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
Dearborn Heights — a diverse, working-class community of southeastern Wayne County with a mix of longtime residents, immigrant communities, and working families — deserves accessible, high-quality podiatric care. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive foot and ankle services for Dearborn Heights patients, with our Livingston County clinic accessible via I-96 west.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Dearborn Heights Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Services for Dearborn Heights Residents
Dr. Biernacki evaluates and treats the complete spectrum of foot and ankle conditions: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, bunions and hallux valgus deformity, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, diabetic foot care and neuropathy management, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, and arthritis. Custom orthotics, cortisone injections, nail avulsions, and shockwave therapy are performed in-office without referral.
Diabetic Foot Care for Wayne County Patients
Wayne County has Michigan’s highest rates of diabetes-related lower extremity complications. Dearborn Heights’s significant diabetic population benefits from Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive preventive foot care program: annual exams, monofilament testing, nail and callus debridement, and Medicare-covered therapeutic footwear for qualifying patients. Early intervention before ulceration prevents the hospitalization and amputation cascade that devastates diabetic patients with inadequate preventive care.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Ingrown toenails — from mild discomfort to infected, draining wounds — are a leading reason Dearborn Heights patients seek podiatric care. Dr. Biernacki provides immediate in-office treatment: conservative trimming for early cases, partial nail avulsion under digital block for painful infections, and permanent phenol matrixectomy for recurrent ingrown nails. Same-day appointments for painful ingrown toenails are frequently available, with immediate pain relief and same-day walking after the procedure.
About Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Dearborn Heights (population approximately 56,000) is a southeastern Wayne County city bordered by Dearborn to the east, Inkster to the north, and Garden City to the northwest. The city is one of Michigan’s largest Arab American communities with significant Middle Eastern cultural influence. Our Howell clinic is approximately 30-35 minutes west via I-96 from Dearborn Heights.
Plantar Wart and Skin Conditions
Plantar warts (verruca plantaris) — viral infections of the plantar skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) strains — are common dermatological foot conditions treated in Dearborn Heights patients. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive plantar wart treatment including in-office cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing), topical salicylic acid protocols, and surgical excision for resistant cases. Warts in diabetic patients require careful management due to wound healing risks — special care protocols are followed for immunocompromised patients.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Dr. Scholl’s Callus Remover Pads
⭐ Highly Rated
Medicated salicylic acid pads for callus and plantar wart softening between podiatric appointments. Used as an adjunct to in-office debridement for patients managing plantar hyperkeratosis and verruca plantaris under podiatric supervision.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended salicylic acid pads between monthly debridements for my stubborn heel callus — they kept the skin soft and reduced the pressure between appointments.””
Callus softening between debridement appointments, hyperkeratosis management, plantar wart adjunct treatment under supervision
Not for use by diabetic patients with neuropathy or poor circulation without podiatric guidance — risk of inadvertent skin breakdown
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit
⭐ Highly Rated
Lightweight walking shoe with APMA-accepted arch support technology providing podiatrist-designed anatomical arch contour for daily walking comfort. Recommended for patients seeking a comfortable, affordable walking shoe with built-in support for plantar fasciitis and general foot fatigue.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended the Skechers Arch Fit for my heel pain — the built-in arch support reduced my daily plantar fasciitis pain significantly.””
Plantar fasciitis daily walking, general foot fatigue reduction, affordable supportive footwear for daily activities
Built-in arch support is fixed and may not match custom orthotic prescription for complex biomechanical needs; complement with custom orthotics when indicated
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- No referral required — direct-access podiatric specialty care for Dearborn Heights and southeastern Wayne County patients
- Medicare and Medicaid accepted — accessible care for Dearborn Heights’s senior and working-class community
- Same-day ingrown toenail treatment frequently available for urgent appointments
- Accessible from Dearborn Heights via I-96 west in approximately 30-35 minutes to our Howell clinic
❌ Cons / Risks
- Dearborn Heights patients traveling to Howell for surgical care will need multiple follow-up visits over 6-12 weeks
- Specialized imaging and vascular studies may be more conveniently available at Wayne County facilities — referrals provided as needed
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Dearborn Heights patients represent the working foundation of Southeast Michigan — factory workers, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and families who need their feet to work hard every single day. When heel pain, ingrown toenails, or diabetic foot complications affect their ability to work and care for their families, the stakes are high. My commitment to Dearborn Heights patients is the same as to every patient: the right diagnosis, honest options, and efficient, durable treatment. Wayne County’s diabetic complication rates are among Michigan’s highest — and that’s preventable with consistent podiatric care. Every diabetic patient from Dearborn Heights who comes in for annual foot exams is investing in their long-term health. We take that responsibility seriously.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve Dearborn Heights patients?
Yes. Our Howell-area clinic serves Dearborn Heights and southeastern Wayne County. The I-96 west drive is approximately 30-35 minutes. New patients can call (517) 482-5000 or schedule online at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Do you accept Medicaid and Medicare for Dearborn Heights patients?
Yes. Both Medicare and Medicaid are accepted for medically necessary podiatric services. Please call our office to verify your specific plan and coverage.
Can you treat an infected ingrown toenail urgently?
Yes. Infected ingrown toenails are treated as urgent appointments. Partial nail avulsion under digital nerve block drains the infection, removes the offending nail border, and provides immediate pain relief — performed in-office in approximately 30 minutes with same-day walking. Antibiotics are prescribed when cellulitis is present.
Do you speak Arabic for Dearborn Heights patients?
While our clinical consultations are currently in English, we welcome all patients from Dearborn Heights’s diverse communities. Translation assistance from a family member or community support is accommodated during appointments when needed.
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Dearborn Heights. 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 Dearborn Heights 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.