Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Podiatrist Dearborn Heights Michigan Balance Foot Ankle 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 Dearborn Heights Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Dearborn Heights, Michigan residents seeking expert podiatric care trust Balance Foot & Ankle and Dr. Tom Biernacki. Our team provides thorough, individualized evaluation and treatment for the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions — from everyday issues like ingrown toenails and heel pain to complex surgical cases requiring specialized expertise.
We provide comprehensive care for Dearborn Heights patients including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, bunions and hammertoes, ingrown toenails and nail infections, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendinitis, ankle sprains and instability, diabetic foot care and wound management, flat feet and arch disorders, toenail fungus, sports injuries, and pediatric foot conditions. We also treat complex conditions like Charcot foot, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and osteochondral lesions of the ankle.
Dearborn Heights has a substantial population of patients managing diabetes, and Dr. Biernacki is deeply committed to preventive diabetic foot care. We provide comprehensive annual diabetic foot exams, wound care for diabetic ulcers, diabetic shoe and insole prescriptions through Medicare, and patient education on daily foot care. The cost of preventive podiatric care is far less than the physical and financial cost of diabetic foot complications — we make prevention a priority.
When surgery becomes necessary, Dr. Biernacki offers minimally invasive options for appropriate candidates. Minimally invasive bunion correction, endoscopic plantar fascia release, and percutaneous fifth metatarsal fracture fixation minimize incision size, reduce recovery time, and provide excellent outcomes in properly selected patients. Not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive techniques — we discuss candidacy honestly and clearly during the surgical consultation.
Dearborn Heights patients can book at Balance Foot & Ankle online at michiganfootdoctors.com or by phone. We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Aetna, and Cigna. We look forward to helping you find relief and get back to living actively.
⭐ Highly Rated
Firm arch-supportive insoles for overpronation and plantar fasciitis — one of the most podiatrist-recommended OTC options.
Dr. Tom says: “These gave me the relief that other OTC insoles couldn’t — well worth the slightly higher price.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⭐ Highly Rated
Gel bunion cushion that reduces friction pain from shoe pressure — effective daily conservative management.
Dr. Tom says: “These protectors have made wearing shoes comfortable again while I consider my surgical options.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⭐ Highly Rated
Specially designed diabetic socks to protect neuropathic feet — non-binding, moisture-wicking, and protective.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist specifically recommended these for my diabetic foot care and they are excellent.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dearborn Heights patients are like all of our patients — they’re busy people who need their feet to work so they can take care of their families, do their jobs, and enjoy their lives. Our goal is always to get them the right answer efficiently and effectively, with as little downtime as possible.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Dearborn Heights is approximately 50 minutes from our Howell, Michigan office via I-94 West and I-96 West. Many patients from this area find the level of specialized care we offer worth the drive.
Yes — surgical bunion correction permanently repositions the bone and realigns the toe. The procedure has very low recurrence rates, especially when the surgical approach is matched to the severity of deformity. Minimally invasive options for appropriate candidates result in faster recovery than traditional open procedures.
The fastest and most definitive solution for a painful ingrown toenail is the in-office partial nail avulsion procedure — removal of the ingrown nail border under local anesthesia. For chronic or repeatedly infected ingrown toenails, chemical matrixectomy prevents regrowth of the problem nail border permanently. Patients walk out of the office the same day.
Absolutely — biomechanical foot problems including overpronation, high arches, and leg length discrepancy commonly contribute to knee, hip, and low back pain. Custom orthotics that correct foot mechanics can significantly reduce knee pain in many patients. Dr. Biernacki performs comprehensive lower extremity biomechanical assessment.
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.
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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.