Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Chelsea has no podiatry office of its own, so Chelsea patients come to our Howell clinic — roughly 25–35 minutes via I-94 West to M-52 North, then M-59. We handle heel pain, bunions, ingrown and fungal toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy and sports injuries. Book a real appointment time online in about a minute, or call (810) 206-1402.
Chelsea · nearest office is Howell
Book online in under a minute
Chelsea patients are seen at our Howell office on E Grand River, the closer of our two locations. Stubborn foot pain is usually a diagnosis problem rather than a product problem — tendon, nerve and joint causes can feel identical. Book online for a same-week evaluation, or call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care for Chelsea, Michigan Patients
Chelsea, Michigan is a active community in western Washtenaw County, known for its thriving arts scene, Purple Rose Theatre, and strong community spirit. Chelsea residents dealing with foot and ankle conditions—from plantar fasciitis and bunions to ankle sprains and diabetic foot care—rely on Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell for expert podiatric evaluation and treatment. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive, evidence-based foot and ankle care to patients from Chelsea and the surrounding western Washtenaw County area.
The drive from Chelsea to our Howell clinic is approximately 25–35 minutes via I-94 West and M-59. We offer early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments to accommodate Chelsea commuters who travel to Ann Arbor or Detroit for work. Same-day appointments are available for acute foot injuries, and we accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, and Medicare.
Chelsea has a notably active community with strong cycling, running, and outdoor recreation culture. Our practice is well-equipped to serve Chelsea’s active population—we provide gait analysis, sport-specific biomechanical assessment, and customized orthotic prescriptions for runners, cyclists, and recreational athletes. We also provide care for Chelsea’s growing retiree population, including comprehensive diabetic foot care, fall prevention programs, and nail care for patients with reduced circulation.
Common Conditions We Treat for Chelsea Patients
The conditions most commonly seen in our Chelsea patient population reflect the community’s active lifestyle: plantar fasciitis and heel pain from Chelsea’s extensive trail and walking path system; ankle sprains from trail running and recreational sports at Waterloo Recreation Area and other Washtenaw County parks; bunion pain from inadequate footwear in active patients; and Morton’s neuroma from high-impact activities.
We also see a significant number of Chelsea patients with diabetic foot complications, as the area’s aging population faces the same diabetes prevalence as Michigan overall. Our diabetic foot care protocol includes comprehensive neurovascular assessment, custom diabetic orthotics, wound care, and coordination with endocrinology and vascular surgery when needed.
Pediatric foot care is another significant part of our Chelsea practice—we evaluate children’s flat feet, Sever’s disease (heel pain in active kids), ingrown toenails, and warts. Chelsea’s strong youth athletics programs create demand for pediatric sports foot care, and we’re experienced in managing young athletes’ foot problems with minimal disruption to their activity level.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Chelsea
The most convenient route from Chelsea to our Howell clinic: Take I-94 West toward Jackson to exit 147 (M-52/Chelsea/Stockbridge). Head north on M-52 through Stockbridge, then west on M-59 to Howell. Total driving time is typically 25–35 minutes in normal traffic.
Alternatively, some Chelsea patients prefer Grand River Avenue (M-43) west through Pinckney to Howell—a slightly longer but scenic route that avoids highway driving. This route passes through Pinckney and takes approximately 35–40 minutes.
Our clinic is located in central Howell near the intersection of M-59 and Grand River Avenue, with ample free parking. We’re easily accessible and have a ground-floor office with full ADA compliance. Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online at MichiganFootDoctors.com to schedule.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Short 25-35 minute drive from Chelsea on I-94 and M-59
- Extended hours including early morning and Saturday appointments
- Comprehensive care from sports injuries to diabetic foot—all ages served
❌ Cons / Risks
- No Washtenaw County office—Chelsea patients drive to Howell
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Chelsea is a community I have a lot of respect for—it has that rare combination of genuine small-town character and real sophistication. The patients from Chelsea tend to be engaged, health-conscious, and invested in their care. If you’re a Chelsea runner dealing with plantar fasciitis or a Chelsea retiree managing diabetic foot health, come see us. We’ll give you thorough care and practical guidance.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the drive from Chelsea to your Howell office?
Approximately 25-35 minutes via I-94 West to M-52 North, then M-59 West to Howell.
Do you accept Priority Health for Chelsea patients?
Yes, Priority Health is among our accepted plans. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your specific plan before your appointment.
Can you provide diabetic foot care for Chelsea seniors?
Yes—comprehensive diabetic foot evaluation, custom diabetic orthotics, and wound care are core services. Medicare is accepted.
When Shoes Aren’t Enough — Dr. Tom’s Top 9 Orthotics
About 30% of patients I see for foot pain need MORE than a great shoe — they need a structured insole. Below: my complete 2026 orthotic ranking with pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give each one to.
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.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Township, 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.