Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Clarkston patients come to our Bloomfield Hills office — about 25 minutes via I-75.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — serves patients here. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Quick answer: Podiatrist Clarkston Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Clarkston Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Serving Clarkston & North Oakland County
Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC serves patients from Clarkston, Independence Township, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Milford, Holly, and throughout north Oakland County from our Bloomfield Hills location — approximately 25-30 minutes south via M-15 or I-75 South. New patients are typically seen within the week.
North Oakland County patients visit our practice for complete podiatric care ranging from routine heel pain and ingrown toenail treatment to complex surgical procedures. The Clarkston area’s active lifestyle demographics — runners, hikers, equestrians, and outdoor athletes — generate a mix of sports medicine and general podiatric needs that Dr. Biernacki is well-positioned to serve.
Outdoor & Athletic Foot Care
Clarkston’s proximity to Pontiac Lake, Orion Oaks, and extensive trail networks means many patients present with trail running injuries, hiking-related foot problems, and equestrian foot conditions. Dr. Biernacki has experience with trail runner stress fractures, equestrian ankle instability, and the specific biomechanical demands of uneven terrain sports. Return-to-sport protocols are individualized for each patient’s specific activity.
Senior Care in North Oakland County
North Oakland County has a significant senior population. Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive geriatric foot care including preventive nail care, diabetic foot monitoring, arthritis management, and custom orthotics. Medicare and most Michigan insurance plans accepted. We take time with senior patients to ensure clear communication and comfortable care.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Insole
⭐ Highly Rated
Trail and road running support for Clarkston’s active running community. Dynamic arch support handles the variable terrain loading of both trail and road running.
Dr. Tom says: “https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71NMf5BFHUL._AC_SL300_.jpg”
Trail runners, hikers, active outdoor athletes from north Oakland County
Severe flat feet requiring maximum motion control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic
⭐ Highly Rated
General-purpose clinical arch support for Clarkston-area patients across all age groups and activity levels. Ideal for patients awaiting appointment or between visits.
Dr. Tom says: “https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71k+PB6ZHLL._AC_SL300_.jpg”
All foot types and activity levels, senior and active adult foot pain
Diabetic patients requiring custom therapeutic footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 25-30 minutes from Clarkston — accessible for north Oakland County patients
- Sports medicine expertise for Clarkston’s active outdoor community
- Same-week new patient appointments
❌ Cons / Risks
- 25-30 minute drive from Clarkston — longer than some local options
- No physical office in north Oakland County
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Clarkston and north Oakland County patients bring some of my favorite clinical presentations — trail runners with stress reactions from Pontiac Lake trails, hikers with posterior tibial tendon issues from uneven terrain, and an active senior population that refuses to slow down. I respect the activity level. My job is to keep people doing what they love with the right mechanical support and appropriate treatment when injuries happen.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Clarkston?
Approximately 25-30 minutes from Clarkston via M-15 south or I-75 south. Our Bloomfield Hills address is 3250 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 215. Phone: (810) 206-1402.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat trail running injuries?
Yes — trail running injuries including stress fractures, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis from uneven terrain, and tibial tendinopathy are common presentations. We provide sport-specific evaluation, imaging, and return-to-trail protocols for trail athletes.
Can seniors get same-week foot appointments near Clarkston?
Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle typically offers same-week scheduling for new patients including seniors. Medicare accepted. We take unhurried time with senior patients to ensure complete evaluation and comfortable care.
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 Hills. 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 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.