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 Clarkston Lake Orion Michigan Oakland County North Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Northern Oakland County’s Foot & Ankle Specialist
Residents of Clarkston, Lake Orion, Oxford, Leonard, and northern Oakland County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle for expert podiatric care. Northern Oakland County is one of Michigan’s most active outdoor communities — with high-quality trail systems at Independence Oaks, Orion Oaks, and Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, and a active equestrian culture in rural Oakland County townships.
Dr. Biernacki brings board-certified podiatric medicine and surgery expertise to every patient from the Clarkston and Lake Orion area — from routine nail procedures and conservative heel pain management to complex ankle reconstruction and minimally invasive surgery.
Common Conditions in the Clarkston & Lake Orion Area
Trail running and hiking injuries — Independence Oaks, Orion Oaks, and Bald Mountain attract thousands of runners and hikers annually. Plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and posterior tibial tendinopathy are the most common injuries Dr. Biernacki treats in this active population.
Sports injuries in young athletes — Lake Orion Community Schools and Clarkston Community Schools produce competitive athletes in football, cross-country, basketball, and lacrosse. Sever’s disease (growth plate heel pain), ankle sprains, turf toe, and stress fractures are common presentations in this active student population.
Equestrian foot conditions — Clarkston and northern Oakland County townships have a significant equestrian community. Equestrian-specific foot injuries — including boot-related compression neuropathies, ankle sprains from falls, and forefoot injuries — are conditions Dr. Biernacki evaluates and manages.
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis — Shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, and PRP injections for chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to standard treatments. Most patients with plantar fasciitis achieve resolution within 8–12 weeks of targeted treatment.
Bunion and hammertoe correction — MICA minimally invasive surgery for bunion correction with faster recovery and excellent cosmetic outcome. Conservative padding and orthotic management for patients who prefer non-surgical management.
Advanced Technology for Northern Oakland County Patients
Northern Oakland County patients receive the same advanced diagnostic and treatment technology available at major medical centers: in-office digital weight-bearing X-rays; musculoskeletal ultrasound for tendon and soft tissue assessment; 3D-scanned custom orthotic fabrication; extracorporeal shockwave therapy; PRP regenerative injections; and FDA-cleared laser fungal nail treatment. Complex imaging — MRI, CT, bone scan — is coordinated with local imaging centers when required.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum cushion running shoe recommended by podiatrists for high-impact trail activity, heel pain recovery, and high-mileage running. A top choice for northern Oakland County trail runners.
Dr. Tom says: “My top recommendation for active Clarkston and Lake Orion trail runners dealing with heel and arch pain.”
High-mileage runners, heel pain, post-injury return to trail activity
Minimalist running preference, racing flats
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Superfeet CARBON Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Ultra-thin carbon fiber arch support insole for athletic and trail shoes — maximum biomechanical support with minimal volume impact on shoe fit.
Dr. Tom says: “Fits in trail shoes and athletic footwear without crowding the toe box — great for northern Oakland County’s active outdoor community.”
Trail shoes, low-volume athletic footwear, active sports
Extra-depth diabetic shoes, casual everyday use
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Subspecialty foot and ankle expertise accessible to Clarkston and Lake Orion residents
- Advanced shockwave therapy and PRP for trail running and sports injuries
- Same-week appointments for most new patients from northern Oakland County
- MICA minimally invasive surgery with faster recovery for bunions and hammertoes
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive to our office required — no satellite clinic currently in Clarkston or Lake Orion
- Complex fractures and reconstructions may require hospital-based surgical facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Northern Oakland County is one of Michigan’s most active communities — and active communities need a podiatrist who understands athletic foot demands. I work with trail runners doing 50-mile weeks, high school football players, equestrians, and everyone in between. My goal for every Clarkston and Lake Orion patient is the same: accurate diagnosis on the first visit, a treatment plan that respects your activity goals, and results that get you back to the trails and sports you love as quickly as safely possible.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Clarkston or Lake Orion?
We have multiple locations serving northern Oakland County. Call our main number at (810) 206-1402 to confirm the most convenient office for your address and get directions.
Can Dr. Biernacki treat Lake Orion and Clarkston high school athletes?
Yes — Dr. Biernacki regularly treats student athletes for ankle sprains, stress fractures, turf toe, Sever’s disease, and plantar fasciitis. Athletic clearance and return-to-sport documentation are available.
Do you offer regenerative medicine treatments like PRP?
Yes. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are available for chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and peroneal tendon injuries that have not responded to standard conservative care.
How quickly can I get an appointment in the northern Oakland County area?
Most new patients from Clarkston and Lake Orion are seen within one week. Urgent cases — infected ingrown nails, acute fractures, diabetic foot wounds — are prioritized for same or next-day appointments.
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.
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.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
Ready to Get Relief?
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.