Quick answer: Novi Northville Northwest Wayne County Podiatrist Foot Doctor is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
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Expert Podiatric Care for Novi and Northville Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle’s Bloomfield Township location offers convenient access for patients from Novi, Northville, Plymouth, Livonia, and northwest Wayne County communities. Dr. Tom provides comprehensive foot and ankle care with the personal attention of a private practice and the surgical capabilities of a specialty center.
Patients from Novi and Northville appreciate the shorter drive compared to downtown Detroit, the typically prompt appointment availability, and Dr. Tom’s communication style — he takes time to explain diagnoses clearly and present all treatment options so patients can make well-informed decisions.
Conditions and Services
The full scope of podiatric medicine is offered: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, bunions and bunionette correction, hammertoe repair, ingrown toenail management, fungal nail treatment, custom orthotics fabrication, ankle sprains and instability, diabetic foot care, Achilles tendinopathy, flat feet, high arches, stress fractures, neuromas, tarsal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, and surgical consultation for all conditions requiring operative intervention.
Active Communities
Novi and Northville support an extremely active population — the Northville Township trail system, Hines Park in adjacent communities, and numerous fitness facilities throughout the area generate consistent sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Dr. Tom works with runners training for the Detroit Free Press Marathon, cyclists using the Metro Trail system, and competitive youth and adult athletes throughout the Novi and Northville school districts and recreation leagues.
Corporate and Professional Community
Novi’s significant corporate and professional population includes many patients with occupational foot problems — standing on hard floors, dress shoes causing forefoot pain, and commute-related discomfort. Custom orthotics for dress shoes and professional footwear are among the most frequently requested services from Novi and Northville patients. Orthotics can typically be fitted within two weeks and accommodated within most business casual and dress footwear.
Scheduling
Call (810) 206-1402 or book online at michiganfootdoctors.com to schedule at the Bloomfield Township office. Most insurance plans accepted. New patient appointments typically available within one week.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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📞 (810) 206-1402
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
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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 Hills 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 Hills
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.
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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)