Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Covid 19 relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists:
What are we doing to protect against Covid-19?
The health and safety of our patients and staff is of utmost importance to us.
- Along with our regular cleaning, we have only one therapist working per room at a time, further minimizing risk of exposure to covid-19.
- We would ask all patients to follow our social distancing guidelines when in the clinic.
- If you are at all unwell or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19 please call us on (810) 206-1402 to reschedule your appointment.
- If you are “at risk” due to age, health conditions or immuno-suppressed please consider whether a paid “video consult” would be better for you. Please ring us on 021-2021001 to discuss if this is right for you.
- We are continuing with current clinical staff hand hygiene processes and cleaning of plinths after use.
- Treatment rooms will be thoroughly cleaned after every use as we have always done.
- We will invite you to wash your hands in the clinic & have plenty of hand sanitizer available for your use on arrival and prior to departure.
- We are cleaning common areas and frequently used items such as the card machine multiple times a day.
- You may be asked to wait for your appointment in your car and be called to come into the clinic.
- If you would prefer to pay over the phone using your card before your appointment we can email you your receipt to allow for online claiming from health insurance companies.
- Please help us by not bringing any extra people into the practice, practicing your own hand hygiene and rescheduling your appointment if you are unwell.
- If you are unsure whether you should attend your appointment please contact the clinic and our reception team will be able to advise you.
- No staff will be attending work if they are at all unwell.
- Staff may wear appropriate masks or PPE in accordance with HSE guidelines.
- Lastly, remember Podiatrist are essential workers and highly trained with regard to prevention of infection, sterilization etc and are extremely prepared for the new normal.
Michigan Podiatric Care: Expert Foot and Ankle Evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients with foot or ankle concerns — whether a first-time problem, a chronic condition that has not resolved, or a complex issue requiring surgical evaluation — can access expert fellowship-trained podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our practice serves Livingston County patients from our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and Oakland County patients from our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208. We provide same-week new patient appointments, in-office digital X-ray, and the full range of conservative and surgical podiatric treatments. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Michigan patients ready for expert foot and ankle care can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule their appointment.
Michigan Podiatric Care: Connecting Symptoms to Solutions at Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients who have been living with foot or ankle symptoms — and are not sure whether they need professional care or just better self-management — can get a clear, honest answer at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons provide thorough evaluations that diagnose the actual cause of foot and ankle problems, not just the most common cause of a given symptom. Many Michigan patients are surprised to learn that a condition they thought required expensive treatment responds well to a precisely targeted conservative approach: the right custom orthotic, a specific injection, appropriate physical therapy guidance, or a footwear change that addresses their particular foot structure and gait mechanics. Others who have tried conservative measures extensively discover that a straightforward surgical procedure would resolve their problem more reliably than continued symptom management. Getting that clarity — an accurate diagnosis and a realistic treatment plan — is what a podiatric evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle provides. Michigan patients with foot or ankle symptoms can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Foot and Ankle Conditions We Treat at Balance Foot & Ankle in Michigan
Related Treatment Guides
At Balance Foot & Ankle, our Michigan patients come to us with the full range of foot and ankle conditions: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and rupture, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot complications, ankle instability, ankle arthritis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, peroneal tendon disorders, toenail fungus and ingrown toenails, gout, heel spurs, stress fractures, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and sports injuries including ankle sprains and Lisfranc injuries. Whether the appropriate treatment is conservative — custom orthotics, bracing, injection therapy, EPAT, or physical therapy — or surgical, we provide the full care pathway at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Michigan patients with any foot or ankle concern can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for an evaluation appointment.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
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📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Need to See a Podiatrist?
Our offices follow enhanced safety protocols for your protection. In-person and telehealth appointments are available with same-week scheduling.
Clinical References
- Hollander JE, Carr BG. “Virtually perfect? Telemedicine for COVID-19.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;382(18):1679-1681.
- Smith AC, et al. “Telehealth for global emergencies: implications for coronavirus disease 2019.” Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2020;26(5):309-313.
- Bakker K, et al. “Practical guidelines on the management and prevention of the diabetic foot 2011.” Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. 2012;28(Suppl 1):225-231.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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.




