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 Clare Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Care for Clare, Michigan Residents
Clare is a city of approximately 3,200 residents in Clare County, strategically located at the intersection of US-10 and US-127 — the self-proclaimed “Gateway to Northern Michigan.” Clare’s position at this major highway intersection makes it a commercial and services hub for the broader central lower Michigan region, drawing patients from Clare, Roscommon, Osceola, and neighboring counties.
Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric services for Clare and Clare County residents through Dr. Tom Biernacki, offering same-week appointments, in-office imaging, and telehealth consultation for patients in the northern lower Michigan corridor.
Foot Conditions Treated for Clare-Area Patients
Clare’s gateway position means its foot health population includes local residents, seasonal northern Michigan travelers, retirees heading to second homes, and residents of neighboring counties who stop for services on their US-10 and US-127 travels. Common conditions evaluated from the Clare area include:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — plantar fasciitis management with orthotics, stretching, and injection therapy for the older and working adult population.
- Diabetic foot care — Clare County’s significant older and diabetic population benefits from preventive annual podiatric exams, sensory testing, and wound management services.
- Ingrown and fungal toenails — in-office treatment with permanent solutions for chronic ingrown nails. Oral and topical antifungal protocols for onychomycosis.
- Seasonal activity injuries — fishing, boating, ATV riding, and hunting in the Clare County and northern Michigan region generate ankle and foot injuries requiring evaluation.
- Bunions and hammertoes — progressive deformity management with conservative care and surgical consultation when indicated.
About Clare, Michigan
Clare was incorporated in 1877 and grew rapidly as the rail gateway to the northern Michigan lumber and recreational regions. The intersection of US-10 (east-west) and US-127 (north-south) makes Clare a major crossroads for Michigan travelers. The city hosts the Clare Irish Festival — a major annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration — and maintains a vibrant downtown commercial district. MidMichigan Medical Center Clare (Mid-Michigan Health) provides hospital services for the county. Clare’s geographic centrality makes it accessible from neighboring Osceola, Mecosta, Isabella, Midland, and Gladwin Counties.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Clare
Patients from Clare traveling to Balance Foot & Ankle route south on US-127 to I-69 east, connecting to the Genesee County clinic. Drive time is approximately 75–85 minutes. Telehealth consultation is recommended for initial non-urgent evaluations. Our scheduling team will confirm the best clinic location for Clare County patients when in-person visits are needed.
Insurance and Scheduling
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. No referral required. Same-week appointments typically available. Book online 24/7 or call during business hours.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Ariat Workhog XT Work Boot
⭐ Highly Rated
High-quality work boot with wide toe box, orthotic-compatible removable footbed, and cushioned midsole. Popular with Michigan outdoor workers and agricultural employees.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended a work boot with a removable insole so I could use my custom orthotics — the Ariat Workhog is the best work boot I’ve ever worn.”
Agricultural and construction work, orthotic-compatible work boot
Wide-toe-box style — confirm fit in-store before purchasing; different from standard cowboy toe profile
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Copper Compression Full Leg Sleeve
⭐ Highly Rated
Graduated compression leg sleeve for lower leg and ankle swelling management. Useful for Clare County patients with venous insufficiency, post-travel swelling, or mild edema.
Dr. Tom says: “I have mild ankle swelling after long drives up north — these compression sleeves make a noticeable difference.”
Lower leg edema, mild venous insufficiency, post-travel swelling
Medical-grade compression stockings prescribed by provider are superior for significant venous disease; consult podiatrist or vascular specialist for severe swelling
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Accessible specialty podiatric care for Clare and northern lower Michigan patients without traveling to Flint or Saginaw
- Telehealth option reduces travel for non-urgent consultations — 75-minute drive not required for initial assessment
- Clare’s gateway position makes it convenient for seasonal northern Michigan travelers who need podiatric evaluation mid-trip
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive time from Clare is 75–85 minutes — telehealth strongly recommended for initial non-urgent evaluations
- Very complex wound care cases may need MidMichigan Medical Center Clare or Covenant HealthCare coordination
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Clare is the gateway to northern Michigan, and a lot of patients passing through or living in that northern lower peninsula corridor find their way to Balance Foot & Ankle. I love serving that population — folks on their way north to a fishing camp, retirees in seasonal homes, working people from across four or five counties who happen to drive through Clare to get anywhere. The telehealth option is especially valuable for northern Michigan patients — we can do a real consultation before they commit to the drive south, and often solve straightforward problems without the trip at all.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Clare Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle serves Clare and Clare County from its Genesee County location, approximately 75–85 minutes south via US-127. Telehealth consultations are strongly recommended for initial non-urgent evaluations to minimize travel.
Can seasonal northern Michigan residents use Balance Foot & Ankle?
Yes. Seasonal residents spending time in northern Michigan for fishing, boating, or retirement are welcome as patients. Telehealth consultations are available for initial evaluations. If in-person care is needed, Clare’s location on US-127 makes it accessible en route to or from the clinic.
What should I do for plantar fasciitis while traveling up north?
Rest, ice, and supportive footwear are the immediate measures. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. If you have custom orthotics, wear them in all footwear. A telehealth consultation can determine whether you need an urgent in-person visit or can wait until you return from your trip.
Does your office accept Medicare?
Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare Part B for covered podiatric services including evaluation, treatment, nail care for qualifying conditions, and custom orthotics with documented medical necessity.
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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📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Clare. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Clare area.
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.