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 Clio Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care Near Clio, Michigan
Clio, a vibrant community on the northern edge of Genesee County near the Saginaw County line, is home to families, workers, and retirees who deserve accessible, high-quality foot and ankle care. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon Dr. Tom Biernacki, provides the full spectrum of podiatric services for Clio-area residents — from everyday nail conditions and heel pain to diabetic foot management and complex surgical reconstruction.
Foot pain affects everything — your ability to work, stay active, sleep comfortably, and enjoy your community. Whether you’re chasing kids around, putting in long shifts at work, or trying to stay active in retirement, Dr. Biernacki helps Clio residents get back on their feet with accurate diagnoses and treatment plans tailored to real Michigan lives.
Foot & Ankle Conditions Treated Near Clio
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis): The most common foot complaint in our practice, and very treatable when approached correctly. Dr. Biernacki uses a systematic, evidence-based protocol including custom orthotics, targeted stretching instruction, night splints for overnight fascial lengthening, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for cases that haven’t responded to simpler measures. Most patients achieve lasting relief — without surgery.
Ingrown Toenails: Painful, recurring ingrown nails are permanently resolved with a quick in-office procedure (partial nail avulsion with phenol matrixectomy). Performed under local anesthesia, it takes about 15 minutes and has a success rate over 95%. Walk in with an ingrown nail, walk out with a solution.
Diabetic Foot Care: Genesee County’s diabetes burden is significant, and Clio-area patients deserve a podiatrist who understands that diabetic foot care is preventive medicine — not just treating problems after they occur. Dr. Biernacki’s program includes regular at-risk foot exams, nerve testing, circulation checks, callus and nail maintenance, wound care for developing ulcers, and Medicare-covered therapeutic footwear for qualifying patients.
Ankle Injuries: From first-time lateral ankle sprains to chronic instability with recurrent giving-way, Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive ankle evaluation and treatment. In-office diagnostic ultrasound allows real-time assessment of ligament and tendon integrity. Surgical stabilization (Broström-Gould procedure) is available for chronic lateral ankle instability that fails conservative rehabilitation.
Flat Feet: Flexible flatfoot is often asymptomatic, but when it causes arch and heel pain, shin splints, knee pain, or accelerated wear on the ankle and subtalar joints, custom orthotics and footwear guidance can make a significant difference. Adult-acquired flatfoot with posterior tibial tendon failure is a progressive condition requiring more aggressive intervention — Dr. Biernacki specializes in flatfoot reconstruction when needed.
Fungal Toenails (Onychomycosis): Thickened, discolored, crumbling nails affect a large proportion of adults and are both cosmetically bothersome and potentially painful. Oral antifungal therapy (terbinafine, itraconazole) provides the highest cure rates. Dr. Biernacki evaluates for contraindications and monitors liver function when using oral agents, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
Neuromas: Morton’s neuroma — painful swelling of the digital nerve between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads — causes burning, shooting, or electric pain in the forefoot, often described as stepping on a pebble. Treatment options range from padding and wider footwear to corticosteroid injection to surgical excision for unresponsive cases.
Serving Clio and the Surrounding Area
We serve patients from Clio, Mt. Morris, Beecher, Birch Run, Montrose, Otisville, Vienna Township, and throughout the northern Genesee County region. Our convenient location makes it realistic for Clio residents to access specialist podiatric care without the long drive to Flint or beyond. Many of our patients come from the Clio Road corridor and surrounding townships who previously had to travel significant distances for any specialist foot care.
On-Site Diagnostics — No Referral Required
Balance Foot & Ankle is equipped with digital X-ray, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, Doppler vascular studies, and computerized pressure mapping for custom orthotic fabrication — all available at your appointment. For most conditions, we can diagnose and begin treatment at your very first visit. No separate radiology appointments, no waiting for results to come back from another facility.
Schedule Your Clio Area Appointment Today
Dr. Biernacki and his team are committed to making podiatric specialist care accessible for Clio and northern Genesee County residents. New patient appointments are typically available within a few days of calling, and same-week scheduling is offered for acute injuries and urgent diabetic foot concerns. Don’t let foot pain slow you down — call us today.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Vionic Relief Orthotic Flip Flops
⭐ Highly Rated
Built-in podiatrist-designed orthotics in casual summer footwear. The deep heel cup and longitudinal arch support provide significant relief for plantar fasciitis patients who otherwise go barefoot at home.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended these after treating my heel pain. I wore regular sandals all summer and my plantar fasciitis was getting worse — these made a huge difference.””
Plantar fasciitis, home use, summer footwear with arch support
Not suitable for athletic activity or long-distance walking
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stridetek Tactical Trainer Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
High-performance insoles with metatarsal dome, deep heel cup, and dual-layer cushioning. Designed for active individuals and workers who need all-day support in several footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “”I’ve tried dozens of insoles over the years for my plantar fasciitis. These are the only ones that give me enough arch support AND cushioning for a full workday.””
All-day work use, active adults, plantar fasciitis prevention
Trim-to-fit required — allow 5 minutes for first use
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Expert podiatric specialist accessible to Clio and the entire northern Genesee County corridor
- Same-week appointments for urgent concerns — ingrown nails, diabetic wounds, acute injuries
- Comprehensive on-site diagnostics mean most patients can be diagnosed and start treatment at their first visit
❌ Cons / Risks
- Complex surgical procedures may require travel to affiliated regional outpatient surgery centers
- Custom orthotics have a 2–3 week fabrication time after fitting appointment
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Clio patients are some of the most resilient people I see — they wait a long time before coming in, they’ve tried everything at the hardware store and the farm supply, and they just want someone to fix the problem so they can get back to work. I respect that. My job is to give a straight answer: here’s what’s wrong, here’s what works, here’s the fastest path back to normal. No runaround, no unnecessary tests — just solid diagnosis and effective treatment.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Clio that takes Blue Cross?
Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle is an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and many other major insurance plans. Call our office to verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
What causes toenails to become thick and yellow?
Thick, discolored toenails are almost always caused by onychomycosis (fungal infection), though nail trauma, psoriasis, and circulation problems can cause similar changes. A culture or PCR test confirms the diagnosis before treatment. Most fungal nails respond to oral antifungal therapy.
Can flat feet cause knee or hip pain?
Yes. Excessive pronation from flatfoot creates a chain reaction that increases internal tibial rotation, leading to patellofemoral stress (knee pain), IT band irritation, and hip external rotator strain. Custom orthotics that correct rearfoot alignment often improve not just foot pain but knee and hip discomfort as well.
How do I know if I have a stress fracture or just a sprain?
Stress fractures typically cause localized bony tenderness over a specific area, often in the metatarsals or navicular. Sprains cause more diffuse soft tissue tenderness over ligamentous structures. X-rays may miss early stress fractures — MRI or bone scan is more sensitive. Any suspected foot fracture should be evaluated promptly to avoid displacement or delayed healing.
Do you offer telehealth appointments for Clio patients?
We offer telehealth consultations for appropriate initial assessments and follow-up visits. However, most foot and ankle problems benefit from in-person examination — physical assessment, imaging, and procedures cannot be performed remotely. Call our office to discuss whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific concern.
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. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Ready to get relief? Book an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle or call (810) 206-1402. Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Clio. 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 Clio 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.