Covid 19

Quick answer: Podiatrist Covid 19 affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom 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

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Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment

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

Clinical References

1. Hollander JE, Carr BG. “Virtually perfect? Telemedicine for COVID-19.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;382(18):1679-1681.
2. Smith AC, et al. “Telehealth for global emergencies: implications for coronavirus disease 2019.” Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2020;26(5):309-313.
3. 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.

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.