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
Patients from Detroit, Hamtramck, and Harper Woods choose Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell for expert foot and ankle care with same-week scheduling. The I-96 West corridor provides direct access from Detroit to Howell in approximately 45–55 minutes — and many Metro Detroit patients find that the drive to a private practice podiatrist delivers better access, more thorough evaluation, and more personalized care than navigating large health system podiatry departments.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Detroit Hamtramck Harper Woods Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Why Detroit-Area Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Detroit, Hamtramck, and Harper Woods represent the heart of Metro Detroit — communities with high rates of Type 2 diabetes, significant occupational foot injury burden from the automotive and service sectors, and populations who deserve high-quality specialty care without the 6–8 week wait times common at Detroit-area health system podiatry practices.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle is experienced with the podiatric needs of Metro Detroit patients — including the high-prevalence diabetic foot disease in the Detroit metropolitan area and the occupational foot conditions common in the city’s blue-collar workforce. He provides the same expert care and diagnostic capabilities to every patient regardless of where they’re coming from.
Conditions Frequently Treated for Detroit-Area Patients
Diabetic Foot Care & Ulcer Prevention
The Detroit metropolitan area has among the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes in Michigan. Regular preventive podiatric care — neuropathy screening, vascular assessment, callus management, and diabetic footwear prescription — is the most effective intervention available for preventing the diabetic foot ulcers and amputations that result from inadequately managed neuropathic feet. Dr. Biernacki provides the systematic diabetic foot management that keeps high-risk patients out of the emergency room.
Bunions & Forefoot Surgery
Bunion deformity requiring surgical correction is one of the most common reasons Detroit-area patients seek subspecialty podiatric consultation. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive bunion evaluation with standing X-ray, discusses all surgical and non-surgical options, and for patients who elect surgery, coordinates operative planning at ambulatory surgery centers accessible to Detroit-area patients.
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is ubiquitous among Detroit-area workers in service, retail, and light manufacturing — environments requiring prolonged standing on hard floors. Dr. Biernacki’s protocol provides accurate diagnosis with in-office ultrasound, biomechanical evaluation, custom orthotics, injection therapy, and ESWT for chronic cases. Most patients achieve lasting relief within 6–12 weeks of initiating appropriate treatment.
Nail Conditions
Fungal toenails and chronic ingrown toenails are among the most common reasons adults of all backgrounds seek podiatric care. In-office matrixectomy permanently corrects recurrent ingrown toenails; nail fungus laser treatment and oral antifungal therapy address mycotic nail disease in the Metro Detroit population. Same-day treatment at the first appointment when clinically appropriate.
Getting Here from Detroit, Hamtramck & Harper Woods
Balance Foot & Ankle is at 3011 E. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843. From Detroit or Hamtramck, I-96 West to US-23 North is approximately 45–55 minutes. From Harper Woods, I-94 West to US-23 North is approximately 55–65 minutes. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and most major Michigan plans. Same-week appointments: (810) 588-0520.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Anodyne Diabetic Non-Binding Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Non-binding seamless diabetic socks — essential for Detroit-area diabetic patients who need to protect their feet from sock-related friction and constriction. The loose-top design prevents vascular restriction; seamless toe prevents blister formation.
Dr. Tom says: “”Dr. Biernacki told me my regular socks were leaving marks on my ankles, which is dangerous with my diabetes and neuropathy. These diabetic socks were a game-changer for foot comfort and safety.””
Best for: All diabetic patients, neuropathy, edema, poor circulation, anyone whose socks leave marks
Not ideal for: Replacing prescription therapeutic footwear — socks are an adjunct to proper diabetic shoes
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx — Detroit Workers’ Daily Insole
⭐ Highly Rated
Top OTC insole recommendation for Detroit service and manufacturing workers with plantar fasciitis — provides meaningful rearfoot control and arch support for extended standing shifts.
Dr. Tom says: “”I work retail in Detroit and I’m on my feet 10 hours a day. These insoles reduced my heel pain from a 7 to a 2 within 2 weeks. Best OTC option I’ve tried.””
Best for: Service workers, retail, manufacturing occupations with plantar fasciitis or heel pain from extended standing
Not ideal for: Complex biomechanical conditions requiring custom orthotic correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- I-96 West provides direct, approximately 45-minute access from Detroit and Hamtramck to Howell — comparable to crossing the city for a Detroit health system specialty appointment
- Same-week scheduling versus typical 6–8 week Detroit health system specialty wait times; in-office X-ray and ultrasound provide same-appointment diagnosis
- Private practice model: Dr. Biernacki spends adequate time with each patient — no volume-driven 5-minute appointment constraints
❌ Cons / Risks
- The drive from Harper Woods is 55–65 minutes via I-94 West — I-94 peak hour traffic should be considered when scheduling
- Detroit Medicaid patients — please call to confirm current Medicaid participation before scheduling, as our Medicaid enrollment status can change
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Detroit patients deserve the same quality of subspecialty podiatric care as patients in Grosse Pointe or Ann Arbor. The city has serious healthcare access challenges — waiting 6 weeks to see a podiatrist for a diabetic foot ulcer is not acceptable. I’m proud to see patients from Detroit who make the I-96 drive to get care they couldn’t access quickly enough locally. Every patient gets my full attention and the same clinical standard. Period.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Detroit to Balance Foot & Ankle?
From central Detroit or Hamtramck, our Howell office at 3011 E. Grand River Ave is approximately 45–55 minutes via I-96 West to US-23 North. From Harper Woods, 55–65 minutes via I-94 West to US-23 North. Real-time I-96 traffic varies — Google Maps provides the most accurate estimates for your specific departure time.
Do you accept Medicaid for Detroit patients?
Please call (810) 588-0520 to confirm current Medicaid participation — our enrollment status can change and we want to give you accurate information before you make the drive. We accept Medicare and most major Michigan commercial plans including BCBSM, Priority Health, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
Do you provide diabetic foot care for Detroit patients with Medicare?
Yes — we provide comprehensive diabetic foot care including preventive exams, callus and nail management, neuropathy screening, diabetic footwear prescription, and wound care. Medicare covers most medically necessary diabetic foot care services at Balance Foot & Ankle. Please bring your Medicare card and any supplemental insurance to your appointment.
How quickly can I be seen for a diabetic foot problem?
For active diabetic foot ulcers or acute diabetic foot problems, we treat these as urgent and aim for same-week or sooner evaluation. Please call (810) 588-0520 and inform the scheduler that you have an active wound or acute diabetic foot concern — we will prioritize scheduling for urgent diabetic foot issues.
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 Detroit and Hamtramck. 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 Detroit and Hamtramck 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 reached over one million views and almost 1 million subscribers on youtube.