achilles tendinopathy, custom orthotics, and comprehensive diabetic foot care.
Dr. Biernacki performs in-office X-ray, ultrasound imaging, and diagnostic procedures at the Howell location — minimizing referrals and allowing efficient single-visit evaluation and treatment planning for most conditions.
Howell’s Preferred Foot Doctor for Livingston County
Patients choose Dr. Biernacki as their Howell foot doctor because of his comprehensive training, personal approach, and commitment to getting patients back to full function quickly. The Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hamburg Township, Hartland, Pinckney, Fowlerville, and all surrounding Livingston County communities. Online scheduling, extended hours, and streamlined new patient intake make accessing care straightforward.
Call (810) 588-0985 or schedule at michiganfootdoctors.com. Same-week appointments available. Most major insurance plans accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Priority Health, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid for qualifying patients.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission | Podiatrist-Recommended
High-profile biomechanical insole with deep heel cup — widely recommended by podiatrists as the best OTC arch support for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overpronation while patients await custom orthotic evaluation.
Dr. Tom says: “My Howell foot doctor recommended PowerStep Pinnacle as a bridge solution — I’ve actually kept using them alongside my custom orthotics.”
Plantar fasciitis, overpronation, arch pain, temporary OTC support
Patients who need prescription custom orthotics for significant structural deformity
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups
⭐ Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission | Podiatrist-Recommended
Medical-grade silicone heel cup providing cushioning and slight elevation — a useful first-line OTC intervention for plantar fasciitis heel pain while awaiting Dr. Biernacki’s evaluation at our Howell office.
Dr. Tom says: “These heel cups immediately reduced my first-step heel pain while I waited for my podiatrist appointment in Howell.”
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, heel cushioning before orthotics
Patients with flat-arch pronation who need arch support rather than heel cushion alone
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Howell office is directly accessible to all Livingston County communities — no distant travel required
- Board Certified, fellowship-trained expertise typically found only at major academic medical centers
- Full in-office diagnostics including X-ray, ultrasound, and custom orthotics lab
- Same-week appointments for most new Howell area patients
❌ Cons / Risks
- Advanced surgical procedures may be performed at Bloomfield Hills surgical center for certain complex cases
- High demand at Howell office may extend new patient wait time slightly during peak periods
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Being the foot doctor for Howell and Livingston County is something I take seriously. I’ve treated patients here for years — families who’ve been coming to me for the parents, and now their children come in with sports injuries. That continuity matters. When I see a Livingston County patient, I want to solve the problem completely, not just treat the symptom. If that means custom orthotics, surgery, shockwave — whatever it takes to get the right outcome.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best foot doctor in Howell, Michigan?
Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle is Howell, Michigan’s leading foot and ankle specialist — Board Certified in foot surgery, fellowship-trained, and serving Livingston County patients with comprehensive podiatric care. Call (810) 588-0985 or visit michiganfootdoctors.com to schedule.
What does a foot doctor in Howell treat?
Dr. Biernacki’s Howell, Michigan foot doctor practice treats the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions: plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, ankle sprains, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, Achilles tendinopathy, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics. Sports injuries for athletes of all ages are also expertly managed.
How do I get an appointment with the Howell foot doctor?
Call (810) 588-0985 or schedule online at michiganfootdoctors.com. New patient appointments are typically available within 5–7 business days. Urgent cases are accommodated within 24–48 hours. Most major insurance plans are accepted at the Howell location.
Does the Howell foot doctor accept Medicare?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers most medically necessary podiatry services at Balance Foot & Ankle’s Howell office, including nail debridement for systemic conditions, custom orthotics for certain diagnoses, and surgical procedures. Call (810) 588-0985 to verify your specific Medicare coverage before scheduling.
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.
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.
Book Your VisitIn-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.
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.
Related Conditions
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 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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)