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 Dearborn Allen Park Michigan Wayne County Southwest Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Southwest Wayne County’s Foot & Ankle Specialist
Patients in Dearborn, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, and southwest Wayne County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle for comprehensive foot and ankle care. From Ford Motor Company employees on their feet during long factory shifts to Dearborn’s active community of professionals, athletes, and active seniors — we provide personalized podiatric medicine with the expertise these patients deserve.
Dr. Biernacki brings board-certified podiatric medicine and surgical expertise to every Dearborn-area patient — backed by over a decade of clinical experience, 4.9-star patient satisfaction, and over 3,000 completed surgical procedures. Southwest Wayne County patients receive the same level of care available at university medical centers — with same-week appointments and without the drive to Ann Arbor or downtown Detroit.
Conditions We Treat for Dearborn & Allen Park Patients
Diabetic foot care — Dearborn and southwest Wayne County have significant diabetes prevalence. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive annual preventive exams with monofilament testing, therapeutic footwear, nail and callus care, and urgent wound evaluation. Same-day diabetic foot emergency appointments available. Medicare covers annual diabetic foot exams for qualifying patients.
Work-related foot pain — Manufacturing and labor-intensive workers suffer disproportionate rates of plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and stress injuries. Dr. Biernacki designs custom orthotics specifically for work boots and safety footwear — addressing the biomechanical demands of factory floor environments.
Bunion correction — MICA minimally invasive bunionectomy allows patients to walk in a boot immediately post-procedure with significantly faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Conservative management with splints, orthotics, and footwear modification for patients managing without surgery.
Ingrown toenail surgery — In-office partial nail avulsion with permanent matrixectomy eliminates the offending nail border and prevents recurrence. The 15-minute procedure is performed under local anesthesia — patients walk out and return to work the same day.
Toenail fungus — FDA-cleared laser nail treatment clears onychomycosis without oral antifungal medications. Ideal for Dearborn-area patients who cannot tolerate systemic antifungals due to liver conditions or drug interactions.
Accessibility for the Dearborn Community
We have multiple Wayne County-area locations serving Dearborn and Allen Park patients. Arabic-speaking staff is available to serve Dearborn’s Arab-American community — Michigan’s largest — ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive care for all patients.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, McLaren, Medicaid (Michigan), and Medicare. All major Wayne County employer insurance plans are accepted. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your coverage.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Timberland PRO Pit Boss Steel-Toe Boot
⭐ Highly Rated
ASTM-rated steel-toe work boot with anti-fatigue footbed technology — reduces foot fatigue and plantar fasciitis risk for Dearborn-area manufacturing and factory workers.
Dr. Tom says: “Reduces foot fatigue and plantar fasciitis for workers on the factory floor — one of the best investments a standing worker can make.”
Manufacturing, warehouse, construction, and automotive plant workers
Office or dress settings
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum arch support insole for work boots — designed for hard surfaces and prolonged standing. Reduces plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and arch fatigue in industrial environments.
Dr. Tom says: “The best OTC insole upgrade for steel-toed work boots — significantly reduces plantar fasciitis risk for standing workers.”
Work boots, prolonged standing, factory floors, plantar fasciitis
Severe flat feet or custom orthotic candidates requiring prescription devices
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Diabetic foot care with Arabic-speaking staff for Dearborn’s Arab-American community
- Work-boot-compatible custom orthotics designed for manufacturing and industrial environments
- Same-day ingrown toenail surgery — walk in, walk out, return to work same day
- Medicare and Medicaid accepted — comprehensive coverage for diabetic foot care benefits
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive to our office required for Dearborn and Allen Park patients
- Complex surgical cases may require hospital operating room facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Dearborn is a community I care deeply about serving well — it’s one of Michigan’s most culturally rich and hardworking communities. The combination of a significant diabetic population and a large proportion of workers in manufacturing creates a specific set of foot and ankle challenges that I address every day. Diabetic foot care prevents amputations — I cannot overstate how important annual podiatry visits are for every diabetic patient in the Dearborn area. And for workers: your feet are your livelihood. A good work boot insole and an annual podiatry visit costs far less than a months-long recovery from plantar fasciitis or a diabetic foot wound.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle have a location near Dearborn?
We have multiple Wayne County-area locations. Call our main number at (810) 206-1402 to confirm the most convenient office for your Dearborn or Allen Park address and get directions.
Is diabetic foot care covered by insurance in Michigan?
Yes. Medicare covers annual preventive diabetic foot exams for qualifying patients, routine nail care for patients with neuropathy, and one pair of therapeutic diabetic shoes plus insoles per calendar year. Michigan Medicaid and most commercial plans also cover diabetic foot care.
Can I get an ingrown toenail treated on the same day as my appointment?
Yes. Ingrown toenail surgery is a quick in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. Most patients are treated the same visit and return to work or normal activity immediately. The permanent matrixectomy prevents the nail border from growing back.
Does Dr. Biernacki have experience treating auto industry worker foot conditions?
Absolutely. Work-related foot conditions from manufacturing, assembly, and standing-intensive labor are among the most common presentations in our practice. Dr. Biernacki designs custom orthotics specifically for steel-toed boots and work shoes, and understands the physical demands of automotive and industrial floor environments.
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. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
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 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.