Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions across Southeast Michigan — but the most important factor in outcomes isn’t getting seen quickly. Our podiatrists explain what to do in the first 24-48 hours before your appointment that most patients skip entirely. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Alma Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Care for Alma, Michigan Residents
Alma is a city of approximately 9,000 residents in Gratiot County, located at the intersection of US-127 and M-46 along the Pine River. Home to Alma College, Gratiot County’s diverse employment base — including agricultural processing, manufacturing, and service industries — Alma serves as the region’s commercial and healthcare hub alongside Ithaca. Residents of Alma and the surrounding Gratiot County communities have access to comprehensive podiatric care through Balance Foot & Ankle and Dr. Tom Biernacki.
Foot Conditions Treated for Alma-Area Patients
Alma’s mix of college-age students, working adults, and older retirees creates a varied podiatric patient population. Common conditions evaluated from the Alma area include:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — the most prevalent adult foot condition. Agricultural processing workers, retail employees, and older adults with degenerative heel changes all benefit from orthotics, stretching protocols, and injection therapy.
- Student and athlete foot injuries — Alma College athletic programs generate ankle sprains, stress fractures, and overuse tendon injuries in young active patients. Sports medicine-focused podiatric evaluation and return-to-sport planning.
- Diabetic foot care — preventive and therapeutic care for Gratiot County’s diabetic population, including annual foot exams, sensory testing, wound management, and diabetic footwear.
- Bunions and hammertoes — evaluated and managed conservatively; surgical consultation when conservative measures fail.
- Ingrown and fungal toenails — in-office treatment including permanent solutions for chronic ingrown nails.
- Custom orthotics — prescribed for biomechanical conditions, work demands, and sport-specific needs.
About Alma, Michigan
Founded in 1853, Alma grew as a commercial and educational center along the Pine River. Alma College (founded 1887) is a small liberal arts institution that brings a consistent student and faculty population to the community. The city’s industrial history includes significant refinery and manufacturing operations. Today, Alma serves as a retail and professional services hub for central Gratiot County, accessible via US-127 from the north and south.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Alma
Patients from Alma traveling to Balance Foot & Ankle typically route south on US-127 to I-69 east, then to the Genesee County clinic. Drive time is approximately 55–65 minutes. Telehealth consultation is available for initial non-urgent evaluations and follow-up visits. Our scheduling team will confirm the closest clinic location and most convenient time for Gratiot County patients.
Insurance and Access
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. No referral required. Same-week appointments typically available. Book online or call during business hours.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium stability running shoe with GEL cushioning and structured support. Widely recommended by podiatrists for plantar fasciitis, flat foot, and overpronation in recreational runners.
Dr. Tom says: “I’ve been in the Kayano for three years since my podiatrist recommended it — my plantar fasciitis is completely under control.”
Running, flat foot, plantar fasciitis, overpronation
Stability category — may be too rigid for patients with high arches who need neutral cushioning
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Strassburg Sock Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
⭐ Highly Rated
Lightweight sock-style night splint that maintains the foot in gentle dorsiflexion during sleep, preventing plantar fascia contracture overnight. Highly effective for morning first-step heel pain.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended this instead of the hard plastic splint — much easier to sleep in and my morning heel pain reduced dramatically.”
Plantar fasciitis first-step morning pain, overnight plantar fascia stretch
Takes 1–2 weeks of consistent nightly use for full benefit; some patients find any night splint uncomfortable initially
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Comprehensive podiatric care accessible to Alma and Gratiot County residents without requiring travel to Lansing or Flint
- Sports medicine approach for student-athletes from Alma College and surrounding athletic programs
- Telehealth option reduces travel for non-urgent evaluations and follow-up care
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive time from Alma is 55–65 minutes to the Genesee County clinic — telehealth reduces burden for non-urgent needs
- Complex wounds or vascular interventions may require Sparrow Specialty Hospital (Lansing) or Covenant Healthcare (Saginaw) coordination
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Alma is a great community — a college town, agricultural hub, and manufacturing base all in one. The foot health needs there are diverse: athletes getting stressed fractures, workers getting heel pain, older residents managing diabetic feet and bunions. I appreciate when Gratiot County patients make the drive to see me, and I always aim to make that visit as comprehensive and efficient as possible. Most patients leave with a diagnosis, a treatment plan, and often same-day treatment — injection, orthotics scan, nail procedure — in one visit.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a foot doctor near Alma Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle serves Alma and Gratiot County from its Genesee County location, approximately 55–65 minutes south. Telehealth consultations are also available for non-urgent initial evaluations and follow-up care.
Can college athletes see a podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki evaluates and treats student-athletes for all foot and ankle conditions including stress fractures, ankle sprains, tendinopathy, and overuse injuries. Return-to-sport planning and sports-specific orthotics are available.
How do I schedule an appointment from Alma Michigan?
Call our office during business hours or book online 24/7. Same-week appointments are typically available for new patients. Let our staff know you’re traveling from Gratiot County and they will schedule efficiently to minimize your round trip.
What if I need a foot x-ray?
Digital weight-bearing x-rays are available in our clinic at no separate facility fee. Most foot conditions requiring imaging can be fully evaluated and treated in a single visit without hospital radiology referral.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →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.
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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.