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.
Podiatrist Chelsea Michigan Balance Foot Ankle Care treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle welcomes Chelsea and Washtenaw County Michigan patients for expert foot and ankle podiatric care.
Expert Podiatric Care for Chelsea and Western Washtenaw County
Chelsea is a charming western Washtenaw County community known for its strong community spirit, thriving arts scene, and active residents. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, serves Chelsea and surrounding western Washtenaw County communities with expert podiatric care—from routine nail conditions and heel pain to complex surgical reconstruction. Same-week appointments ensure Chelsea patients access timely, expert foot and ankle care when they need it.
Conditions Treated for Chelsea Patients
Chelsea patients visit Balance Foot & Ankle for plantar fasciitis and heel spur treatment, ingrown toenail procedures and permanent correction, fungal nail laser therapy, bunion and hammertoe correction, Morton’s neuroma management, ankle sprain rehabilitation and ligament reconstruction, Achilles tendinopathy treatment, diabetic foot surveillance and wound care, stress fracture management, custom orthotic fabrication, and pediatric foot care for Chelsea’s youth athletes and families.
Chelsea’s Community and Podiatric Needs
Chelsea residents are active participants in their community—running the Chelsea Riverside Race, cycling county roads, and hiking the Waterloo-Pinckney trails. This active lifestyle generates the overuse injuries Dr. Biernacki treats most frequently: plantar fasciitis in runners, ankle instability in trail users, and stress fractures in athletes rapidly increasing training volume. Custom athletic orthotics, biomechanical analysis, and sport-specific rehabilitation protocols help Chelsea athletes return to activity faster with reduced re-injury risk.
In-Office Technology for Chelsea Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle’s in-office digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound provide same-visit diagnosis for most Chelsea patients. Ultrasound-guided injections for plantar fasciitis and Morton’s neuroma are performed with real-time image guidance. Most Chelsea patients leave their first appointment with a confirmed diagnosis and a clear treatment plan—no waiting weeks for imaging referrals.
Booking Your Chelsea Appointment
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. New Chelsea patients are typically seen within one week. Urgent foot and ankle problems receive priority scheduling. Call (734) 479-0560 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com to request your appointment. We serve Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, and western Washtenaw County.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Altra Lone Peak Trail Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Zero-drop wide toe box trail shoe—excellent for Chelsea and Washtenaw County trail runners seeking natural foot mechanics combined with outsole protection on mixed terrain.
Dr. Tom says:“Altra Lone Peak is one of the best trail shoes for Chelsea-area runners who want a wide toe box and natural foot position without sacrificing protection on the Waterloo-Pinckney trail system.”
✅ Best for Chelsea trail runners with forefoot pain or bunions seeking natural foot position
⚠️ Not ideal for Those with plantar fasciitis requiring extra heel cushioning rather than a zero-drop shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Semi-rigid arch support and deep heel cradle for Chelsea patients with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arch fatigue in trail shoes and athletic footwear.
Dr. Tom says:“Powerstep Pinnacle is my most commonly recommended first-line insole for Chelsea and western Washtenaw County patients with heel and arch pain.”
✅ Best for Chelsea patients with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arch pain
⚠️ Not ideal for Those with complex biomechanical issues requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Chelsea is a community that takes running and outdoor activity seriously—and I’m here to help when those activities cause foot or ankle problems. If you’re training for a race, just starting a fitness program, or dealing with a chronic nail issue, we have effective solutions. Give us a call and we’ll get you in this week.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat trail running injuries from Chelsea?
Yes. Trail running injuries including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendinopathy are commonly treated for Chelsea and western Washtenaw County outdoor athletes.
Can I get custom orthotics for trail shoes near Chelsea Michigan?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki fabricates custom orthotics designed for trail shoes and hiking boots. Most custom orthotics are ready within two to three weeks of the fitting appointment.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle serve Dexter Michigan patients?
Yes, we serve Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester, and all of western Washtenaw County. Call (734) 479-0560 for directions and appointment scheduling.
What insurance does Balance Foot & Ankle accept for Chelsea patients?
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others. Call to verify your specific plan before your visit.
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.
