Quick answer: Oak Park Michigan Podiatrist affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Oak Park Michigan Podiatrist relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
Oak Park Michigan Podiatrist & Foot Doctor: Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists!
Your BEST choice for Podiatrist in Oak Park Michigan: We have you covered at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists of Oakland County!
Look!
- If you need help with your toenail, foot or ankle problem FAST we can help!
- We have late hours, home visits, telehealth and flexible booking.
- Let us know how we can HELP!
The Best Oak Park Michigan Podiatrists:
- We want to be your choice for the top podiatrist in Oak Park Michigan!
- We are your choice for the best board certified podiatrist and board certified foot doctor in Michigan.
Conditions We Treat in Oak Park Michigan:
- Toenail Fungus.
- Ingrown Toenails.
- Ball of the Foot Pain.
- Outside of the Foot Pain.
- Bottom of the Foot Pain.
- Heel Pain.
- Ankle Pain.
- Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Infections.
- Broken Foot or Ankle Bones.
- Wound Care & Foot Ulcers.
Services We Provide:
- Sports Medicine Podiatrist Care.
- Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery.
- Minimally Invasive Bunion & Hammer Toe Surgery.
- Diabetic Podiatrist Care.
- Mobile Podiatrist Home Care & House Calls.
- Pediatric Podiatrist & Children’s Podiatrist Care.
- Podiatrist Telehealth.
- Wound Care & Foot Ulcers.
Book An Appointment
Book a NO obligation consultation at our southeast Michigan location: Book An Appointment
Oak Park Michigan Podiatrist & Foot Doctor: Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists!
Do live near Oak Park Michigan? If you need a podiatrist very top choice!
- See why thousands of people have trusted us with their foot and ankle needs for their toenail fungus, third toe pain, they are ingrown toenails, there are foot pain in the ankle pain.
- We have podiatrists that can help!
- If you have heel pain or plantar fasciitis pain, gets have not helped from our board-certified podiatrists. We can talk to you about shockwave therapy, injections, surgery, custom orthotics or the best type of shoes!
- We have an in office surgical suite and we can help with bunion surgery, hammertoe surgery bone spur surgery and bone spur surgery.
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.
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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
Frequently Asked Questions?
Q: What is a podiatrist?
A: Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, DPM. Podiatrists are also known as podiatric physicians, foot doctors, or podiatric surgeons. Podiatrists often diagnose and treat the foot, ankle, and other related structures of the leg.
Podiatrists receive similar training that other doctors complete. They complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training.
The podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists have received extra training such as fellowships beyond residency and board certifications by the board of foot and ankle surgery and the board of podiatric medicine.
Q: Do podiatrists accept insurance?
Yes, podiatrists do except insurance. We set most major insurance plans as podiatrists and foot doctors. This includes Medicare, Medicare plus blue, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, Aetna health. Humana, Blue Care Network, Oscar Health.
Q: Is toenail trimming covered by insurance?
Yes, this service may be covered for people with help issues that cannot help themselves. If your foot is in pain or has a health issue, a podiatrist is recommended to evaluate you, and this is a covered option.
If you have foot pain, please call our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with our podiatrists to assess your eligibility for foot care.
Q: Are ingrown toenails covered by insurance?
Yes, ingrown toenails are covered by insurance. Don’t wait to come in if you have a toe infection or a foot infection. Let us help!
Q: What parts of the body do podiatrists treat?
A: Podiatrists in Michigan are licensed to treat the foot, ankle, and lower leg below the knee.
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in toenail problems, toe problems, foot problems, heel problems, ankle problems, minimally invasive surgery, advanced diagnostic techniques, and advanced treatment options. We pride ourselves on being your choice for all foot and ankle problems!
Q: When should I call a podiatrist for an appointment?
A: No pain is normal, especially if it has been going on for longer than one week. This means that most insurance plans will cover a visit if you feel you have a problem developing with your feet.
The longer you wait, the more serious the pain may become. This can potentially lead to hospitalization or further foot problems.
It would help if you had it evaluated and treated to avoid long-term problems.
Q: What are corns and calluses?
A: Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin. Development of corn and callouses occur when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure.
The most common areas of development are on your feet and toes. If corns and calluses are causing you discomfort, you should seek treatment. We provide treatment for these somewhat unsightly painful conditions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Q: Does insurance cover the treatment of corns and calluses:
If you feel you have a foot problem that you cannot take care of on your own, and evaluation and diagnosis are covered. We provide a no-obligation consultation to let you know if this is the case for you. In general, foot pain and a painful lesion for the foot have covered the visit.
Q: What is a Hammertoe?
A: A Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.
We provide advanced imaging such as ultrasound and digital X-rays to diagnose immediately in the office.
This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing painful problems.
Conservative and surgical treatment options are available for the treatment of Hammertoes.
Q: What causes heel pain?
A: Typically, heel pain is not caused by one single incident or injury. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, which can lead to long-term pain that may one day require surgical treatment if not corrected.
Repetitive stress/pounding of the heel can cause heel pain.
Other common causes can include inflammation of the plantar fascia, inflammation of the back of the heel, inflammation of the heel pad, progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon, or a stress fracture caused by repetitive stress to the heel.
Q: What are orthotics or insoles?
A: Orthotics or insoles are custom foot supports that replace the over-the-counter supports that come in shoes you buy off the shelf at the store. These are designed to hug your foot more efficiently than over-the-counter products to significantly aid in balancing the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs.
Q: How can you tell if you have an infected ingrown toenail?
A: You may have an infected ingrown toenail if there are any signs of redness, swelling, pain, and drainage, such as puss coming from the area.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your podiatric physician immediately.
Q: What is plantar fasciitis?
A: The plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.
- This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes. It is responsible for creating the arch in your foot.
- Plantar Fascitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Q: Does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes and inserts?
A: Medicare will cover diabetic shoes and inserts with some patients.
- Patients must meet and have specific qualifying conditions that must be verified by the Physician managing their diabetes.
- If you have diabetes, you should have an annual foot evaluation performed by a foot doctor or podiatrist to determine if you are eligible for this benefit through Medicare and/or other insurance carriers.
Related Treatment Guides
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPros & 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 Hills. 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 Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
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.