Foot pain doesn’t have to be your normal. Balance Foot & Ankle was built on a simple idea: patients deserve a podiatrist who listens, explains the “why,” and treats the cause — not just the symptom.
Who we are
Balance Foot & Ankle is a board-certified podiatry practice serving Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Our three foot-and-ankle specialists — Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin — care for patients across Livingston and Oakland County, from heel pain and bunions to diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and advanced reconstructive surgery.
Why the practice exists
Too many patients told us the same story: rushed visits, vague advice to “just rest it,” and no real explanation of what was wrong. We built Balance Foot & Ankle to be the opposite — unhurried appointments, a clear diagnosis in plain English, and a treatment plan you actually understand before you leave. Conservative options come first; surgery is recommended only when it is genuinely the best path.
By the numbers
- 3,000+ foot and ankle surgeries performed
- 4.9★ average from 1,123+ verified Google reviews
- 960K+ subscribers on Dr. Tom’s educational YouTube channel
- Two Michigan offices — Howell and Bloomfield Township
- Same-week appointments, most insurance accepted
What we believe
- Listen first. No rushed visits.
- Explain the why, not just the what.
- Conservative care before surgery, always.
- Be clear on cost — we verify your benefits and tell you your copay up front.
Meet your podiatrists
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS
Double board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with more than 3,000 surgeries performed and 960K+ subscribers on his educational YouTube channel. Dr. Tom is known for explaining the why, not just the what. Read Dr. Tom’s full bio →
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM
Board-certified and fellowship-trained in advanced foot and ankle reconstruction — the surgeon other surgeons refer their toughest cases to. Read Dr. Jay’s full bio →
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM
Board-certified, with a reputation for gentle, compassionate care — patients often say she is the gentlest podiatrist they have seen, with zero rushed visits. Read Dr. Gutkin’s full bio →
Credentials & hospital affiliations
Our surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS), and members of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association. They hold surgical privileges with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health.
Visit us
Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Bloomfield Township: 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Both offices open Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM. Same-week appointments available — most insurance accepted.