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
Clarkston and Lake Orion — two of northern Oakland County’s most desirable communities — have convenient access to Balance Foot and Ankle in Howell via M-59 West. The 30-35 minute drive from Clarkston and 35-40 minutes from Lake Orion places Dr. Tom Biernacki within easy reach of northern Oakland County’s active, health-conscious population. Patients from these communities choose Balance Foot and Ankle for specialist-level care combined with the personal touch of a private practice.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Clarkston Lake Orion Michigan Oakland County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot Care for Northern Oakland County’s Active Community
Clarkston and Lake Orion are affluent, active communities with a high proportion of athletes, golfers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The foot care needs here reflect that active lifestyle: sports-related ankle sprains, running overuse injuries, stress fractures, and biomechanical problems in athletes of all ages are common. Elite and recreational athletes from these communities choose Dr. Biernacki for his athlete-first philosophy — he minimizes time away from sport and gets patients back to their active lives as quickly as safely possible. The area’s significant high school sports programs at Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Oxford schools generate a steady stream of youth athletic foot injuries.
Common Conditions Treated for Clarkston and Lake Orion Patients
Plantar fasciitis in runners and active adults is the leading presentation from this corridor. Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive protocol — custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and PRP injection — resolves even stubborn heel pain that has failed prior treatment. Ankle sprains and chronic lateral ankle instability in northern Oakland County’s athletes are evaluated with stress X-rays and ultrasound, and treated with comprehensive rehabilitation and, when indicated, surgical stabilization. Bunion deformity, increasingly common in the area’s active adult women, is corrected with modern techniques including Lapiplasty. Custom orthotics fabricated in-office address the biomechanical root causes of virtually every overuse foot condition.
Getting to Balance Foot and Ankle from Clarkston and Lake Orion
From Clarkston, take M-15 South to M-59 West, reaching Howell in approximately 30-35 minutes. From Lake Orion, take M-24 South to M-59 West for a similar drive time. The Balance Foot and Ankle office provides free parking and is accessible from multiple northern Oakland County routes. Book online at MichiganFootDoctors.com or call (517) 545-FEET. Same-week appointments are regularly available.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Insole High Arch
⭐ Highly Rated
Dynamic performance running insole with high arch support and forefoot cushioning. Dr. Biernacki’s top OTC recommendation for Clarkston and Lake Orion runners and cyclists with plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki recommended CURREX insoles for my running shoes and I was back to my marathon training within two weeks without any heel pain.”
Runners, cyclists, and active adults from Clarkston and Lake Orion with plantar fasciitis, arch pain, or metatarsalgia needing dynamic support in performance footwear
Not designed for everyday casual or dress footwear — CURREX Walk or Support versions are better suited for non-athletic use
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Ankle Support Brace Athletes Lace-Up
⭐ Highly Rated
Lace-up ankle stabilizer brace for Clarkston and Lake Orion athletes recovering from ankle sprains or managing chronic ankle instability. Fits in cleats, running shoes, and court shoes.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist prescribed ankle braces for both my kids after ankle sprains in soccer and neither has reinjured in two seasons of competitive play.”
Youth and adult athletes from northern Oakland County with ankle sprain history or chronic instability needing lateral ankle protection during competitive sports
Ankle bracing is most effective when combined with formal ankle rehabilitation — braces without neuromuscular training do not fully address proprioceptive deficits from prior sprains
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Foam Roller Calf and Plantar Fascia
⭐ Highly Rated
Textured foam roller for calf and plantar fascia self-myofascial release. Dr. Biernacki incorporates foam rolling into home exercise programs for Clarkston and Lake Orion patients managing plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist added foam rolling to my morning plantar fasciitis routine and within a week my first-step pain was dramatically reduced.”
Active adults and athletes with plantar fasciitis, calf tightness, and Achilles tightness who want effective self-care tools to complement their professional podiatric treatment
Foam rolling is a complement to — not a replacement for — professional treatment. Patients with nerve symptoms, vascular concerns, or acute injuries should consult Dr. Biernacki before self-rolling.
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Just 30-40 minutes from Clarkston and Lake Orion via M-59 West
- Athlete-first philosophy minimizes time away from sport for northern Oakland County athletes
- Same-week appointments without long specialist wait times
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive from Clarkston and Lake Orion via M-59 can be congested during peak hours
- Northern Oakland County patients needing emergency care should use local Oakland County hospitals
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Clarkston and Lake Orion patients are typically highly active and have high expectations for their healthcare — which I love. They want to understand what is wrong, why it happened, and what the fastest safe path to recovery is. That is exactly how I practice. When a Lake Orion runner comes to me with plantar fasciitis that has failed six months of home treatment, I deliver a complete diagnostic workup and a treatment plan that actually gets them back to running.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Clarkston from Balance Foot and Ankle?
Clarkston is approximately 30-35 minutes from our Howell office via M-15 South and M-59 West. Lake Orion is 35-40 minutes via M-24 South and M-59 West.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat athletes from Clarkston and Lake Orion?
Yes. Sports foot and ankle injuries are a major part of our practice. Dr. Biernacki treats athletes from Clarkston, Lake Orion, Oxford, and all of northern Oakland County with an athlete-first philosophy.
What insurance does Balance Foot and Ankle accept for Oakland County patients?
All major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Are same-week appointments available from Clarkston and Lake Orion?
Yes. Same-week and often next-day appointments are regularly available. Acute sports injuries, suspected fractures, and urgent concerns receive priority scheduling.
Does Dr. Biernacki provide return-to-sport clearance for Oakland County athletes?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki provides return-to-sport documentation and communicates with coaches, athletic trainers, and school sports programs as needed for northern Oakland County athletes.
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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Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, 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.