Podiatrist Birmingham MI 2026 | Balance Foot & Ankle
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
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.
Dr. Biernacki welcomes Birmingham Michigan patients to Balance Foot & Ankle for expert foot and ankle podiatric care.
Expert Podiatric Care Accessible from Birmingham, Michigan
Birmingham is among Oakland County’s most sophisticated communities—a place where residents expect expert, personalized professional care. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, delivers podiatric medicine that meets those expectations. From conservative management of common foot conditions to complex reconstructive surgery, Dr. Biernacki provides Birmingham-area patients with accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and clear communication throughout their care journey.
Conditions Treated for Birmingham Patients
Birmingham patients visit Balance Foot & Ankle for plantar fasciitis and heel spur treatment, ingrown toenail procedures and permanent correction, fungal nail laser therapy, bunion osteotomy and lapidus correction, hammertoe repair, Morton’s neuroma management, ankle ligament reconstruction, Achilles tendinopathy and repair, PTTD flatfoot reconstruction, stress fracture treatment, diabetic foot surveillance and wound care, custom orthotic fabrication, and pediatric foot conditions.
Birmingham’s Lifestyle and Active Podiatric Needs
Birmingham’s active, fashion-forward community presents unique podiatric needs—from runners and cyclists training year-round to professionals in dress footwear developing forefoot pain. Dr. Biernacki addresses the full spectrum: custom orthotics fabricated for athletic shoes and dress footwear, bunion management for patients concerned about footwear aesthetics and function, forefoot conditions including Morton’s neuroma and plantar plate tears from narrow toe-box footwear, and sports injuries from Birmingham’s active recreational community.
In-Office Technology for Immediate Answers
Birmingham patients value efficiency. Balance Foot & Ankle’s in-office digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound enable same-visit diagnosis and treatment planning—eliminating referral delays. Ultrasound-guided injections provide targeted, image-confirmed treatment in-office. When MRI is needed, referrals to Birmingham-area imaging centers are coordinated promptly. Most new patients leave their first appointment with a diagnosis and a clear treatment plan.
Scheduling Your Birmingham Appointment
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans. New Birmingham patients are typically seen within one week. For urgent concerns, same-day or next-day scheduling is prioritized. Call (734) 479-0560 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com to book online. We welcome Birmingham and all Oakland County patients.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Aetrex Lynco L400 Sport Orthotic
⭐ Highly Rated
Slim-profile sport orthotic with tri-density arch support—fits well in athletic shoes and lower-profile dress footwear for Birmingham active patients managing plantar fasciitis or arch fatigue.
Dr. Tom says:“For Birmingham patients who need arch support in both athletic and casual shoes, Aetrex Lynco is one of the best-fitting over-the-counter options.”
✅ Best for Birmingham active patients with mild arch pain needing support in multiple shoe types
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with complex structural deformities requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Minimalist, wide toe-box running shoe for Birmingham runners transitioning to natural foot mechanics—ideal for patients managing bunions or Morton’s neuroma who need forefoot space.
Dr. Tom says:“A wide toe box shoe reduces pressure on bunions and forefoot neuromas significantly. For patients who prefer a minimal shoe, Vivobarefoot is a strong option.”
✅ Best for Birmingham runners with bunions or Morton’s neuroma seeking forefoot room
⚠️ Not ideal for Those with plantar fasciitis needing cushion and arch support rather than a minimalist shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Birmingham patients appreciate direct, clear answers—and that’s exactly what I provide. You’ll leave your appointment knowing what’s wrong, why it’s happening, and what we’re going to do about it. Whether that’s a simple insole change or a surgical reconstruction, we’ll make the decision together with all the facts on the table.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dr. Biernacki treat bunions for Birmingham patients without surgery?
Absolutely. Many Birmingham patients manage bunions successfully with wide toe box footwear, custom orthotics, bunion splints, and padding. Surgery is reserved for progressive deformity with pain that fails conservative care.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat forefoot conditions from narrow shoes?
Yes. Morton’s neuroma, plantar plate tears, and metatarsalgia from narrow or high-heeled footwear are among the most common conditions we treat for Birmingham patients. Footwear counseling is a key part of every treatment plan.
What insurance does Balance Foot & Ankle accept for Birmingham patients?
We accept most major plans including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and others. Call to verify your specific plan.
How do I prepare for a podiatry appointment if I’ve never seen one before?
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, medication list, any prior foot/ankle imaging, and your most frequently worn shoes. Wear or bring socks you typically wear. Dr. Biernacki will complete a thorough history, exam, and imaging review at your first visit.
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.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
