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 Berkley, Clawson, Royal Oak, Madison Heights, and southeast Oakland County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert, board-certified podiatric care. This active, walkable community sees high rates of plantar fasciitis and ankle injuries among residents who are on their feet exploring restaurants, parks, and active lifestyles. Dr. Biernacki offers same-week appointments and fellowship-trained surgical expertise.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Berkley Clawson Royal Oak 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 Southeast Oakland County
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and targeted stretching programs — highly effective for the active Royal Oak and Berkley population. Ingrown Toenails: Permanent in-office matrixectomy with minimal downtime. Running & Athletic Injuries: Stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, and overuse injuries for the active southeast Oakland County community. Bunions & Hammertoes: Minimally invasive to Lapidus fusion. Ankle Instability: Broström repair for recurrent ankle sprains. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams and wound management.
Accessible from Southeast Oakland County
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Berkley (I-696 west to I-275 south to US-23), Clawson (I-75 south to I-696 west to US-23), Royal Oak (I-696 west to I-275 south to US-23), and Madison Heights (I-75 south to M-59 west to US-23). Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Book Your Appointment
New patients from Berkley, Clawson, and Royal Oak receive appointments within 3–5 business days. Urgent cases accommodated same-day when possible. Fellowship-trained surgical expertise. All major Michigan insurance plans accepted.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium neutral cushioned running shoe — one of the top-rated shoes for plantar fasciitis and running injuries. Popular with Royal Oak and Berkley runners.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these and they have the perfect combination of cushion and responsiveness for my plantar fasciitis.”
Neutral running, plantar fasciitis, high mileage training, daily running
Not for moderate-severe overpronators — choose stability shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
⭐ Highly Rated
Multi-density foam roller for calf and plantar fascia myofascial release — essential recovery tool for active Royal Oak and Berkley residents managing running-related foot pain.
Dr. Tom says: “I roll my calves with this every morning and evening and it has been key to keeping my plantar fasciitis from flaring during marathon training.”
Calf tightness, plantar fasciitis prevention, running recovery, myofascial release
Foam rolling is supplemental — use alongside stretching and orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Same-week appointments for Berkley, Clawson, and Royal Oak patients
- Fellowship-trained expertise for running injuries and surgical cases
- Understands the active lifestyle demands of southeast Oakland County
- All major Michigan insurance plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 25-35 minute drive from southeast Oakland County
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Royal Oak, Berkley, and Clawson patients tend to be active and motivated — they want to get back to running, cycling, and their active social lifestyles as quickly as possible. We meet patients where they are: aggressive conservative care first, surgical intervention when warranted. The goal is always the fastest, safest path back to the activities they love.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki treat runners from Royal Oak and Berkley?
Yes — running injuries including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and IT band syndrome are commonly treated. We understand training cycle demands and build return-to-run programs that minimize time off.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept southeast Oakland County insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Verify your specific plan before scheduling.
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Royal Oak?
Approximately 25–35 minutes via I-696 west and US-23 south. We recommend calling ahead for appointment confirmation.
Can I get a same-day appointment from Berkley for an urgent foot problem?
Urgent cases including suspected fractures, infections, and severe ankle injuries are accommodated same-day or next-day when possible. Call (810) 220-5551 first thing in the morning.
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.
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 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.