Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle serves Ann Arbor Michigan patients with expert podiatric care from Dr. Tom Biernacki — board-certified podiatric surgeon. Ann Arbor’s highly educated, health-conscious population — including University of Michigan students and faculty, medical professionals, and active outdoor enthusiasts — expects evidence-based podiatric care with clear communication and excellent outcomes. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, PRP injections, and minimally invasive surgery. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week appointments.
Ann Arbor’s Foot & Ankle Specialist
Ann Arbor, Michigan — home to the University of Michigan, one of the world’s great research universities — demands healthcare that meets the highest evidence-based standards. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle delivers exactly that for Ann Arbor’s foot and ankle patients: precise diagnosis grounded in clinical evidence, treatment options presented with honest assessment of risks and outcomes, and surgical results that reflect subspecialty training and experience.
Ann Arbor’s diverse patient population — UM students and faculty, Michigan Medicine staff, technology professionals, Huron River District outdoor enthusiasts, and competitive athletes — represents every type of foot and ankle condition. Dr. Biernacki’s 4.9-star rating across 1,100+ verified patient reviews reflects consistent delivery on Ann Arbor’s high healthcare expectations.
Conditions We Treat for Ann Arbor Patients
Running injuries — Ann Arbor’s running community — from UM track athletes to Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon participants to Huron River trail runners — generates significant plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendinopathy. Advanced shockwave therapy and PRP resolve chronic injuries that have failed standard treatment.
Bunion correction — Ann Arbor patients commonly seek MICA minimally invasive bunionectomy — a modern, evidence-based approach with faster recovery and smaller scars than traditional open surgery. Conservative orthotic management for patients managing without surgery.
Diabetic foot care — Comprehensive annual preventive exams, therapeutic footwear, and urgent wound management. Medicare covers annual diabetic foot exams for qualifying patients in Washtenaw County.
Custom orthotics — 3D-scanned prescription devices designed for running shoes, casual footwear, and professional environments. Particularly popular among Ann Arbor’s professional and academic community.
Ankle instability and sports injuries — UM athletics, club sports, and recreational leagues produce ankle sprains, ligament injuries, and overuse conditions. Evidence-based management and return-to-sport clearance documentation available.
Regenerative medicine — PRP and amniotic tissue injections for chronic tendon and ligament injuries refractory to standard conservative care. Ann Arbor’s medically literate population appreciates the evidence base for biologics.
Why Ann Arbor Patients Choose Dr. Biernacki
Ann Arbor patients have high healthcare expectations — and they research their providers before making appointments. Dr. Biernacki welcomes that scrutiny. His practice is built on transparency: detailed explanation of imaging findings, honest discussion of surgical indications versus conservative alternatives, and realistic outcome expectations. We accept BCBS of Michigan, Aetna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, and Medicare. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-week appointment.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Altra Escalante 3 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Zero-drop, foot-shaped running shoe with natural toe splay — popular among Ann Arbor biomechanically-aware runners who prefer natural foot positioning.
Dr. Tom says: “A great option for Ann Arbor runners transitioning toward natural gait with proper toe box room.”
Runners wanting natural foot shape, wide toe box, zero drop transition
Runners with significant overpronation or heel pain needing cushion and support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Multi-density foam roller for calf, Achilles, and plantar fascia soft tissue mobilization — essential recovery tool for Ann Arbor’s high-volume running and athletic community.
Dr. Tom says: “Daily foam rolling of the calf is one of the most evidence-based home strategies for plantar fasciitis prevention and Achilles health.”
Plantar fasciitis prevention, Achilles recovery, runner soft tissue maintenance
Acute post-surgical — wait for clearance before foam rolling
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Evidence-based podiatric care matching Ann Arbor’s high medical standards
- Advanced shockwave therapy and PRP for Ann Arbor’s active running community
- MICA minimally invasive bunion surgery with faster recovery
- Transparent communication with full explanation of diagnosis and treatment options
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive to our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office required for Ann Arbor patients
- Complex ankle reconstruction cases may require hospital-based surgical facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Ann Arbor patients are sophisticated — they’ve often done significant research before their appointment, they have specific questions, and they want real answers. I appreciate that. My approach with Ann Arbor patients is the same as with every patient: thorough evaluation, clear explanation of findings, honest discussion of options. I never push surgery when conservative care is appropriate, and I never delay surgical recommendation when the evidence supports it. That transparency is what builds the trust that makes good patient outcomes possible.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balance Foot & Ankle near Ann Arbor?
Our Howell office serves Ann Arbor-area patients and is accessible via I-96 West from Ann Arbor in approximately 25–35 minutes. Call (810) 206-1402 to confirm the most convenient office location.
Can Dr. Biernacki treat University of Michigan students and athletes?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki treats collegiate athletes and university community patients for ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and other foot and ankle conditions. He provides return-to-sport documentation as needed.
Does Dr. Biernacki offer regenerative medicine options like PRP?
Yes. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are available for chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other tendon and ligament conditions. This evidence-based biologic treatment is a non-surgical option for patients seeking alternatives to cortisone or surgery.
What insurance plans does Balance Foot & Ankle accept for Ann Arbor patients?
We accept BCBS of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, McLaren, and Medicare. Most Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County employer plans are covered. Call to verify your specific plan.
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 →
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)