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
Patients from Bay City, Saginaw, Midland, Frankenmuth, and the Great Lakes Bay Region trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert, board-certified podiatric care. Whether you’re managing chronic heel pain, dealing with an ankle injury, or seeking surgical correction for a structural deformity, Dr. Biernacki offers same-week appointments and fellowship-trained surgical expertise not always available in mid-Michigan.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Bay City Saginaw Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Conditions We Treat for Bay City & Saginaw Patients
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs: Michigan’s most common foot complaint — our structured protocol achieves resolution in most patients within 3–6 months. Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and ultrasound-guided injections. Diabetic Foot Care: The Great Lakes Bay Region has significant diabetic prevalence. Comprehensive annual exams, neuropathy testing, wound care, and preventive nail treatment reduce amputation risk. Ankle Injuries: Sprains, fractures, ligament tears, and cartilage injuries from sports and work accidents — managed from acute injury through rehabilitation or surgery. Ingrown Toenails: Permanent in-office nail surgery eliminates recurring ingrown toenails. Bunions & Hammertoes: Surgical correction tailored to deformity severity and patient activity level. Nerve Pain: Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy evaluation.
Serving Mid-Michigan Communities
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Bay City (I-75 south to US-23 south), Saginaw (I-75 south), Midland (US-10 east to I-75 south), and Frankenmuth (I-75 south). Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, and Medicare. Telemedicine consultations available for Great Lakes Bay Region patients.
Book Your Appointment
New patients from Bay City and Saginaw receive appointments within 3–5 business days. Urgent cases accommodated same-day when possible. Call (810) 220-5551 or book 24/7 at michiganfootdoctors.com. Telemedicine available for remote consultations before making the drive south.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Vionic Walker Classic Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Podiatrist-designed walking shoe with built-in orthotic footbed — excellent everyday shoe for plantar fasciitis and diabetic foot care. APMA Accepted.
Dr. Tom says: “These are the first shoes I’ve worn in years that don’t cause heel pain by the end of my shift.”
Plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot, wide toe box, everyday comfort walking
Limited athletic performance — primarily a comfort/therapeutic shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Monofilament Foot Exam Kit
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 monofilament for at-home diabetic foot sensation testing — helps diabetic patients monitor neuropathy progression between clinic visits.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist showed me how to use this and now I check my feet weekly. Caught a small wound early that would have been a big problem.”
Diabetic neuropathy monitoring, at-home foot sensation testing, preventive care
Medical device — use under physician guidance, does not replace annual professional exams
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise — more comprehensive than typical mid-Michigan options
- Same-week appointments for Bay City and Saginaw patients
- Diabetic foot care expertise critical for Great Lakes Bay Region patient population
- All major Michigan insurance plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 45–60 minute drive from Bay City/Saginaw — telemedicine pre-screening recommended
- Surgical cases require scheduling — not walk-in surgical services
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Mid-Michigan patients often have significant foot problems that have been undertreated for years. Diabetic foot care is especially important in this region — catching problems early saves limbs. We make it easy to get established and get on a proactive care plan, whether that means regular preventive visits or definitive surgical treatment.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki treat diabetic foot complications for Bay City patients?
Yes — comprehensive diabetic foot care is a major part of our practice. We provide annual diabetic foot exams, monofilament neuropathy testing, vascular assessment, wound care, and preventive nail treatment. Bay City and Saginaw patients with diabetes are strongly encouraged to establish annual care to prevent serious complications.
Is telemedicine available for Saginaw and Bay City patients?
Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle offers telemedicine consultations for new patients to assess their condition before the drive. Upload photos of your foot concern, review imaging remotely, and get a preliminary treatment plan. Call (810) 220-5551 or request telemedicine through our website.
What insurance plans from the Great Lakes Bay Region do you accept?
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (including all Michigan plan types), Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Great Lakes Bay Region Health Plan and most commercial plans are generally accepted — please verify your specific plan with our office.
Can Dr. Biernacki see patients on short notice from Bay City?
Yes — urgent cases including suspected fractures, severe infections, and acute ankle injuries are accommodated same-day or next-day when possible. Call (810) 220-5551 first thing in the morning for urgent same-day requests.
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.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.