Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot and Ankle PLLC provides comprehensive foot and ankle care to patients from Clarkston, Independence Township, and surrounding Oakland County communities. Treating heel pain, bunions, ankle injuries, diabetic foot conditions, and nail disorders — accepting most insurance. Same-week appointments available.

Foot and Ankle Care for Clarkston, Michigan
Clarkston and Independence Township represent one of Oakland County’s most scenic, active communities — surrounded by state recreation areas, equestrian trails, and lake-front lifestyle. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot and Ankle PLLC provides board-certified podiatric expertise to the Clarkston area, delivering the same level of specialized care that active northern Oakland County patients demand.
Whether you’re a trail hiker at Independence Oaks, a recreational athlete, a parent seeking pediatric foot care, or a patient managing a chronic condition like diabetes or arthritis, Dr. Biernacki offers personalized, evidence-based treatment with a genuine focus on long-term outcomes. New patients from the Clarkston area are typically seen within one to two business days.
Common Conditions Treated
Dr. Biernacki treats the full range of foot and ankle conditions for Clarkston area patients. Frequently presenting conditions include plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, bunions and hammertoe deformities, Achilles tendinopathy and tendon tears, ankle sprains and chronic instability, ingrown toenails and toenail fungus, diabetic foot and neuropathy management, pediatric foot conditions, and sports-related injuries. Advanced conditions including arthritis, tendon ruptures, and complex deformities are also managed with surgical expertise when appropriate.
In-office diagnostic ultrasound and digital X-ray allow same-visit evaluation without the delay of external imaging referrals. Most diagnoses are confirmed and treatment plans finalized at the first appointment.
Serving Clarkston and Nearby Northern Oakland County
Balance Foot and Ankle serves patients from throughout the Clarkston area including Independence Township, Waterford Township, White Lake, Lake Orion, Oxford, Pontiac, Orion Township, and Davisburg. Convenient scheduling with same-week availability ensures northern Oakland County patients receive timely care without long waits.
Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including BCBS, Aetna, Blue Care Network, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid. The practice team verifies benefits proactively and works to maximize insurance coverage for every patient.
Active Lifestyle, Outdoor Activities, and Foot Health
Clarkston residents who enjoy the abundant outdoor recreation of northern Oakland County — hiking, trail running, equestrian activities, lake sports, and cycling — present with a characteristic mix of sports injuries and overuse conditions. Dr. Biernacki’s sports medicine expertise addresses ankle sprains from trail surfaces, stress fractures from high-mileage training, Achilles injuries from cycling and running transitions, and equestrian-related foot conditions.
Understanding the demands of an active outdoor lifestyle informs Dr. Biernacki’s treatment philosophy — conservative care optimized for athletes, surgical solutions that respect recovery timelines, and orthotics designed to work within the footwear demands of each sport and activity.
Schedule Your Clarkston Appointment
Don’t let foot or ankle pain limit your northern Oakland County lifestyle. Call Balance Foot and Ankle PLLC or use our online booking portal at MichiganFootDoctors.com. Dr. Biernacki and his team are ready to help you get back to what you love — comfortably and confidently.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations

Salomon X Ultra Hiking Shoe — Ankle Support
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Trail hiking shoe with ankle support and cushioned midsole ideal for northern Oakland County terrain — reduces sprain risk and impact on plantar fascia.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended hiking-specific shoes for trail use and these have been excellent for my foot health.””
Trail hiking, outdoor activities at Independence Oaks and similar terrain
Not suitable as everyday casual wear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Convenient northern Oakland County location for Clarkston patients
- Sports medicine expertise for active outdoor lifestyle injuries
- Same-week appointments with same-visit diagnostic imaging
❌ Cons / Risks
- Complex reconstructive surgery may require scheduling 2–3 weeks in advance
- Insurance pre-authorization required for elective procedures
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Clarkston patients come in with some of the most interesting sports and outdoor activity injuries I see — trail running ankle sprains, equestrian-related conditions, stress fractures from ambitious hiking programs. I love that this community stays active at every age. My job is to keep them moving safely.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist serving Clarkston Michigan?
Yes — Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot and Ankle serves patients from Clarkston, Independence Township, and surrounding Oakland County communities. New patients are typically seen within 1–2 business days.
What insurance does the Clarkston area podiatrist accept?
Dr. Biernacki accepts BCBS, Aetna, Blue Care Network, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, Medicaid, and most other Michigan plans. Call to verify your specific coverage.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat hiking and trail running injuries near Clarkston?
Absolutely. Dr. Biernacki specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle care and regularly treats ankle sprains, stress fractures, and overuse injuries in active Oakland County patients.
Can I get custom orthotics for hiking near Clarkston?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki fabricates custom orthotics designed for hiking boots, trail running shoes, and other outdoor footwear.
How do I book an appointment near Clarkston MI?
Call Balance Foot and Ankle PLLC or use online booking at MichiganFootDoctors.com. Same-week appointments are frequently available for new patients from Clarkston and northern Oakland County.
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 →Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)