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 Brighton Howell Michigan Livingston County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Livingston County’s Foot & Ankle Specialist
Residents of Brighton and Howell in Livingston County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle for expert podiatric care close to home. Our Howell office serves the entire I-96 Livingston County corridor — providing same-week appointments, advanced diagnostic technology, and subspecialty foot-and-ankle surgery without the drive to Ann Arbor or Detroit.
Dr. Biernacki brings over a decade of podiatric surgical experience to Brighton and Howell-area patients. His 4.9-star reputation, 1,100+ verified reviews, and 3,000+ completed procedures reflect a commitment to precise diagnosis, effective conservative care, and surgical outcomes that exceed patient expectations.
Conditions We Treat for Brighton & Howell Patients
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis — Livingston County’s active community — hikers at Brighton Recreation Area, runners on Island Lake’s trail network, golfers at Fox Hills — places significant demand on heels. Dr. Biernacki offers shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, and targeted stretching protocols for rapid plantar fasciitis resolution.
Bunions and hammertoes — MICA minimally invasive bunion correction with walking-boot recovery. Traditional open procedures for severe cases. Conservative padding and orthotic management for patients managing without surgery.
Diabetic foot care — Livingston County has a significant diabetic patient population. Annual preventive exams, therapeutic footwear, and urgent wound evaluation with same-day diabetic emergency appointments protect feet from serious complications.
Sports and ankle injuries — from Brighton Area Schools and Howell Public Schools athletes to weekend warriors, Dr. Biernacki provides ankle sprain treatment, stress fracture management, and return-to-sport clearance.
Toenail conditions — in-office ingrown toenail surgery, laser fungal nail treatment, and nail trauma management. Most procedures take under 30 minutes with immediate return to daily activities.
Advanced Treatments Available in Livingston County
Brighton and Howell patients no longer need to travel to university medical centers for advanced podiatric care. Balance Foot & Ankle offers extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for heel and Achilles pain; 3D-scanned custom orthotics; PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for tendon and ligament injuries; laser fungal nail therapy; and minimally invasive foot surgery — all in our convenient Howell location.
Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, United Healthcare, HAP, and Medicare. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your coverage and schedule your appointment.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Best-selling OTC arch support for plantar fasciitis and heel pain — a strong starting point for Brighton and Howell patients while awaiting their appointment.
Dr. Tom says: “My top OTC insole recommendation for Livingston County patients with heel and arch pain.”
Mild to moderate plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arch support
Severe flat feet or high arches requiring custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Copper Compression Ankle Brace
⭐ Highly Rated
Supportive ankle sleeve providing compression and proprioceptive feedback for post-sprain stabilization — great for Brighton and Howell athletes returning to activity.
Dr. Tom says: “A solid OTC option for ankle support while scheduling a formal evaluation.”
Mild ankle sprains, post-rehab support, active individuals
Acute severe sprains, fractures, or ligament ruptures
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Same-week appointments for Brighton and Howell Livingston County patients
- Advanced treatments including shockwave therapy and custom 3D-scanned orthotics
- Board-certified podiatric surgeon with 3,000+ procedures and 4.9-star rating
- Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive from Brighton or Howell to our Howell office required — no in-home visits
- Complex surgical cases may require hospital-based operating room facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Brighton and Howell patients are some of my most active — trail runners, golfers, high school athletes, and people who work on their feet all day. Livingston County deserves specialist-level podiatric care without the commute to Ann Arbor. I built our Howell practice to be exactly that — the quality of a university-affiliated foot and ankle center with the accessibility and personal attention of a community practice. If your foot or ankle is slowing you down, call us.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is Balance Foot & Ankle to Brighton?
Our Howell office is the most convenient location for Brighton residents — just minutes east of downtown Brighton via Grand River Avenue or I-96. Call our office to confirm the exact address and directions from your location.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat children’s foot problems in the Livingston County area?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki evaluates and treats pediatric flat feet, Sever’s disease (growth plate heel pain), plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and sports injuries in school-age patients from Brighton Area Schools and Howell Public Schools.
Can I get a same-day ingrown toenail appointment in Howell?
Urgent ingrown toenail cases — especially infected nails — are typically seen same or next day. The in-office procedure takes about 15 minutes under local anesthesia, and patients walk out immediately.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Medicare?
Yes. We accept Medicare and coordinate diabetic foot care benefits including annual preventive exams and therapeutic footwear. Call our office to verify your specific plan coverage.
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 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.