★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan
New Patient Offer
Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.
Everything You Need — From Your Very First Visit
In-office X-ray • Ultrasound • MLS Laser • Shockwave • Custom Orthotics • Same-Day Procedures
At Balance Foot & Ankle, we don’t make you wait weeks for answers. Our board-certified podiatrists use advanced in-office technology to diagnose, treat, and start your recovery — often on the same day. Over 1,800 patients trust us each year at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
No referral needed for most plans. We verify your insurance before your visit.
★ 5,000+ Patients/Year ★ 4.9★ Google ★ APMA Members ★ Board-Certified ★ Accepting New Patients
Meet Your Doctors
Board-certified podiatrists and surgeons — accepting new patients now.
✓ Accepting New Patients — Bloomfield Hills
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM
Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon
- Midwestern University – Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine
- Residency: Ascension Genesys Hospital (3-year surgical)
- Fellowship: Bako Integrated Physician Solutions
- Hospital privileges: Ascension Macomb-Oakland & Providence
- Teaching staff: Henry Ford Providence Podiatric Residency
- Member: ACFAS, ABPM, APMA, Michigan Podiatric Medical Association
Dr. Jay is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and partner at Balance Foot & Ankle. After completing his surgical residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center, he practiced in Texas covering trauma call, treating complex wounds, and caring for patients ranging from diabetic limb preservation to sports medicine. Now back in Michigan with his family, Dr. Jay brings years of advanced surgical and clinical experience to every patient.
Specializes in: Bunion and hammertoe surgery, diabetic limb preservation, complex wound care, fracture management, sports injuries, ingrown toenail procedures, heel pain, and comprehensive foot and ankle care for all ages.
Patients love: His thorough explanations, unhurried appointment style, and ability to treat the full spectrum from routine care to complex surgery.
✓ Accepting New Patients — Both Locations
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS
Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon
- Wayne State University (B.S.)
- Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine (DPM, graduated with honors)
- Residency: Mercy Health, Cleveland — trained at Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, VA
- Hospital privileges: Corewell Health, Ascension St. John Hospital
- Associate, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AACFAS)
- Published researcher: Two ACFAS national conference surgical posters
- Bilingual: English and Russian
Dr. Gutkin was born in Moscow, Russia and immigrated to the United States as a child. She graduated from Wayne State University and earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Kent State with honors. Her residency at Mercy Health in Cleveland gave her advanced training across three major hospital systems including the Cleveland Clinic.
Specializes in: Diabetic foot care, foot and ankle trauma, flatfoot reconstruction, wound management, bunion and hammertoe correction, preventive care, and patient education.
Patients love: Her thoroughness, ability to explain complex conditions simply, and genuine compassion.
Limited Availability — High Demand
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Founder, Board-Certified Podiatrist & Surgeon
- Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine (DPM, 2013)
- Residency: Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine (2017)
- Fellowships: 2x traveling fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery
- Founder: Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Biernacki is the founder of Balance Foot & Ankle and one of Michigan’s most respected podiatric surgeons. He has published extensively on foot and ankle care and personally oversees the clinical protocols and technology at both offices.
Specializes in: Complex cases, minimally invasive bunion surgery, advanced wound care, shockwave therapy, and surgical consultations.
Availability: Dr. Biernacki’s schedule is limited due to high demand. For the fastest appointment, book with Dr. Jay or Dr. Gutkin — both trained to the same exacting standards.
In-Office Diagnostics
Answers during your visit — not days later at an imaging center.
📷 Digital X-Ray — Results in Minutes
High-resolution bone and joint imaging performed in our office during your visit. No referral to an imaging center, no waiting days for results. We review images with you in real time.
Time: 5 minutes. Results immediate.
🔍 Diagnostic Ultrasound — See Soft Tissue in Real Time
Visualize tendons, ligaments, plantar fascia, neuromas, and fluid collections without radiation. We also use ultrasound to guide injections for 2–3x greater accuracy than blind injections.
Time: 10 minutes. Results immediate.
Advanced Treatments
Technology most offices don’t offer — available at your first visit.
🔴 MLS Medical Laser Therapy
Multi-wave Locked System laser delivers targeted light energy to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling at the cellular level. FDA-cleared, non-invasive, no downtime. Effective for plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, tendonitis, post-surgical healing, and wound care.
10–15 min/session. Improvement after 2–3 sessions.
💡 EPAT Shockwave Therapy
Acoustic pressure waves stimulate your body’s natural healing response, breaking down scar tissue and promoting new blood vessel growth. Proven for chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs. Research shows 75% pain reduction at 8 weeks.
15–20 min/session. Typically 3–5 sessions total.
🧲 Magnet Massage Therapy
Targeted magnetic pulse therapy combined with therapeutic massage reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, and accelerates recovery. Ideal for chronic foot fatigue, neuropathy-related discomfort, and rehabilitation.
💊 Cortisone & Anti-Inflammatory Injections
Ultrasound-guided injections deliver medication precisely where it’s needed for fast relief from joint inflammation, bursitis, and soft tissue pain. Guided injection = no guesswork.
5 minutes. Relief often begins same day.
Custom Support & Footwear
Fitted in-office so you leave with the right support from day one.
🔢 3D Custom Orthotics
Scanned and fitted during your visit using 3D technology. Corrects biomechanical imbalances, redistributes pressure, and provides support that off-the-shelf insoles cannot.
15-minute fitting. Orthotics delivered within 2–3 weeks.
⚫ Carbon Fiber Insoles
Maximum stabilization in a thin, lightweight profile. For post-surgical recovery, turf toe, stress fractures, and patients requiring rigid support that fits in regular shoes.
🏦 Diabetic Shoes (Medicare Covered)
One pair of therapeutic shoes and three pairs of custom inserts per year — covered by Medicare for qualifying diabetic patients. We handle qualification, fitting, ordering, and paperwork.
Most patients pay $0 out of pocket.
In-Office Procedures
Many conditions treated same day — no hospital, no wait.
Ingrown Toenail Removal
Permanent resolution in a 15-minute in-office procedure with local anesthesia. We use a gentle numbing technique with topical freeze spray before any injection. Most patients tell us the anticipation was worse than the actual procedure. Often performed on the first visit.
Time: 15 minutes. Most feel better by end of day.
Insurance: Covered by most plans.
Medical Pedicure
Medical-grade nail and skin care performed by a podiatrist using sterilized instruments. Ideal for seniors, diabetic patients, and anyone with thick nails, fungal infections, or painful calluses. Safer than a nail salon.
Wound Care
Specialized treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, and non-healing skin breaks. Advanced debridement, offloading, and medical-grade dressings. Our doctors are fellowship-trained in wound management. Early treatment prevents hospitalization.
Time: 30–45 minutes. Often begins first visit.
Gout Attack Treatment
Sudden severe joint pain in your big toe? We provide same-day evaluation, in-office joint aspiration if needed, anti-inflammatory injections, and medication to stop the attack and prevent recurrence.
Time: 15–20 minutes. Call before 11 AM for same-day relief.
Callus, Corn & Wart Treatment
Professional debridement and treatment of painful calluses, corns, and plantar warts. We identify and address the underlying biomechanical cause so they don’t keep returning.
How We Compare
See what you get at Balance Foot & Ankle vs. a typical podiatry office.
| Feature | Balance Foot & Ankle | Typical Office |
|---|---|---|
| In-office digital X-ray | ✓ Yes — same visit | ✗ Referred out |
| Diagnostic ultrasound | ✓ Yes | ✗ Rarely available |
| MLS medical laser | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered |
| Shockwave therapy (EPAT) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered |
| Magnet massage therapy | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered |
| Ultrasound-guided injections | ✓ Yes — 2–3x more precise | ✗ Blind injection |
| 3D custom orthotics fitted same day | ✓ Yes | ✗ Multi-visit process |
| Carbon fiber insoles | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not stocked |
| Medicare diabetic shoes in-office | ✓ Yes — we handle paperwork | ✗ Referred to supplier |
| Ingrown toenail removal (first visit) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Scheduled separately |
| Medical pedicure by podiatrist | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered |
| Wound care (fellowship-trained) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Limited or referred |
| Same-day gout treatment | ✓ Yes | ✗ 1–2 week wait |
| Home visits for homebound patients | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not offered |
| Same-day urgent appointments | ✓ Yes — call before 11 AM | ✗ Usually 1–2 weeks |
| Evening/early appointments | ✓ Available on request | ✗ Standard hours only |
By the Numbers
1,800+
Patients treated annually
4.9★
Average Google rating
Board-Certified Doctors
Most
Insurance Accepted
Board-certified podiatrists
Michigan locations
Insurance Accepted
We accept most major Michigan insurance plans. If you don’t see yours listed, call (810) 206-1402 — we’ll verify your coverage in under 2 minutes.
Medicare & Government Programs
- Medicare (Original/Traditional)
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicaid / Healthy Michigan Plan
- Meridian Health Plan
- Molina Healthcare
- TRICARE / TRICARE For Life
- Tri-West (Veterans Choice)
- Veterans Affairs (VA) — with authorization
Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
- BCBSM — PPO and Traditional
- Blue Care Network (BCN) — HMO
- BCN Advantage
- Medicare Plus Blue
- Blue Cross Complete (Medicaid)
National Carriers
- United Healthcare (UHC)
- Aetna
- Cigna / Evernorth
- Humana
- Oscar Health
Michigan-Based Plans
- Priority Health (HMO & PPO)
- Health Alliance Plan (HAP)
- HAP Senior Plus
- McLaren Health Plan
- Physicians Health Plan (PHP)
- Cofinity / Aetna networks
Other Plans
- Workers’ Compensation
- Auto / No-Fault (PIP) claims
- Christian Health Share Plans
- Ambetter from Meridian
- Paramount Insurance
💰 No Insurance?
We offer transparent self-pay pricing. No surprise bills. Call (810) 206-1402 for current rates.
❓ Do I Need a Referral?
- PPO plans & Medicare: No referral needed.
- BCN HMO: Referral from PCP may be required.
- Medicaid/Meridian: May require authorization.
- Not sure? Call (810) 206-1402 — we check.
Your First Visit
About 30–45 minutes total. You leave with answers and often treatment already started.
What to Expect
Check in (5 min): Bring your ID and insurance card. That’s it.
Meet your doctor (5 min): Review your symptoms and medical history.
Examination (10–15 min): Hands-on evaluation. In-office X-ray or ultrasound if needed — results in minutes.
Diagnosis & plan (10 min): Your doctor explains what’s happening, shows you imaging, discusses options. No jargon.
Treatment begins: Many conditions start treatment same day — laser, shockwave, injections, ingrown toenail removal, orthotic fitting, diabetic shoe fitting.
♿ Accessibility & Comfort
- Howell: Ground-floor, no stairs, free parking at door
- Bloomfield Hills: Elevator to Suite 208, free parking
- Both offices: Wheelchair accessible
- Curbside assistance available on request
- In-home visits for homebound patients across Southeast Michigan
⌛ Appointment Availability
- Urgent/same-day: Call before 11 AM for infections, fractures, severe pain, gout, diabetic emergencies
- Next-day: Most non-urgent within 1–2 business days
- Standard: Routine care within 1 week
- Early/late hours: Available on request
What Our Patients Say
★★★★★
“Doctor Biernacki was my second opinion as another doctor had me in a boot for weeks. He confirmed it was NOT a stress fracture and had me running that day!”
— Yelp Review
★★★★★
“I’ve struggled with bunion pain for years, but Dr. Biernacki and his team helped me walk comfortably again. The staff was patient and kind.”
— Google Review
★★★★★
“After my diabetic foot check, I finally understood how to care for my feet properly. The podiatrist was thorough and explained everything in simple terms.”
— Google Review
★★★★★
“In less than 20 minutes Tom Biernacki completely cured the painful and itchy athlete’s foot that had plagued me for 10 years. I am not joking.”
— Yelp Review
★★★★★
“Amazingly thorough! Astoundingly effective results! If you’re in their area — they need to be your people!!!”
— Verified Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? We probably have the answer.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
How much does a podiatrist visit cost?
Does Medicare cover podiatrist visits?
How long is the first appointment?
Can I choose which doctor I see?
Do you treat children?
Can I get a second opinion?
What if I’m afraid of needles or procedures?
What should I bring to my first visit?
Do you accept workers’ compensation or auto injury claims?
Our Locations
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River, Howell, MI 48843
Mon–Fri 8 AM – 5 PM • Free parking directly outside
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Mon–Fri 8 AM – 5 PM • Free parking available
Your feet deserve expert care.
Book your first visit today. Same-week and same-day appointments available.
Most insurance accepted • Medicare welcome • No surprise bills
🧦 Dr. Tom’s Pick: DASS Medical Compression Socks
Medical-grade 15-20 mmHg graduated compression. DASS socks are the brand I recommend most to patients with swollen feet, poor circulation, and post-surgery recovery. Graduated compression means tightest at the ankle, gradually releasing up the leg — promoting upward venous blood flow.
View DASS Compression Socks on Amazon →
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.
Ready to Get Started?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Common Conditions We Treat
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentExplore Balance Foot & Ankle
Serving Patients Across Southeast Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care from two convenient locations. Our Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, and throughout Livingston County. Our Bloomfield Hills office serves Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Township, Novi, and Walled Lake across Oakland County.
Your Expert Podiatrists
Board-certified care at both Michigan locations
Book your visit today
Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (248) 335-0322