Podiatrist Brighton 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. Tom Biernacki provides expert podiatric care to Brighton and Livingston County patients.
Expert Podiatric Care for Brighton, Michigan
Brighton is one of Livingston County’s most active communities, and its active, health-conscious residents deserve expert foot and ankle care. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, serves patients from Brighton, Hartland Township, Green Oak Township, and throughout the greater Livingston County area.
Serving Brighton’s Active Community
Brighton-area patients bring an impressive range of activity-related foot and ankle concerns to Balance Foot & Ankle. Running injuries including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinopathy are common among the area’s active runners. Ankle sprains and chronic instability affect athletes of all ages — from Brighton High School sports participants to adult recreational players. End-stage ankle arthritis in older active patients can now be evaluated for total ankle replacement, preserving motion and quality of life. Diabetic foot care — critical regardless of activity level — includes wound monitoring, diabetic footwear, and routine preventive nail care. Structural problems including bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas receive conservative-first management with surgical options when pain limits daily function. Ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and fungal nail infections receive prompt effective in-office treatment.
Custom Orthotics for Brighton Athletes and Active Adults
Brighton’s active population places significant demands on foot function. Custom orthotics fabricated from precise cast impressions are an effective tool for treating running injuries, supporting arthritic joints, and improving performance in active patients. Dr. Biernacki’s sports-specific orthotic designs consider the biomechanical demands of each patient’s activity — whether running, cycling, hiking, or racquet sports — to deliver orthotics that work with, not against, athletic movement patterns.
Convenient Access from Brighton
Brighton patients benefit from Balance Foot & Ankle’s regional accessibility via I-96 and US-23. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling. New patients are typically seen within days. Call today to schedule your Howell-area appointment.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Hoka Clifton 9 Neutral Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum cushion neutral running shoe with full-compression EVA foam midsole — one of the most recommended shoes for Brighton runners with plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or general impact-related foot pain.
Dr. Tom says:“Maximum cushioning reduces repetitive stress — ideal for plantar fasciitis and high-mileage runners.”
✅ Best for Neutral or high-arch runners needing maximum cushioning, plantar fasciitis, impact fatigue
⚠️ Not ideal for Flat-footed runners with significant overpronation who need stability or motion control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
⭐ Highly Rated
Multi-density foam roller with grid pattern for deep tissue self-massage — an excellent recovery tool for Brighton runners with plantar fasciitis, calf tightness, and Achilles tendinopathy between office treatments.
Dr. Tom says:“Self-myofascial release is an evidence-supported adjunct to professional podiatric care.”
✅ Best for Runners with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, calf tightness, general lower leg soreness
⚠️ Not ideal for Acute inflammatory conditions where deep tissue massage is contraindicated
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Brighton, Hartland, Green Oak, and all Livingston County communities
Sports-specific custom orthotic fabrication for runners and athletes
Total ankle replacement evaluation and post-operative rehabilitation
Diabetic foot care and wound management
❌ Cons / Risks
Complex surgical procedures coordinated with surgical center and specialist partners
Custom orthotic fabrication requires a dedicated cast impression appointment
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Brighton has some incredible athletes and an active community that really understands the value of preventive care. If you’re training for a marathon, recovering from a sprained ankle, or managing chronic arthritis that’s limiting your quality of life, Balance Foot & Ankle has the expertise to help. Call us today.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Brighton, Michigan patients?
Yes — we warmly welcome new patients from Brighton and all of Livingston County. Call our office for directions to the most convenient clinic location with prompt availability.
Do you treat running injuries at your Livingston County area clinic?
Absolutely. Plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and peroneal tendon injuries are among the most common running injuries we treat. Sports-specific custom orthotics and return-to-running protocols are a core part of our practice.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans including BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United, Cigna, and Priority Health. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage.
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.
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.
