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 welcomes Brighton Michigan patients to Balance Foot & Ankle for expert foot and ankle care serving Livingston County.
Foot & Ankle Care for Brighton, Michigan Patients
Brighton is one of Livingston County’s most active communities — home to a growing population of active families, professionals, and athletes who demand quality specialty healthcare. Balance Foot & Ankle with Dr. Tom Biernacki is a trusted podiatric destination for Brighton and surrounding Livingston County communities including Genoa Township, Hamburg Township, and Green Oak Township. Our southeast Michigan practice provides advanced foot and ankle care with the personal touch that Brighton patients appreciate.
Conditions We Treat for Brighton Patients
Brighton patients present with the full spectrum of podiatric concerns. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are among the most common diagnoses, along with bunions, hammertoes, ankle sprains and instability, diabetic foot complications, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, and sports-related overuse injuries. Brighton’s active running community frequently presents with stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fascia injuries. Dr. Biernacki addresses each condition with evidence-based treatment tailored to the patient’s lifestyle and goals.
Brighton’s Running and Athletic Community
Brighton and the surrounding Livingston County area has an active running culture — local trail systems, the Huron River recreation area, and community 5K and half-marathon events keep residents logging miles year-round. Dr. Biernacki understands the runner’s mindset and designs treatment plans that keep athletes training as much as safely possible during recovery. We use a “run-walk” progression, cross-training guidance, and shoe and orthotic recommendations to minimize time completely off your feet.
Custom Orthotics for Brighton Patients
Custom prescription orthotics are one of the most impactful services we provide for Brighton patients. If you’re a runner with plantar fasciitis, a professional who’s on their feet all day, or a parent chasing toddlers, a properly designed orthotic can dramatically reduce pain and prevent progression. Dr. Biernacki performs a complete biomechanical gait analysis before casting or scanning your feet for custom devices.
Schedule Your Howell Appointment
Brighton patients can reach Balance Foot & Ankle conveniently via I-96 and Grand River Avenue. Call (734) 479-0710 or book online. Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including Medicare and Medicaid. Same-week appointments are frequently available — call today and let’s get you back on your feet.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Hoka Arahi 7 Stability Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Lightweight stability running shoe with J-Frame medial support and maximal cushioning — ideal for Brighton runners with overpronation recovering from plantar fasciitis or Achilles issues.
Dr. Tom says:“”My podiatrist recommended the Hoka Arahi for my plantar fasciitis — the stability and cushion are outstanding.” — Brighton runner”
✅ Best for Brighton overpronating runners needing light stability during return to running after foot pain treatment
⚠️ Not ideal for Neutral or supinating runners who need maximum cushion without medial posting
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
KT Tape Pro Elastic Sports Tape
⭐ Highly Rated
Elastic kinesiology tape for plantar fascia and Achilles tendon support — used by Brighton runners during return to training after podiatric treatment.
Dr. Tom says:“”KT tape on my plantar fascia allowed me to keep running while healing — Dr. Biernacki showed me the exact application.” — Livingston County runner”
✅ Best for Brighton runners returning to sport who need additional plantar fascia or Achilles support between appointments
⚠️ Not ideal for Those with acute injury or post-surgical wounds where tape application is contraindicated
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Brighton and all of Livingston County
Specializes in running and sports medicine podiatry
Custom orthotics with full biomechanical gait analysis
Convenient I-96 access from Brighton
❌ Cons / Risks
15–20 minute drive from Brighton town center
High demand — book in advance for elective consultations
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Brighton has a fantastic running community and I see a lot of motivated athletes who just want to get back on the trails. I love treating runners because they understand that recovery is an investment — they do the PT, they follow the plan, and they get better. If you’re a Brighton runner dealing with heel pain, ankle issues, or any foot problem, come see us. We’ll keep you moving.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Brighton, MI?
Brighton patients are approximately 15–20 minutes from our southeast Michigan office via I-96 or Grand River Avenue. We’re one of the closest specialist podiatric practices to Brighton.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat runners from Brighton?
Yes — Dr. Biernacki has extensive experience treating running-related foot and ankle injuries including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, and metatarsalgia. We work with running coaches and physical therapists to coordinate return-to-training plans.
What insurance plans are accepted for Brighton patients?
We accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Please call to confirm your specific plan is in-network before your first visit.
Can I get custom orthotics near Brighton, MI?
Custom prescription orthotics are one of our most popular services for Brighton patients. Dr. Biernacki performs a complete biomechanical evaluation including gait analysis before creating your custom devices.
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.
