Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
Podiatrist Chelsea Manchester Michigan Washtenaw County Balance Foot Ankle treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick answer: Podiatrist Chelsea Manchester Michigan Washtenaw County Balance Foot Ankle is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Biernacki discusses foot and ankle care options for patients from Chelsea, Manchester, Dexter, and western Washtenaw County.
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Chelsea Manchester Michigan Washtenaw County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Convenient Podiatric Care for Chelsea and Manchester Residents
Chelsea, Manchester, Dexter, and western Washtenaw County residents are among the closest to Balance Foot & Ankle of any Michigan community — just 20–25 minutes west of Chelsea via I-94 West and US-23 North. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides board-certified podiatric surgery and comprehensive conservative care with same-week appointments for the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions.
Foot Conditions Treated for Western Washtenaw Patients
Chelsea and Manchester patients come to Balance Foot & Ankle for all podiatric needs. Plantar fasciitis — very common in the area’s active population including farmers, runners, and standing workers — is treated with custom orthotics, shockwave, and surgical release. Bunion correction with minimally invasive technique. Ingrown toenail surgery with same-day in-office resolution. Diabetic foot care — nail care, callus reduction, wound management — for western Washtenaw County’s diabetic population. Ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, and sports injuries in the area’s active athletic community. Dr. Biernacki also provides pediatric foot care for children and adolescents from Chelsea and Manchester area schools.
Getting to Howell from Chelsea
From Chelsea: Take I-94 West to US-23 North, then exit at Grand River Avenue in Howell (approximately 22 miles, 22 minutes). From Manchester: Take M-52 North to I-94 West to US-23 North (approximately 28 miles, 28 minutes). From Dexter: Take I-94 West to US-23 North, exit Grand River Avenue (approximately 20 miles, 20 minutes). Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843. Free parking. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, Medicare, Medicaid, and most major Michigan plans. Call (517) 545-FEET.
Why Western Washtenaw County Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Chelsea and Manchester are rural-suburban communities where residents tend to be self-reliant, health-conscious, and practical. When they need a specialist, they want someone thorough, honest, and genuinely skilled — not someone who follows a script. Dr. Biernacki’s reputation in western Washtenaw County has been built on patient referrals and community trust over many years of consistently excellent care. The short 20-minute drive makes access to that level of expertise remarkably convenient.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Keen Newport H2 Sandal
⭐ Highly Rated
Supportive closed-toe sandal with arch support and protective toe cap — popular among Chelsea and Manchester area outdoor enthusiasts with plantar fasciitis who need summer activity footwear.
Dr. Tom says:“”Keen Newport sandals are one of the few sandals I recommend without reservation for patients with plantar fasciitis — the contoured arch support and toe cap combine comfort with reasonable biomechanical support for outdoor activities.” — Dr. Biernacki”
✅ Best for Plantar fasciitis in summer footwear, outdoor activities, light hiking sandal
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with significant overpronation requiring a medially posted orthotic platform
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
20–25 minute drive from Chelsea — among the closest Washtenaw County communities to Balance Foot & Ankle.
Rural and farming community patients served with understanding of occupational foot demands from heavy agricultural work.
Full surgical expertise available when conservative care fails — no need to travel further for complex procedures.
❌ Cons / Risks
Manchester residents have a slightly longer drive (~28 minutes); worth calling ahead to confirm same-day availability for urgent needs.
Western Washtenaw County patients on Medicaid should confirm specific managed care plan in-network status before scheduling.
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Chelsea and Manchester are part of the community I’ve served longest — these are good neighbors who work hard, take care of their land and families, and tend to handle foot problems stoically until they can’t anymore. When they come in, I give them the same level of care I’d give any patient — a thorough evaluation, an honest assessment, and a treatment plan that works for the way they actually live their lives.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see farmers or agricultural workers from western Washtenaw County?
Yes — agricultural workers have specific foot care needs including occupational injuries from heavy equipment, boot-related fungal infections, and heel pain from prolonged standing on uneven terrain. Dr. Biernacki understands these demands and provides care tailored to patients who work outdoors in boots year-round.
Can I get a same-day appointment from Chelsea for an acute issue?
Same-day appointments for urgent conditions (acute fractures, infected ingrown toenails, diabetic wounds) are typically available. The 20-minute drive from Chelsea makes same-day access very practical. Call as early in the morning as possible.
Do you see kids from Chelsea High School?
Yes — we see student athletes from Chelsea, Manchester, and Dexter area schools for sports injuries. Same-week appointments minimize time away from sport. Dr. Biernacki works with school athletic trainers when coordination is appropriate.
Is your office visible from US-23?
Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell — on the south side of Grand River Ave just east of the US-23 / Grand River interchange. It’s easily seen from Grand River Avenue and has ample free parking in front.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. 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.
