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
Big Rapids — home to Ferris State University — and the broader Mecosta County region have access to expert podiatric foot and ankle care at Balance Foot & Ankle with Dr. Tom Biernacki. Ferris State’s diverse student and athletic population, Big Rapids’ healthcare and trades workforce, and Mecosta County’s agricultural community all benefit from specialized podiatric expertise.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Big Rapids Mecosta County Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Ferris State University Student and Athlete Care
FSU’s varsity athletic programs and active student body generate a steady volume of foot and ankle sports injuries. Dr. Biernacki treats FSU athletes for ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and other sports-related conditions with the same evidence-based protocols used for professional athletes. Students in FSU’s pharmacy, optometry, nursing, and allied health programs who are on their feet all day are also common patients with occupational foot fatigue and overuse injuries. Custom orthotics compatible with clinical footwear requirements are a frequent prescription.
Agricultural and Industrial Foot Care
Mecosta County’s agricultural and manufacturing workforce presents with occupational foot injuries from farm machinery, prolonged standing, and outdoor terrain demands. Dr. Biernacki evaluates and treats farm workers’ crush injuries, lacerations, nail injuries, and chronic overuse conditions. Orthotics compatible with work boots and safety footwear are prescribed. Workers’ compensation documentation for work-related foot injuries is provided as needed.
Scheduling from Big Rapids
Balance Foot & Ankle is approximately 1.5 hours from Big Rapids via US-131 south to I-96. Telehealth follow-up appointments are available for established patients. New patients — including FSU students whose parents want expert evaluation — should schedule an in-person appointment. Most major insurance and student health plans are accepted; call to verify coverage.
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FSU pharmacy, nursing, and allied health students on extended clinical rotations
Active running or dynamic sport — clogs are not appropriate for running or high-impact activities
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✅ Pros / Benefits
- Sports medicine expertise for FSU athletes with evidence-based return-to-sport protocols
- Occupational foot care for Mecosta County’s agricultural and industrial workforce
- Approximately 1.5 hours — closer than many northern Michigan cities with telehealth follow-up
❌ Cons / Risks
- Initial in-person evaluation required at Howell/Howell office (1.5 hours from Big Rapids)
- FSU student health insurance coverage varies — verify before scheduling
- Urgent trauma may require local emergency resources before transfer for definitive podiatric care
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
FSU has a great healthcare education tradition, and the students in pharmacy, nursing, and allied health know exactly what to ask me — they’ve studied the relevant anatomy in class and want to understand their injury at a clinical level. I love those appointments. For Mecosta County’s agricultural patients, it’s a completely different conversation — practical, efficient, focused on getting them back to work. Both populations deserve the same quality of care, and I enjoy the variety.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat FSU student athletes?
Yes — FSU athletes receive the same sports medicine evaluation and treatment protocols as professional and collegiate athletes at major sports medicine programs. We treat ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles injuries, and other sports-related foot conditions with evidence-based return-to-sport timelines.
Is there parking at Balance Foot & Ankle for patients driving from Big Rapids?
Yes — our Howell/Howell office has ample parking. Many Big Rapids patients plan their visit around other errands in the Lansing or Brighton area to make the drive worthwhile.
Do you treat pediatric patients from the Big Rapids area?
Yes — children and adolescents from across central and northern Michigan are welcome. Pediatric conditions including flat feet, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and sports injuries are treated with age-appropriate protocols.
Can FSU pharmacy students shadow during a podiatry appointment?
Shadowing requests from healthcare students are handled case-by-case with patient consent. Students interested in podiatric medicine are welcome to inquire — contact our office for more information.
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.