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 Birch Run Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care Near Birch Run, Michigan
Birch Run Township, famous as Michigan’s outlet shopping destination along I-75 in Saginaw County, sits at the crossroads of the Tri-Cities region and the northern Genesee County border. Residents of Birch Run and surrounding communities deserve access to specialist foot and ankle care without the long drive to Saginaw or Flint. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon Dr. Tom Biernacki, serves patients throughout the I-75 corridor with comprehensive podiatric care.
Foot problems are remarkably common — nearly three-quarters of Americans experience significant foot pain at some point in their lives, and the prevalence only increases with age, physical demands of work, and conditions like diabetes. Dr. Biernacki provides Birch Run-area patients with the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment they need to stay active and on their feet.
Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat Near Birch Run
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: Whether you work at the outlet stores along I-75 or in the farms and industrial operations throughout Saginaw County, long hours on your feet create significant plantar fascia strain. Dr. Biernacki’s systematic heel pain protocol — custom orthotics, targeted stretching, night splints, and shockwave therapy when needed — resolves most cases without surgery.
Diabetic Foot Care: The I-75 corridor communities have significant rates of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Dr. Biernacki’s diabetic care program provides the surveillance and early intervention that prevents foot complications from becoming limb-threatening emergencies. Comprehensive exams, vascular assessment, protective footwear, and wound care are all available under one roof.
Ingrown Toenails: One of the most painful and most undertreated conditions we see. A simple 15-minute in-office procedure permanently resolves recurring ingrown nails — no general anesthesia, minimal downtime. Most patients describe the procedure as far less uncomfortable than they expected.
Ankle Sprains & Sports Injuries: From high school athletes at Birch Run High School to adult recreational sports players, ankle sprains and sports-related foot injuries need proper evaluation and treatment. Dr. Biernacki provides sport-specific rehabilitation protocols and surgical stabilization when chronic instability develops.
Bunions & Toe Deformities: Progressive bunion and hammer toe deformities that don’t respond to wider footwear can be corrected with modern minimally invasive surgical techniques that offer smaller incisions, reduced swelling, and faster recovery than traditional procedures.
Flat Feet & Arch Pain: Custom orthotics and footwear guidance address painful flatfoot biomechanics, while progressive adult-acquired flatfoot with tendon failure is evaluated for appropriate surgical intervention.
The I-75 Corridor — A Community We’re Proud to Serve
The communities along I-75 through Saginaw and northern Genesee County — including Birch Run, Bridgeport, Frankenmuth, Chesaning, and Brant Township — are working Michigan communities where people take pride in self-reliance and hard work. When foot pain interferes with that, it’s not just a health issue — it’s an economic and family issue. Dr. Biernacki understands that his job is to get people functional and back to their lives as quickly as possible.
Convenient Scheduling for Birch Run Area Patients
Same-week appointments are available for urgent concerns. New patient appointments are typically scheduled within a few days of calling. Our team understands the demands of working families and works to minimize the inconvenience of specialist appointments. Most diagnostic testing is performed on-site at the first visit — no separate trips to imaging facilities.
Insurance Accepted
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans serving Saginaw and Genesee County residents — including Blue Cross Blue Shield, McLaren Health Plan, Priority Health, Aetna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid/Healthy Michigan. Call to verify your coverage before your appointment.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Sof Sole Athlete Performance Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Gel-cushioned insoles with neutral arch support for everyday athletic and work use. A solid OTC option for Michigan workers on their feet all day who need cushioning and moderate arch support.
Dr. Tom says: “”I work retail and stand on concrete floors all day. These insoles made a noticeable difference in how my feet and lower back feel at the end of a shift.””
Retail/standing work, moderate arch support, daily cushioning
OTC device — see podiatrist for custom orthotics if symptoms persist
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mueller Adjustable Ankle Support
⭐ Highly Rated
Adjustable figure-8 ankle wrap providing medial and lateral support for ankle sprains and instability. Easy to apply and remove, fits in most footwear types including work boots.
Dr. Tom says: “”Good support for my ankle after a sprain at work. Adjustable enough to get a snug fit even with the swelling. My podiatrist approved it for my return to work.””
Ankle sprains, mild instability, return to work after injury
Not for severe sprains — see podiatrist for evaluation before returning to full activity
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Specialist podiatric care accessible to Birch Run and the entire I-75 Saginaw County corridor
- Same-week appointments available for urgent conditions including diabetic foot concerns and acute injuries
- Accepts McLaren Health Plan and other Saginaw County plans alongside major Michigan insurance networks
❌ Cons / Risks
- Birch Run patients may have a 20–30 minute drive depending on exact location relative to our office
- Complex surgical procedures may require travel to regional outpatient facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The communities along I-75 through Saginaw County are hardworking places — retail, manufacturing, agriculture. People work on their feet and they push through pain because they have to. I want Birch Run-area patients to know that there’s a podiatrist who can actually fix what’s wrong — not just give them a cushion and send them home. Most foot problems have real solutions, and most solutions don’t require surgery. Come in early and we can usually keep it that way.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Birch Run that takes McLaren Health Plan?
Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts McLaren Health Plan alongside other major Michigan insurance carriers. Call to verify your specific coverage and available benefits for podiatric services.
What’s the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon for foot problems?
A podiatric physician and surgeon specializes exclusively in the foot and ankle — all training, all experience, and all surgical skills focus on this region. An orthopedic surgeon covers the entire musculoskeletal system. For foot and ankle conditions, a board-certified podiatric surgeon often provides the most specialized, focused expertise available. Dr. Biernacki has fellowship-level training in foot and ankle reconstruction.
How can I tell if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis or something else?
Classic plantar fasciitis causes sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting, that warms up with movement. Pain is typically at the inner heel where the fascia originates. If pain is on the back of the heel (Achilles insertion), on both sides of the heel with squeezing, or accompanied by severe swelling and bruising, other diagnoses including heel spur, Achilles insertional tendinopathy, or stress fracture should be evaluated.
Do you treat heel pain in teenagers?
Yes. Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is the most common cause of heel pain in growing teenagers, caused by traction on the heel growth plate during growth spurts. It responds well to activity modification, heel cups, calf stretching, and temporary insoles. We see many student athletes from Birch Run and surrounding high schools for this and other sports-related foot conditions.
Can foot problems cause back pain?
Yes. Abnormal foot mechanics — especially overpronation and leg length discrepancy — create a chain reaction of compensatory stress up the kinetic chain: shin splints, knee valgus, hip rotation changes, and lumbar asymmetry. Correcting the foot mechanics with custom orthotics often provides significant improvement in lower extremity and even lower back symptoms.
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. Whether 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)
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Birch Run. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Birch Run area.
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.