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
For residents of Brighton, Pinckney, Hartland, Hamburg, Fowlerville, and all of Livingston County, expert podiatric care is close to home at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC in Howell. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatrist who provides the full spectrum of foot and ankle medical and surgical care for Livingston County patients — from common everyday foot problems to complex reconstructive procedures.
Livingston County is one of Michigan’s fastest-growing communities, with a predominantly active, health-conscious population that takes quality of life seriously. Brighton’s retail and medical corridor, Pinckney’s outdoor recreation community, and Hartland’s growing residential base all contribute to a patient population that expects attentive, high-quality care. Dr. Biernacki delivers exactly that — with in-house diagnostic capabilities, custom orthotic fabrication, and a conservative-first treatment philosophy that maximizes outcomes while minimizing unnecessary intervention.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Brighton Pinckney Hartland Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Why Livingston County Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
As the podiatrist in Howell — Livingston County’s county seat — Dr. Biernacki is the local specialist for Brighton, Pinckney, Hartland, and surrounding communities. Patients from these areas appreciate not having to travel to Flint, Ann Arbor, or Detroit for specialist care when a board-certified podiatrist with advanced surgical training is available minutes from home.
The conditions most commonly treated for Livingston County patients include plantar fasciitis and heel pain from the area’s active runners and hikers, bunions and hammertoes in the active adult population, sports injuries in the county’s competitive youth sports community, ingrown toenails and nail infections across all age groups, and diabetic foot care for patients managing diabetes in the region.
Dr. Biernacki’s YouTube educational channel and MichiganFootDoctors.com resource library are particularly popular with Livingston County patients, who often arrive already familiar with their condition from watching his videos before their appointment. This pre-education makes for more productive consultations and faster treatment decisions.
Scheduling for Brighton, Pinckney, and Hartland Patients
Brighton patients are approximately 10–15 minutes from the Howell clinic via Grand River Avenue or M-59. Pinckney is approximately 15–20 minutes, and Hartland is 10–15 minutes via M-59. Same-week new patient appointments are typically available, and urgent conditions including ingrown toenail infections, acute injuries, and diabetic foot complications are prioritized for same-day or next-day scheduling.
To schedule, call (517) 315-6969 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com. Most major insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Saucony Kinvara Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Lightweight, responsive running shoe popular with Brighton and Livingston County runners — ideal for roads, paths, and the area’s trail systems.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist approved these for my plantar fasciitis. Great shoe for the Brighton trails.”
Neutral-foot runners in Livingston County looking for a lightweight daily training shoe
Runners with significant overpronation needing stability or motion control category footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tuli’s Classic Heel Cup
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Classic silicone heel cups for immediate plantar fasciitis and heel spur pain relief — an affordable first-line option for Livingston County patients.
Dr. Tom says: “These helped right away and I was able to get through work without limping. Good starting point.”
Patients with mild to moderate heel pain from plantar fasciitis or fat pad atrophy
Patients with arch pain, forefoot issues, or those needing full-length custom orthotic support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Local podiatric care for Brighton, Pinckney, Hartland, and all Livingston County residents — no long drive required
- Same-week appointments with the county’s board-certified podiatrist
- In-house X-ray, custom orthotics, and procedures for complete single-visit care
- Highly accessible educational resources via MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube
❌ Cons / Risks
- Parking and access during busy periods in the Howell area may require a few extra minutes
- Highly complex tertiary surgical cases may require referral to academic medical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Livingston County patients are my neighbors — literally. When someone from Brighton or Hartland comes in, there’s a different kind of connection because we share the same community. I see their kids at local events, I drive the same roads, and I shop at the same stores. That proximity creates accountability that I think patients feel in the quality of care they receive. I want every patient from Livingston County to leave feeling like they got the best possible care available — because they’re not just a patient, they’re a neighbor.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is Balance Foot & Ankle to Brighton Michigan?
The Howell clinic is approximately 10–15 minutes from Brighton via Grand River Avenue heading east, or via M-59 East. Brighton patients have some of the shortest drives to the practice of any community we serve in Michigan.
Can I get urgent care for an infected ingrown toenail in Pinckney?
Yes — urgent ingrown toenail appointments are typically available within 24 hours for Pinckney and all Livingston County patients. Call (517) 315-6969 first thing in the morning for the best chance of a same-day appointment for urgent nail infections.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat children from Hartland?
Yes — pediatric foot conditions including Sever’s disease, flat feet, in-toeing, and ingrown toenails in children and teens from Hartland and all Livingston County communities are treated at Balance Foot & Ankle.
What is the best time to schedule an appointment from Brighton to minimize wait?
New patient appointments are available most days of the week. Calling Monday morning typically provides the best selection of available times for the week. Same-day urgent appointments are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the front office team.
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 double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.