Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle serves Chelsea, Dexter, and western Washtenaw County patients from our Howell, Michigan office. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle care—from sports injuries and plantar fasciitis to bunions and diabetic foot management. Chelsea patients are approximately 25–30 minutes from Howell via I-94 east and US-23 north. Call (517) 579-1881 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com.
Chelsea and Dexter anchor western Washtenaw County’s active, community-minded population—small towns with strong local identity, excellent schools, and outdoor enthusiasts who run trails, farm fields, and rural roads year-round. When Chelsea or Dexter residents need expert foot and ankle care, Balance Foot & Ankle’s Dr. Tom Biernacki is just 25–30 minutes away via I-94 east and US-23 north to our Howell office—among the closest specialty podiatric resources available to western Washtenaw County.
Chelsea: Active Small-Town Community
Chelsea is known for its Main Street vitality, Jiffy Mix manufacturing heritage, and deeply athletic community culture. Chelsea Community Hospital (now part of the University of Michigan Health system) serves local healthcare needs. Chelsea High School’s cross-country and track programs are perennially among Michigan’s strongest—the Bulldogs frequently compete at the state level. Chelsea runners of all ages—from high school cross-country athletes to masters marathon runners—represent a significant portion of our potential patient base. Trail running in the Waterloo Recreation Area and Pinckney Recreation Area (both accessible from Chelsea) adds to the outdoor activity injury profile.
Dexter: Growing Suburban Community
Dexter’s rapid residential growth reflects its appeal to Ann Arbor professionals seeking suburban quality of life. Dexter Community Schools athletics are competitive; the Huron River Watershed provides hiking and paddling opportunities. Dexter residents include University of Michigan faculty, healthcare professionals, and technology workers who blend active recreation with demanding professional schedules. Heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, and ankle sprains in recreational runners and youth athletes are commonly presented conditions from the Dexter community.
Services for Chelsea and Dexter Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric care for Chelsea, Dexter, and surrounding western Washtenaw County communities including: plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains and instability, bunion and hammertoe correction, stress fractures, custom orthotics, ingrown toenails, fungal nail treatment, diabetic foot monitoring, Sever’s disease in youth athletes, warts, and surgical consultation. Telehealth appointments serve Chelsea and Dexter patients who prefer remote evaluation before committing to the drive to Howell.
Easy Access from Western Washtenaw County
Chelsea and Dexter patients are among the closest Washtenaw County communities to our Howell office—the I-94/US-23 corridor makes the trip straightforward in under 30 minutes under normal conditions. This makes Balance Foot & Ankle among the most accessible specialty foot care options for western Washtenaw County residents who may otherwise drive east to Ann Arbor. Call (517) 579-1881 or schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Dynamic Running Insole
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Performance running insole with three arch profiles for individualized fit. Ideal for Chelsea cross-country runners and recreational athletes managing plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “Chelsea runner with plantar fasciitis—these insoles and Dr. Biernacki’s treatment plan got me through the cross-country season.”
Recreational and competitive runners, trail athletes, plantar fasciitis prevention
Patients with severe structural deformity requiring custom-molded orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
KT Tape Pro Elastic Kinesiology Tape
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Kinesiology tape for plantar fascia and Achilles taping techniques. Provides support and pain relief during the active phase of injury treatment for Chelsea and Dexter athletes.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki taped my arch before my 5K and I had zero pain. Taught me to do it myself with KT Tape.”
Active athletes managing plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy during training
Patients with skin sensitivity, tape allergies, or open wounds
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Among the closest specialty podiatric options for western Washtenaw County—25–30 minutes via I-94/US-23
- Youth athlete expertise relevant to Chelsea’s competitive cross-country and track programs
- Telehealth available for Chelsea and Dexter patients—efficient first-contact option before in-person visit
❌ Cons / Risks
- Ann Arbor has multiple local podiatrists—Chelsea and Dexter patients must weigh proximity versus surgical expertise level
- Rural western Washtenaw County patients south of Chelsea may find the drive slightly longer
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Chelsea has produced some of the most impressive high school distance runners in Michigan—I have enormous respect for the running culture there. When Chelsea athletes come to my office, they’re committed and they listen. Dexter patients tend to be thoughtful, research-oriented, often connected to the University of Michigan community. Both groups ask excellent questions. The combination of being close enough to be convenient and offering the surgical expertise they might otherwise have to go to Ann Arbor for makes Balance Foot & Ankle a natural fit for western Washtenaw County patients.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Chelsea from Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell?
Approximately 25–30 minutes via I-94 east to US-23 north. Chelsea is one of the closest western Washtenaw County communities to our Howell office, making us a convenient alternative to driving east to Ann Arbor for many patients.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat runners from the Chelsea cross-country program?
Yes. We welcome Chelsea Bulldogs cross-country and track athletes. Common presentations include stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease in younger athletes, shin splints, and ankle sprains. We provide sport-specific return-to-run protocols and understand the competitive season demands facing high school distance athletes.
Is Balance Foot & Ankle accessible from Dexter, Michigan?
Yes—Dexter is approximately 25–30 minutes via US-23 north directly to Howell. The drive is straightforward on a single highway. We’re one of the most accessible specialty foot care options for Dexter residents versus driving into Ann Arbor.
Can I schedule a telehealth appointment from Chelsea or Dexter?
Yes. Telehealth consultations are available for initial assessments, imaging review, and follow-up care. Chelsea and Dexter patients are encouraged to use telehealth for first contact to determine whether an in-person visit is needed. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com or call (517) 579-1881.
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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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)