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 Cedar Springs Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatrist Serving Cedar Springs, Michigan & Kent County
Cedar Springs — Michigan’s self-proclaimed “Red Flannel Town” — is a community in northern Kent County, west Michigan, known for its annual Red Flannel Festival and close-knit small-town character. Located approximately 25 miles north of Grand Rapids along US-131, Cedar Springs serves residents from northern Kent County and the adjacent communities of Sparta, Rockford, Sand Lake, and Howard City. When Cedar Springs-area residents need specialized foot and ankle care, Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC led by Dr. Tom Biernacki provides expert podiatric services for northern Kent County patients.
About Balance Foot & Ankle
Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC is a Michigan podiatric surgical practice exclusively dedicated to foot and ankle medicine. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-qualified podiatric physician and surgeon with training in reconstructive surgery, diabetic limb preservation, sports medicine, and minimally invasive procedures. His practice philosophy prioritizes accurate diagnosis and thorough conservative treatment — surgery is recommended only when it is the best option for the patient’s specific condition.
Foot & Ankle Services for Cedar Springs Patients
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis — the most common cause of adult heel pain — responds well to a comprehensive program including custom orthotics, targeted stretching, and guided injection therapy. Over 85% of patients achieve resolution with appropriate conservative care.
Bunion Surgery
Progressive bunion deformities require surgical correction when conservative measures no longer control pain. Modern procedures including Lapiplasty 3D correction return most patients to regular shoes within 6–8 weeks.
Ankle Sprains & Ligament Reconstruction
Chronic ankle instability from inadequately healed ligament injuries is definitively treated with the Broström-Gould reconstruction. High ankle sprains with diastasis require syndesmotic fixation. Dr. Biernacki evaluates all ankle sprain presentations for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Diabetic Foot Care
Proactive diabetic podiatric care prevents the ulceration and infection cascade leading to amputation. Complete diabetic foot services from neuropathy screening through limb salvage surgery.
Sports Medicine
Northern Kent County’s active community sustains sports injuries from running, cycling, basketball, soccer, and outdoor recreation. Evidence-based sports medicine care with return-to-sport rehabilitation planning.
Nail Disorders
Permanent ingrown toenail correction with phenol matrixectomy and fungal nail treatment are performed in single office visits.
Cedar Springs & Northern Kent County
Cedar Springs’ community character reflects the blend of rural agricultural heritage and suburban connectivity common to northern Kent County. The community’s proximity to the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, Rogue River State Game Area, and numerous recreational lakes generates an active patient population with foot and ankle conditions common to outdoor recreation. Dr. Biernacki provides care tailored to these active lifestyles.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Cedar Springs
From Cedar Springs, Balance Foot & Ankle is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes via US-131 south to I-96 east to Howell — a manageable drive for specialty care. Call (517) 548-3457 to schedule.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Saucony Omni 21 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Stability running shoe with medial PWRRUN midsole and guidance frame for moderate overpronation control. Highly recommended by podiatrists for plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, and general running injury prevention in recreational runners.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist switched me from neutral to stability running shoes for my plantar fasciitis. These Saucony Omnis with my orthotics eliminated my heel pain completely.””
Overpronation control and plantar fasciitis management in recreational runners
Stability shoes provide moderate motion control — severe hyperpronation may require motion control category shoes with custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pro-Tec Athletics Arch Support Sleeve
⭐ Highly Rated
Compression arch support sleeve worn during activity for plantar fasciitis and arch pain management. Provides targeted arch and plantar fascia compression, reducing pain during exercise and daily activity.
Dr. Tom says: “”I wore these during my early return to running after plantar fasciitis. The arch compression significantly reduced my heel pain on longer runs.””
Plantar fasciitis and arch pain management during activity
Compression sleeves do not replace custom orthotics for significant biomechanical correction — they are a useful activity-specific adjunct
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Subspecialty podiatric expertise for conditions beyond local Kent County general practice capabilities
- 1h15m-1h30m drive from Cedar Springs — manageable for specialist care
- Sports medicine expertise appropriate for Cedar Springs’ active outdoor community
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive to Howell requires planning a half-day for in-person appointments
- Multiple post-surgical follow-up visits required
- Local PT coordination needed for rehabilitation programs
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Cedar Springs patients have a direct US-131 route to our practice — one of the easier drives among west Michigan communities. I encourage residents of northern Kent County to reach out when foot and ankle pain is limiting their activities. Excellent specialist care is more accessible than you might think.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve patients from Cedar Springs and Kent County?
Yes — we regularly see patients from Cedar Springs, Rockford, Sparta, Sand Lake, and surrounding northern Kent County communities.
What insurance do you accept?
Most major Michigan plans including BCBSM, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call (517) 548-3457 to verify.
Can you treat White Pine Trail runners?
Yes — trail running injuries including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and tendinopathy from the White Pine Trail and surrounding area are a common part of our sports medicine practice.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Same-week appointments are typically available. Call (517) 548-3457 or request online.
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.
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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.