★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Board-Certified Michigan Podiatrists
About Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan’s Most Trusted Podiatric Practice
Three board-certified podiatric surgeons. 950K+ YouTube subscribers. 1,123+ five-star reviews. Balance Foot & Ankle serves Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan — the most trusted name in foot and ankle care.
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your Appointment4.9★ · 1,123+ Reviews · Board-Certified Podiatrists
Expert Foot & Ankle Care You Can Trust
Three board-certified podiatrists. Two Michigan locations. One mission: get you back on your feet — without the runaround.
Book Your Appointment
or call
(810) 206-1402
Accepting New Patients
Same-Day Appointments
Most Insurance Accepted
Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Meet Your Podiatrists
Three experienced, board-certified doctors — each dedicated to getting you back on your feet.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Founder · 15+ Years Experience
Board-certified podiatric surgeon specializing in advanced foot & ankle care, minimally invasive surgery, and diabetic wound management. Double valedictorian. 3,000+ surgeries.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM
Board-Certified · Same-Week Availability
Trusted general podiatric care specializing in foot and ankle pain management, injuries, and chronic conditions. Known for gentle treatment techniques and personalized care plans.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM
AACFAS · English & Russian
Attentive foot and ankle care for a many conditions, with an emphasis on preventive care and patient education to support healthy, active lifestyles.
Our Story
Balance Foot & Ankle was founded with one simple mission: provide exceptional foot and ankle care in a patient-first environment.
Dr. Tom Biernacki saw a growing need for specialized foot care in Michigan communities. After years of practicing in busy healthcare systems, he realized that many patients were not getting the personalized attention and advanced treatments they deserved.
Driven by the vision of a clinic where innovation meets individualized care, he opened Balance Foot & Ankle with a strong foundation in minimally invasive surgery, sports injury recovery, and diabetic foot care.
From day one, the practice combined current-generation technology — shockwave therapy, advanced imaging, MLS laser — with a warm, friendly team that treats every patient like family.
Today, Balance Foot & Ankle serves communities across Michigan from offices in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Our core values remain unchanged: your health, comfort, and quality of life come first. Whether it’s relieving chronic pain or preventing future issues, we’re honored to be part of your journey.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Same-day appointments often available · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Book Your Appointment
or call
(810) 206-1402
What We Treat
From routine foot care to advanced reconstructive surgery — comprehensive treatment for every foot and ankle condition.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Bunions
Ingrown Toenails
Hammertoes
Diabetic Foot Care
Wound Care
Corns & Calluses
Fractures
View All Conditions →
Insurance & Payment
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, Priority Health, HAP, and most commercial PPO/HMO plans.
Not sure if we accept yours? Call us — we’ll verify your benefits before your appointment at no charge.
View Full Insurance & Pricing Details →
Advanced Technology
Our offices are equipped with the latest in podiatric technology: EPAT shockwave therapy, MLS laser therapy, EMTT magnetotransduction, digital X-rays, 3D custom orthotic scanning, and PRP injections.
We invest in advanced diagnostics and treatments so you get better outcomes with less downtime.
Two Convenient Locations
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Get Directions →
(810) 206-1402
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Get Directions →
(810) 206-1402
Your Feet Deserve Expert Care
Join 1,123+ patients who trust Balance Foot & Ankle.
Schedule Your Appointment
or call
(810) 206-1402
“From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel at ease. Dr. Biernacki took the time to explain everything and I never felt rushed. This is what healthcare should be.”
— Jennifer M., New Patient
Meet Our Team & Explore
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
Why Balance Foot & Ankle Exists
In 2020, Dr. Tom Biernacki made a decision that would reshape podiatric care in Michigan. After years of practicing in hospital systems, he watched too many patients leave appointments confused, rushed, and dismissed. Fifteen-minute visits. Generic answers. No time to explain the why.
He believed patients deserved better. So he left hospital employment to build a practice where every visit starts with a real conversation. Where digital X-rays are reviewed with the patient, not at them. Where “I don’t know” is an honest answer and the starting point for real care.
That philosophy attracted Dr. Carl Jay, a fellowship-trained reconstructive surgeon whose colleagues now refer their most complex cases to him. And Dr. Daria Gutkin, whose patients describe her as having “the gentlest hands in Michigan podiatry.”
Today, Balance Foot & Ankle serves patients from two Michigan locations — Howell and Bloomfield Hills. But the mission has not changed: take time, explain clearly, treat every foot like it belongs to someone you love.
A Practice Built on Outcomes
Three Board-Certified Podiatrists, One Patient-First Philosophy
Every doctor at Balance Foot & Ankle shares the same belief: patients deserve time, explanation, and a plan they actually understand.
Dr. Biernacki left hospital employment in 2020 to build Balance Foot & Ankle. He believed every patient deserves a doctor who takes time to listen, explain, and answer every question. His YouTube channel reaches 950K+ subscribers with 156M+ views.
View Bio →When other podiatrists encounter a case too complex for their training, they refer to Dr. Jay. His fellowship in advanced reconstruction prepared him for the surgeries that require the highest level of precision.
View Bio →Patients who are nervous about foot procedures specifically request Dr. Gutkin because of her reputation for gentle, painless care. She believes no patient should ever dread a visit.
View Bio →Practice Milestones
Trusted by 950K+ YouTube Subscribers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s YouTube channel has become one of the most-watched podiatry education resources in the world — 156 million+ video views teaching patients everything from plantar fasciitis stretches to surgical decision-making. No other Michigan practice offers this depth of free patient education.
Visit Our YouTube Channel →Ready to Experience the Difference?
Most new patients seen within the same week. Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations.
Join the Balance Foot & Ankle Family
Three board-certified podiatrists. Two convenient Michigan locations. One commitment: getting you back on your feet.
About Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
Learn about our board-certified podiatric surgeons, our commitment to advanced techniques like Lapiplasty® and MLS laser, and why patients from across Michigan choose Balance Foot & Ankle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are your offices located?
We have two convenient locations: Howell at 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 — and Bloomfield Hills at 43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302. Both offices offer the same full range of services. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at either location.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, Humana, and most major commercial insurance plans. We also offer transparent cash-pay pricing for uninsured patients. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your specific benefits.
What makes Balance Foot & Ankle different from other podiatry practices?
Our team includes fellowship-trained surgeons, a doctor with 950K+ YouTube subscribers educating patients on foot health, advanced technology (Lapiplasty®, MLS laser, 3D orthotics, EPAT), and a commitment to same-week appointments and transparent pricing. We treat patients like we treat family.
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.
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 Visit